Recently, I had the opportunity to choose where I wanted to work as a web developer. After working as a Statistician at several jobs that didn't quite fit, I had learned that it's not just about enjoying the raw elements of your job - the Ruby or the Statistics. It's about the routine, the people you work with, and an environment that facilitates growth. All three will affect you every day.

This time, through the magic of luck, help from friends, and magic unicorns*, I had three offers in my hand at one moment - 2 in New York and 1 in Chicago. There was a lot to think about, but as soon as I got my last offer from NYC Dev Shop, the decision was obvious.

The Routine

Since I started learning Rails, the thing I liked doing most was building minimum viable products (MVPs). Building MVPs is about bringing a new idea to reality in a short period of time. You invent a product. Then, you build the minimum representation of that product to gauge interest. Then, you iterate through adding new features or dropping superfluous ones. Repeat.

What I love about building MVPs is that for each new product you build, you learn new facets of web development. If your last product didn't use any APIs, your next one will. Or maybe it will have some crazy search functionality instead. The point is through this variety, you get to learn about a diverse range of web development aspects in a short period of time.

So when NYC Dev Shop told me that that was what they were building - all of the time - my first thought was: “Wait, that’s allowed?”

The People

It’s easy to discount this aspect when you’re looking for a job. After all it’s just the people that you’re working with to pay the bills. But when you think about it, you’re spending almost half your waking hours with them (maybe more during busy spurts), so if you don’t like them - I don’t know any other way to say this - you’re going to have a bad time.

While I liked all the people I had gotten offers from, I instantly felt a kinship with the people at NYC Dev Shop. And when the work gets tough, that’s the quality of people you want surrounding you.

The Environment

This is another place where NYC Dev Shop excels. No dress code requiring me to buy uncomfortable work attire every 6 months? Check. No obscene hours where the game isn’t who can work the longest, but who can work the smartest? Check. An environment that rewards constant questions and curiosity in the pursuit of self-growth? Check.

The Result

I still can’t believe I was presented with all of those opportunities in that one moment two and a half months ago. Since I’ve made my decision, the people and the environment at NYC Dev Shop have more than lived up to my expectations. And while it’s still my job, somehow I don’t feel like I am going to work everyday.

*This was actually incredible timing, but magic unicorns always liven up a good story.