I remember a recent article on LinkedIn on how tech giants are having a difficult time retaining employees, despite the almost limitless perks they are throwing at them. Perks might help recruitment, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not what really matters to employees. At least it shouldn’t. Work-life balance is real and it’s the key to an enjoyable career.
I’ve worked in entertainment and video games for most of my career. I’ve seen it all, free breakfast, lunch, and dinner, private messages, laundry service, luxurious employee lounge, and game rooms. The more perks I see now I stop to think, maybe the company is compensating for something. In my experience, the company with the most frivolous perks worked me so hard. At the end of the day, I couldn’t really take advantage of them. So the perks were mostly useless.
When I started my career I worked in Entertainment Advertising. I wasn’t married yet or had any kids. I was excited to hit the workforce and I didn’t mind burning the midnight oil. The projects were glamorous, AAA titles. But after a year midnight soon became 2 am and 2 am in some cases became 6 am. I continued this for years as I transitioned to video games.
Years later in my final job in gaming my son was born. The job wasn’t very supportive. Sure they gave me 2 weeks paternity leave but as any parent knows it doesn’t end there. Your kid gets sick, needs to get shots, and their daycare isn’t always open. All this counted against my overall performance. I knew I had to get out or eventually I’d be let go.
My next job had unlimited PTO and pride itself on work-life balance. It was amazing! Most of my colleagues were parents as well and no one wanted to work past 6 pm. We had comfortable 2-week sprints and only had to commit to a reasonable amount of work you could complete in that time. At that job, I never worked a single night.
I couldn’t believe what I had been missing! No fancy game room, employee massages, snack pantry or laundry service. We had modest lunches provided 2 days a week and the best perk of all, I got to spend my evenings with my family. If I needed a personal day or a week vacation, I just took it. I could work from home whenever I needed to and call into any meetings that needed me.
Work-life balance became the single most important benefit in a job hunt. More so than medical! I’ve had many employers run me into the ground and put me under so much stress. I’ve gained 50lbs and even contemplated suicide! A bad job can completely destroy your health and end your life. I’ve come to realize that they do not deserve my time. They can make you feel trapped but believe me when I say that there is always another employer who will appreciate you more than the last!
So when you’re interviewing with companies ask them about their PTO policy. Ask what time engineers are expected to come in and work till. Also, ask if you are allowed to work from home on a per need basis. It doesn’t have to be an every week thing but it’s good to have it as needed. Your employer shouldn’t feel the need to have their team shackled to their desk.
Note to the reader!!
Please don’t quit your job just yet! My next post will cover how to prepare to make the job so you’re not out of a paycheck.