Automattic Happiness

This post is likely going to be too cheesy for most, but those who really know me recognize that I have a tendency to lean this way anyway. :) Also, I’m not the most eloquent person in the world, so bear with me as I attempt to organize my thoughts/feelings into a coherent, digestible format. Here goes!

Since I started at Automattic ~5 months ago, I’ve been bitten by some sort of wonderful bug. I’ve been reinvigorated — I want to see and experience everything. I feel motivated, intellectually stimulated, exhilarated, and unencumbered.

Chicken or the egg, right? Maybe I shrugged off some extra weight I’d been carrying around from my old company/job. Maybe I’m in a good place in my life. …Or maybe it’s just Automattic happiness. Here’s why I think much of what I’m feeling can be attributed to the latter:

  • My hours and time zone don’t matter since we have ~215 employees across 28-29 countries, so as long as I get my work done, I can work whenever it makes sense for me. This. Is. HUGE. My work schedule accommodates me, not the other way around. If I need to go to the doctor, accommodate a long lunch, pick someone up from the airport, or just hit the gym during off-peak hours, I can — no questions asked. If all of a sudden I’m not feeling well, I can take a break and pick back up later. Alternatively, if I’m really in the zone, I can work until 3am and then sleep in, not having to worry about speculating officemates. Nothing is forced. Inspiration, productivity, health, happiness, and life in general come much easier this way.
  • I can work from anywhere that has a decent internet connection. Seriously, anywhere. A couple of my coworkers are currently living a nomadic lifestyle, traveling wherever and whenever they see fit. For me, anywhere usually means my living room or our office (which is way too awesome for “office” to be the right word), but the fact that I can travel or move wherever I want is both immensely liberating and comforting. Sure, it’s fun to travel, but it’s nice to know that if my family ever needed me for anything, I could physically be there to support them without stressing about how it’ll affect my team.
  • Principles with which I have been indoctrinated no longer apply. I’ve worked with some brilliant and talented people, and was often taught to handle issues the way I’m “supposed” to handle them — usually in the interest of the company for which I work. But there’s no assumed way of doing things any more. This has been the hardest for me to adjust to because I’ve been trained so well to always CYA, but I’m getting there. Automattic is refreshingly pro-user, and we do what we think is right (within normal constraints of course).

This freedom and flexibility at both micro and macro levels permeates into everything. Suddenly, nothing is crazy and everything is in the realm of possibility. Yes, I know how ridiculous and new agey I sound, but you have no idea what an impact this can have until you get a taste.

Last, but certainly not least, my team is delightful and eclectic — compromised of scientists, artists, and everything in between from all around the world. I was fortunate enough to meet most of them during an all-company retreat in September. Not only are they terrific coworkers, but they’ve also done and continue to do incredible things outside of work. Their passion and curiosity is very infectious. Thanks to them and Automattic, I’ve been exposed to new books, music, places, cultures, experiences, challenges, motivations… I could go on forever.

I don’t know how someone as ordinary as I am ended up amongst this extraordinary group, but I’m grateful. Even on days where I doubt myself and my work severely, I’m happy because I know that I’m learning and growing tremendously. If any Automatticians are reading, thank you for your part in this! I wish everyone could live and work this way.

The Automattic family

The Automattic family

A coworker snapped this photo of me because he said I looked "so Automattic." Quite the compliment, IMO. :)

A coworker snapped this photo of me because he said I looked “so Automattic.” Quite the compliment, IMO. :)

Puerto Aventuras

Last week I had the pleasure of spending five productive and fun days in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico with a couple of teams I work closely with at Automattic.

Beautiful view during takeoff in San Francisco
View from the gym
Private balconies, complete with hammock and jacuzzi!
“What are those things in the tree?” -Cat
We all arrived safe and sound!
Gargantuan wine glasses
Discussions in the pool
Paul, testing out the in-pool tanning beds
Pool time
Paul at Chichén Itzá
The whole gang at Chichén Itzá
Tour guide took my camera, told me to back up, and then run and jump at him. This is the result.
Colors
Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá
Cenote
Admiring the cenote
Team dinner, at which we got drenched
Bryan futilely attempting to use the umbrella during dinner
Twinsies
Working poolside
Gorgeous sunset
Kevin, soaking it all in
Nighttime swim
Nighttime swim
Enjoying the swim-up bar
Another beautiful sunset

September 7, 2013

On this particularly sunny and hot Saturday, Dave and I headed to Berkeley to see Cal take on Portland State. This was typical — our falls are always consumed with college football. This season we had a brand new head coach, a recently renovated stadium, and a whole lot of hope for our team. Go bears!

We played Portland State seven years earlier on September 16, 2006 under very different circumstances. Cal started with a #12 ranking, went 10–3, and finished the season ranked #14 under Coach Tedford. Dave and I were in our third year of college. I was in a 4+ year, tumultuous, long-distance relationship with a guy[1] from Lodi and Dave had just gotten out of a very similar situation with a gal from Maine. We were acquaintances, nothing more.[2]

At that 2006 game, there wasn’t enough room where my friends were standing, so I ended up a couple of rows back next to Dave and his fraternity brothers. Dave’s fraternity had the endearing and extremely reckless tradition of mercilessly dogpiling every time Cal scored a TD. No one was spared. Thankfully, Dave protected me from the onslaught. September 16, 2006 was the day I started paying attention.[3]

A terribly unflattering photo of me next to handsome baby Dave that day.

Me next to handsome baby-Dave that day.

Fast forward to Cal vs. Portland State 2013. At a Haas business school happy hour, Dave won a tour of the swanky University Club at Memorial Stadium. We skipped pre-game bar hopping with friends to check out this exclusive area that we’d otherwise probably never visit. My excitement really set in when I noticed Chancellor Nicholas Dirks and Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour riding the elevator up with us. Two lovely women, Henrriette and Whitney, gave us a quick tour and then left us alone to appreciate the gorgeous views.

We wanted to get some photos of us in this breathtaking setting, but because our tour started a couple of hours before kickoff, there weren’t many people around; no one was out on the deck with us. We set up Dave’s phone on a nearby table to see if we could get anything decent with the self-timer. Then this happened.


Turns out Dave hadn’t won a tour at all. He had spent months preparing for this moment and worked some magic, one small piece of which is this heartwearming letter to Coach Sonny Dykes:

Dear Coach Dykes,

The date was September 16th, 2006. It was a beautiful, sun splashed fall day in Berkeley, the kind of day I am sure you will come to cherish. Cal was playing Portland State. I had ducked out from studying to enjoy the game when some nearby students got a bit rowdy. I protected a young lady from the pushing, and we struck up a conversation. It was the start to our love story and I’m excited to say that this fall I plan to propose to her.

Cal, and in particular Cal Football, has been a huge part of our lives from the day we set foot on campus. We have been loyal season ticket holders since graduation and actively recruit our friends to join us (our group is up to 12 this year!). I was recently accepted into the Haas MBA program and it is my dream to eventually settle in Berkeley and raise our family there. I’d like to do something special for her for my proposal.

I was hoping to propose to her on the University Club balcony before a game, but access is limited to those with special passes. Coach Dykes, I realize you are a busy man, but if there is any way you are able to help with pregame access passes I would be extraordinarily grateful. I would be able to create our first engagement memory with the most beautiful backdrop I can imagine.

I am proud that our head coach has actively embraced the community, from open practices to living ten minutes from campus. After a down year it feels like the Cal community is once again excited about football. You have certainly started your Cal story on the right foot. I hope to add another chapter to our own Cal story, and with your help, I can make it an unforgettable one.

Thank you in advance, best of luck in the upcoming season, and Go Bears!

Best regards,

Dave Harrison Smith

Amazing.

The proposal came as a huge surprise for a couple of reasons. To be completely honest, we hadn’t been in the best place as a couple — I had started a new job two months prior and he was struggling to balance a full-time job with business school. We were busy and stressed, and we weren’t making enough time for each other. And believe it or not, we hadn’t really discussed marriage in our nearly seven years together. Sure, we both knew it would likely happen, but neither of us were in any hurry (and we still aren’t!).

But I’m very happy because I love this man dearly. I can’t thank Dave enough for bearing with me and my many faults. I know we’ll overcome every challenge together because he’s strong and courageous in every way that I’m not. Here’s to love, growth, and countless adventures.

The photo we sent to loved ones making our announcement
Bubbly!
WOO!
eeeeeeee!
California script
Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour came out to congratulate us!
Calling parents :)
Double-fisting
Amazing stadium view
Awesome view, continued
Feeling pretty good
Colorful
All smiles
Dave wanted an aggressive photo
Enjoying University Club perks!
Happiness.
Back at our normal seats
Fell hard for the sneakiness!
Made friends with a writer for California Golden Blogs that day

Oh, Cal squeaked out a victory on the day we got engaged: 37-30. It was our only win of the entire season… whew.

Poem written for us by San Francisco poet, Silvi Alcivar.

Poem written for us by San Francisco poet, Silvi Alcivar.

[1] Although we aren’t really in touch any more, I have to say he was a great guy — we just weren’t great together.

[2] Embarrassingly enough, I had introduced myself to Dave on three separate occasions at his frat house. He responded to my third “Hi, I’m Jenny!” with a short and effective “I know. We’ve met.” Needless to say, I felt like a jackass, but bless his heart for forgiving me.

[3] But we didn’t start dating until January 20, 2007.

Five Years

Today marks my five year anniversary with Ning.

I joined the team bright-eyed and bushy-tailed two weeks after I graduated from college. Working ~70 hours/week for the first couple of months, I dove headfirst into the world of tech, support, and policy. I loved the role, the people, and the product, but I was scared, exhausted, and overwhelmed. My desire to always get everything done was in direct conflict with the fact that customer service work is never finished. That compounded with the sensitive nature of my work resulted in lots and lots of stress during my first two years.

And then we were hit with the layoff. For many of us, it was our first. We were sad, confused, and fearful. How did we get here? What does this mean for the company? Why did he/she have to go and I get to stay? It was a pivotal moment for me — I took a step back to reflect and make some changes. I knew I’d be a better employee.manager.daughter.sister.girlfriend.friend.person if I found a healthier balance. I won’t go into details, but so far, so good.

All in all, it’s been a hell of a ride, what with reporting to nine different managers — seven of them in a two-year period (shout out to Athena, Phil, Alex, Erin, Laura, Jill, Bob, John and Jon), four office moves, multiple rounds of layoffs, many policy changes, different product and business model directions, and an acquisition. I am tremendously grateful for my experience with Ning and the amazing team. We shared in countless triumphs and failures, both professional and personal. I’ve seen coworkers get married, have kids, get divorced, change gender identities, and pass away. I’ve met friends that will be life-long. For these reasons and many more, Ning and team will always be near and dear to my heart. Thank you all for everything.

Office happy hour
Holiday party
Seascape offsite
Party!
Ops team karaoke at the holiday party
Seascape offsite
Team Viking fighting spam!
Seascape offsite
Sake bombs
Ning scavenger hunt
Ning’s Last Call party at Joya
Good old error monkey
Ning scavenger hunt
Dinner at Tacolicious. (Geri, you should have been in the photo!)
Rajeev’s wedding
Bay to Breakers
Halloween
testing, bitchez.
Ning’s Last Call party at Joya
Dress like Martin Westhead day
Another Halloween in the office
Ning scavenger hunt
Wine tasting
Holiday party
Halloween
Seascape offsite
Ning scavenger hunt
Halloween
Ning scavenger hunt
My birthday in Vegas
Susan’s wedding
Caltrain beers
Seascape offsite
Christina’s going away
Mariko’s wedding
Mack’s wedding
Jason’s birthday
Jason’s preppy birthday party
Boots, the beagle pup visits the office
Mariko’s wedding
King of Thai
All hands
Posing for a recruiting photo
The best HR + legal team
Hot sauce eating contest
Cheers!
Seascape offsite
Ning’s Last Call party at Joya
My birthday in Vegas
Halloween
Advocacy event at House of Air
Estaff karaoke at the holiday party
Halloween in the office
Alfie attacking puggins, the Advocacy mascot
Ning’s Last Call party at Joya

(I tried to include as many wonderful moments and people as I could — sorry I couldn’t cover them all!)

It’s time for me to move on and let someone else take the policy reins at Ning. I’m thrilled to embark on my next adventure with Automattic as Dotcom Protector (rad title, right?!) in just a few weeks. I’m confident that I’ve picked the right place (and people) to spend the foreseeable future with. Here’s to the next adventure!

I will never stop learning. / I won’t just work on things that are assigned to me. / I know there’s no such thing as a status quo. / I will build our business sustainably through passionate and loyal customers. / I will never pass up an opportunity to help out a colleague, and I’ll remember the days before I knew everything. / I am more motivated by impact than money, and I know that Open Source is one of the most powerful ideas of our generation. / I will communicate as much as possible, because it’s the oxygen of a distributed company. / I am in a marathon, not a sprint, and no matter how far away the goal is, the only way to get there is by putting one foot in front of another every day. / Given time, there is no problem that’s insurmountable.

(The Automattic Creed)

Groomswoman Duties

Ben, my close friend of 20 years, had his bachelor party in San Francisco last weekend. As his groomswoman, I got the chance to take part in his fun – and pretty wholesome – bachelor party. It was awesome to spend an entire day with some of my favorites. I usually don’t enjoy marathon drinking, but when duty calls…

(Ben is usually clean-shaven or rocks a full beard; he gave us a special shave for the weekend.)

The party started at 8:30am with breakfast
Followed by brunch with real food AND an awesome build-your-own-bloody bar!
We hit the bowling alley…
And made him put on some hot new threads we picked up at Thrift Town. Seemed to match the facial hair pretty well.
Some of the best people I know.
Group shot
Disc golfing in golden gate park
Some more of my favorite people
Ben got gussied up for dinner (with a real shirt and a child’s clip on tie, which we also picked out for him)
Ben with his “little” brother at the last stop of the night: 15 Romolo.

Loyalty

Survey Monkey’s Goldberg on talent and culture. This definitely hits close to home:

There are the people who don’t have any experience but are just really smart, talented, and motivated. When you get those people right, they’re your ‘homegrown talent’, if you will. These people are your farm team. These people are, for the most part, the best people who will stay long term at your company. They’re the carriers of the culture. They grew up there. You took a chance on them. They’ve learned how to be in the business.

Read more at First Round.

Wisdom From a Harvard Cognitive Psychologist

Courtesy of a brilliant man on Reddit in response to the question, “Do you find your understanding of the mind negatively affects your own happiness? I mean does your deterministic outlook sometimes make life seem arbitrary and pointless to you, and elation just some chemical reaction.”

Quite the opposite — I find a naturalistic understanding of human nature to be indispensable to leading a wise and mature life, and it is often exhilarating. Wisdom consists in appreciating the preciousness and finiteness of our own existence, and therefore not squandering it; of being cognizant of what makes people everywhere tick, and therefore enhancing happiness and minimizing suffering; of being alert to limitations and flaws in our own judgments and decisions and passions, and thereby doing our best to circumvent them. The exhilaration comes from understanding that we are a part of natural world; that deep mysteries can be explained; and that the world — including our own mental lives — can be intelligible, rather than a source of superstition and ignorance. Yes, mortality sucks, but given that it exists, I’d rather know that than be kept in a childlike state of delusion.