Comments on: Google Stock Options Rub Me the Right Way

By: Frank Roche

Frank Roche — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:01:12 +0000

Sam, it’s true, I worked in communications in Europe and it’s true, it’s so different than th pure economic model.

Philip, I gotta say it sounds pretty great at that place. My kind of work environment.

By: Sam Miller

Sam Miller — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 11:28:11 +0000

It seems that google’s experience cannot be applied to all companies… I do business in US and Europe, while in US people tend to work mostly for money (in various forms, including shares, options and other), people in Europe (Germany, French), would work better for social packages (e.g. better health insurance, discounts for some sport activities). I think that money cannot be the biggest motivator.

By: Philip

Philip — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:01:36 +0000

Hmm... I think my reply got eaten but in short, it's not like Google is holding out money to get people to work in a lousy environment. To the contrary, everything I read about them (like this) makes me wish I were a good enough coder to work there, even for half a market salary!

By: Philip

Philip — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:28:03 +0000

Because even if you don’t like it, even the best and the brightest know how to use a calculator. (Yep, people do work for money, no matter what you heard.) To be sure there are a lot of psychic benefits of working at Google too. At best any competing employer is probably going to be even on the quality of life issues and way behind on the financial compensation. And even if they were even on both... it's Google, man! Who doesn't want to work there? (I'm sure the work culture of Google is well-documented a million places, but nevertheless I found this article interesting -- just skim past the Agile-bashing if it doesn't interest you.) Then again, there's a lot of talent among the 99.99% of us who aren't smart/knowledgeable enough to work at Google.

By: Frank Roche

Frank Roche — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:53:29 +0000

Rick, well considered. It will be interesting to watch this story play out. But gosh, the lottery part. It does draw in the talent…at least for now.

By: rick

rick — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:32:31 +0000

I get the lottery. We know that’s a game of chance. However, I have mixed feelings regarding the right place/right time but paid way beyond value stories. Good for her I guess but it inflates expectations for many people.

In terms of the typical Google option recipient, I suspect that at some future time Google will have some issues in internal equity and maybe even attracting and retaining talent. Most companies with explosive growth eventually hit a period where they slow, stagnate or even fall back in terms of performance and therefore share price. Walmart also used to talk about the number of ordinary employee millionaires it made. Not no more.
I will hold Google above the already high regard I have for them if they successfully navigate that period in the company’s life.