Well it’s officially. I’ve decided to work for Google in Shanghai with a friend of mine, Christophe Bisciglia. I had to choose between Redfin in Seattle and Google in Shanghai, and the decision was not an easy one. Check it out:

Redfin
Pros
Insanely awesome coworkers. Unbeatable coworkers. Incredible company. Radical work. Great learning experience.

Cons
Located in Seattle. Won’t get better at engineering.

Google
Pros
Super challenging engineering work. Managerial experience. Located in Shanghai. Resume booster. Awesome boss.

Cons
Won’t get better at wireframing or specing.

This was a really hard decision. On one hand, I have a company that I truly love in a place that I really don’t like much at all. On the other hand, I have an insane opportunity with a prestigious company and super technical work. I decided on Google mostly because it would be a great segway into the Bay Area. I’d much rather start my life in the Bay, and Google in Shanghai is a great way to start that goal. I’ll get killer experience in Shanghai, which should make job hunting in the Bay much more easy. Shanghai is a crazy town as well, so just being there a few months will be an experience in and of itself. Redfin would also be a powerful experience, but I’m not willing to spend a few more years in Seattle. In fact, I’m scared of working in Seattle for a few more years.

I interned this past summer for Redfin in Seattle, and I found myself having a killer time at work and a boring/depressing time at home for the most part. I was limited a lot by the weather, and many of my college friends were home for the summer. I’m scared that if I were to stay in Seattle, the happiness gap between work and my personal life would grow too large. One could say, “Well why don’t you just leave Seattle if you get depressed?” My response is that I’m worried I might push myself to stay in Seattle until my shares at Redfin vest. Knowing me I’ll want to just stick it out and get my shares, and I don’t think that’s a healthy thing to do.

The Bay Area is still far from the people I love, but it’s much closer than Seattle. The Bay is also pretty close to Mammoth, which is a place where my friends, family, and I congregate all the time. It’s also my favorite place to snowboard. The Bay is also way closer to the ocean, making surfing much more accessible.

I believe I’m making the right decision, and I know that Shanghai will be an adventure to say the least. I just know I’m going to cry when I say goodbye to the rock-solid friends I’ve made at Redfin. I’m gonna miss you guys.