Ask HN: How do I exploit a windfall of leverage at work?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37077475

by electrondood • 3 years ago

3 4 3 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

Suddenly have a ton of leverage at work. Like everyone else, our company cut spending and laid off half of my backend team. At the same time, we pivoted to make LLMs and generative AI the core product of the company (yes, there's a hype bubble). I'm the only person in the company of 400 or so that is the SME on generative AI, and by a long shot.

I'm designing our entire AI strategy and implementing all of our features, soup to nuts, the whole enchilada: vector databases, prompt engineering/evaluation, RHLF feedback collection, chatbots, conversation state, proprietary content recommendation, agents, etc. VPs are reportedly very pleased with my performance.

I typically just keep my head down, but find myself suddenly a very high-leverage employee.

My goals are to soak up all of the experience I can shipping this stuff, but to take advantage of the moment and earn as much money as possible.

What are some different ways to play this situation?

injb• 3 years ago

I'm no expert but I don't think there's a way to use the leverage of them desperately needing you sustainably. If you plan to leave in the next year or so then just hit them for the best sounding job title and the most money you can. But if you do anything to instill resentment then your days there will be numbered.

Personally though I see the opportunity to do the work and define your own career within the company as the biggest opportunity here. If you like what they're doing, figure out what you want in terms of role and responsibility and ask for it. Tell them you want to be the chief of this or the director of that - not just the title but the responsibility too. If they say no, do the work anyway. When they see your level of ability and commitment they'll probably start to worry that you'll seek the role you want elsewhere, and so they'll give it to you.

electrondood2• 3 years ago

Valuable input, I appreciate your perspective. Thank you

sharemywin• 3 years ago

I would say deliver it first then, worry about what to do next. once you've delivered see how it goes and if they don't offer want you want look at leveraging your skills for a new position somewhere.

electrondood2• 3 years ago

Yeah, this is the reasonable order of things. Thanks for the input.

Ask HN: How do I exploit a windfall of leverage at work?

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