Job vs Company; I'll Take the Job

When I began working for Cotheme (the Company that employs me), it was with decidedly mixed feelings. I hadn't gone looking for a job there; they found me. I wasn't in their customer demographic. I didn't use any of their products or services. The location was at the far edge of the distance I was wiling to commute.

But, they had a position available and I needed a job. Many of the people in the department used Mac OS X, so Windows wouldn't be an issue. I wouldn't have to drive; the location is reachable by train and shuttle. Telecommuting one day a week was not only permitted, it was common.

And, after all, I didn't actively dislike the Company or any of their products or services. Working there wouldn't be philosophically repugnant. It just felt a bit odd that I didn't really care about what they did.

Besides, it was a only 3-month contract. And then it became full time... In June, I will have worked for Cotheme for two years.

I'm still not part of their customer demographic. I still use very few of their products and services (and those I do use, I use only for Work.)

However, with the passing of time, I've gradually realized that none of that matters. People occasionally talk about "eating your own dog food" (hmmm... that is repugnant. :) I don't buy into the argument that I need to champion a company's products simply because I work there. I don't believe it's necessary to bleed in the company colors.

I like the Job I have. I enjoy what I do. I like the people I work with. I like supporting them; I feel useful, helpful, and needed. I'm part of a good group.

I like the technology that I use in my Job. It's technology I could use elsewhere. The experience and skills I gain aren't company-specific by a long shot.

Given a choice between a mediocre Job with a company I like and whose products I use, vs. an interesting Job at a company whose products and services I don't use outside of Work, I'll take the latter. I've had both. For me, it's the Job that matters.

Eventually, something will change. I'll move on. In the meantime, I'm content working for this company, even though I'll never be part of their customer demographic. I don't have to be. What counts is the quality of my work inside the walls, not how much "brand loyalty" I show outside.