So it’s my 8th year at work

Today marks the 8th year since I joined my present company. I started as a part-time staff who was tasked to crop photos, listen and convert audio recording, and answer emails. Four months later, I became a full-time systems engineer; and since then, I’ve been to three different departments — systems, operations, and product, and held six different management positions. Right now, I am serving as a leader of the product team.

A photo of me in Shibuya while I was in Japan for a business trip.

A lot of people are curious what’s in it in this company that makes me stay. I’m actually not sure, but, following the two-factor theory cited by Clayton Christensen in his book How Will You Measure Your Life, probably, my present company provides me a good balance of motivators and hygiene factors (so far).

The two-factor theory was proposed by Frederick Herzberg. It describes the factors that cause employee satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Factors that cause employees to be dissatisfied are called the hygiene factors — this includes compensation, work conditions, security of tenure, and other basic needs for one to exist; while the factors that cause employees to be satisfied are referred as the motivation factors, such as being able to do rewarding and challenging work, recognition, and personal growth. Hygiene factors being the basic, ideally, must be satisfied prior to motivation factors. Moreover, these factors are independent of each other — eliminating those causes dissatisfaction does not mean satisfaction.

I have nothing but good things to say about how my present company satisfy my hygiene factors (at least in the short term). Though with a modest compensation, I get to go on vacations, visit places, and spend time with family (especially with my parents) and friends. Work conditions are great — we got flexible working hours, neat working space, and utmost compliance with labor regulations. The company also has a very noble vision. And there’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing the company presently provide opportunities to thousands of my countrymen. (I once told an executive that my allegiance belongs only to the company’s vision and not to any executive.)

Mayon Volcano as seen from the airport whenever I go home to my hometown.

Ever since, I’ve been very cautious maintaining the balance because I’m afraid to move from high hygiene, high motivation to high hygiene, low motivation — and practically just work for the paycheck. It’s just not right.

However, truth be told, some factors are currently in a limbo — but, it’s more about me, than it is about the company. Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot on can I be of more service to my country — like whether or not jump on the entrepreneurship bandwagon, start a new profession, and even about joining the government. (I’m inspired with my foreign bosses who practically runs a business that will make their country stronger equipping their countrymen with the skill to access vast stores of knowledge and information.)

Anyway, I must say that I’m happy and truly grateful with all the great opportunities provided and will be provided by the company. I’m also thankful to some of the top executives who continually inspire me in my daily endeavor.

I’m excited for what lies ahead.