Perceptions of Google Among Facebook Employees: A Decade in Review

I worked at Facebook for about two years from mid-2014 to mid-2016 and am now at Google. When I was at Facebook, the joke was that 'Google is where Facebook employees go to retire.' This sentiment suggested that Google employees are generally perceived to be less stressed out and maybe work a bit less intensively, or as the saying goes, they 'enjoy a better work-life balance.' However, an equally interesting question remains: What do the people at Facebook think of the people at Google?

Admiration and Envy

The attitude I felt was held by people at Facebook towards Google was a mixture of various sentiments. Most people at Facebook seemed to feel one or more of the following:

Admiration Over Technical Achievements and Talent

One prominent sentiment was admiration for Google's technical achievements and the talent of its workforce. Facebook employees often marveled at Google's pioneering work in areas like AI, machine learning, and search algorithms. Many Facebook engineers and developers looked up to Google not just for its technical prowess but also for its ability to innovate and push boundaries.

Envy Over Business Successes

Feeling of envy was also prevalent, mainly regarding Google's business successes. Facebook was known for its rapid growth and disruptive impact on the social media landscape. However, as Google expanded into new markets, acquired innovative startups, and made strategic acquisitions, Facebook employees often felt a sense of envy. There was a subtle acknowledgment that Google's business acumen was top-notch and that it managed to capture a significant portion of the market, which could be perceived as a threat to Facebook's position.

Annoyance at Google's Confidence

At times, there was a sense of annoyance at Google's confident belief in their approach and their belief that anything standing in the way of their goals was essentially an obstacle. This confidence sometimes came across as arrogance, and it rubbed people at Facebook the wrong way. The perception was that Google had a clear vision and was more focused on achieving their goals without necessarily caring about the methods or the reactions of others. This often led to a sense of competition and a desire to prove that Facebook could match or even exceed Google's achievements.

Historical Context and Company Dynamics

It's worth mentioning that this answer describes a historical period from around 2007 - 2010. Things have shifted significantly since then, and the two companies are no longer such acrimonious rivals. In fact, at times, there's a sense of camaraderie between the two companies, especially in the technology community. Google has invested in various initiatives to support the tech industry, and both companies have collaborated on various fronts, including open-source projects and technological advancements.

Conclusion

While the perceptions of Google may have evolved over time, it's clear that cultural and business dynamics play a significant role in the attitudes of employees at different companies. Facebook's employees admired Google's technical achievements and envied its business successes, but this was often tinged with a sense of annoyance at their confidence and approach. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these perceptions change and what new challenges and opportunities emerge.