Pros
- Work/life balance--the team genuinely believes in 'working smart, not hard'--so it's remarkable to see people actually able to crush it at 40 hrs/week, when I was previously clocking 100+ hrs/week along with those around me, and our effectiveness was 1/3 of what Tachyons are able to accomplish - Inspiring group of people--being surrounded by PhD Physicists, legacy oil and gas engineers, and F# MVPs is nothing short of inspiring, everyday people are pushing me to be a better version of myself, and I have yet to find that elsewhere in such a genuine and motivating way. - Values that actually mean something--here at Tachyus, we have 6 core values and while interviewing I suspected these were nothing more than words on the website and potentially the wall as I've seen elsewhere, but after working here for nearly 2 years, I can confirm that these values are palpable in every meeting, interaction, and retreat, in the best kind of way. With honesty and alignment at the forefront, it's an incredibly refreshing environment to be a part of. - Well-rounded bunch of peers--not only is this the smartest group of people I've had the pleasure of working with, but everyone is so unique and interesting. We have a 5-time Ironman, downhill ski enthusiast, ping-pong and chess champions, national gymnast, Naval reactors engineer, and some of the best in-house chefs around. Everyone is passionate about everything that they do, and whether Beach Week, Tachtoberfest, or just a focus week at Tachyus, people are gung-ho, full steam ahead, it can be exhausting and intense, but if you're up for the challenge and excitement, you'll not only love it, but thrive! - Benefits and perks--this is seemingly a losing game in the Valley, with everyone trying to one up another, but Tachyus' operations team has put a ton of time and research into making sure Tachyus stays competitive and it is. Healthcare is amazing and all inclusive, as an example we had someone who's wife worked at one of the top 50 Fortune 500 companies, and with two kids, they still chose Tachyus' healthcare over the wife's company as it was better coverage. The perks are awesome as well, but again, you'll find those anywhere around here, you just need to know what to ask for and how to present it ;). Everyone at Tachyus gets $7500 to spend on their computer/desk set-up, and from Apple watches to the coolest inventive chairs around, you won't be uncomfortable or inefficient, that's for sure. - Work smart, and play smarter/harder--our winter and summer retreats are ridiculous! A great way to disconnect from our sit/stand desks and oversized monitors, but truly are well thought out and perfectly timed. Summer retreat in SoCal here we come! - Leadership team and organization--I interviewed at 30+ startups before choosing Tachyus, and what blew me away was how organized such a young company was. From project management to performance and salary reviews, Tachyus has their sh*t together, more so than my friends' companies that are 20-30x our size. The leadership team is thoughtful and well-rounded, the founders are young, sure, and still learning but are committed to improving themselves every day. They take feedback seriously and our CEO more than anyone else has been committed to his own growth, and it has been tremendous in just the past year and a half. This is not to ignore the fact that this is still a quirky and brilliant bunch, which inevitably has it's challenges, but again, I'd welcome that any day in exchange for the transparency, commitment to success, and high quality work. - Family welcome--I love that for the first time ever family is welcome! Whether quarterly celebration dinners or a summer camping trip, kids can join along. The Tachyus family extends beyond just who's in the office every day, and I love that, makes it all that much more worth it!
Cons
- We're young and still learning--after working at a 50,000 person company, a 5000 person company and then some, I would just forewarn those moving from big to small, that this environment is very different. It's amazing and rewarding in so many ways, but being the type A individual that I am, the flexibility and agility required to be nimble and accept that the only constant in a start-up is change, is an adjustment. Not necessarily a bad thing, but this is not the place that you come to simply coast and robotically come and leave each day, you really have to dig in, believe in the mission, and yourself every day to achieve the impossible, because that's what we have set out to do. To change an industry as archaic and massive as the oil and gas industry, you really got to want it to make it happen, every day! - Lack of female representation--again, this is sadly seemingly normal in the Silicon Valley, but not a good enough excuse. We need strong-minded and intelligent ladies to help smooth out our rough edges, and to contribute code as hard and fast as I have seen women do before at my last jobs. Being at the intersection of two "manly" fields (technology and oil & gas) doesn't make it any easier, but I'm committed to referring every brilliant woman I know. Tachyus is seriously the best career move I've made, and I am confident that every other thoughtful and self-aware Tachyon, current or former, would agree with that.