So Friday was my last day in the office at Picsel Technologies. Not just because the office is moving, but also because I’ve resigned. I now have two weeks to get some real programming done before starting my next job on June 1. What that is I’ll get back to later.
I’ve been at Picsel for a little over one and a half years. At many times I have for various reasons not thought that I’d make it to a year there, so I am satisfied with having endured for this long. I’ve learned a lot, both some good engineering practices and also how not to run a company, which might come in handy some day. (Hint: I’m not a big fan of authoritarian top-down management.) Working with Picsel’s excellent technology has been a pleasure. I’ve seen things done that I wouldn’t have thought possible before. I hope the technology ends up somewhere where it can be put to good use.
I consider myself very fortunate to have worked at both Opera Software and Picsel Technologies. On the surface they look very similar (enough so for Opera’s lawyer to fedex me a very unfriendly letter when I was leaving) but they’re actually complete opposites. By working with similar kinds of projects (mobile applications for Japanese mobile operators and manufacturers) but with completely different approaches, I’ve gotten unique insights into what works and what doesn’t. Balancing the priorities between technology, products, processes, customers, and employees is essential. I’ll give it a little more time before I write about it though. I am going to utilize this knowledge in my future career.
Anyway, a company is just a shell with logo and a legal department. What matters are the people in it. And the people are what has been the best part of working at Picsel’s Tokyo office. I’ve met the most incredible, competent, and friendly people at the office. Most of them are not there anymore though, so it doesn’t make sense for me to stay either. But the connections I’ve made at Picsel Tokyo, both personal and professional, is what has really made the time there worth while. I consider myself lucky to have worked at Picsel!
Henrik, you are too getting too sentimental in your old age.. but I agree, usually shitty experience teach you more than nice ones, and Picsel was fun for the bits in between chaos and disaster.
Hi there, I had considered taking a job at Picsel but passed on it, and recently discovered your blog. It is interesting to read your blog and I look forward to hearing more about your experiences there.
Anonymous, thanks but I won't be writing any more about Picsel. I have already said enough, if not too much.