I'm happy for Atlanta - it's about time they got some recognition for the growth that's happening there. However, as someone who started her tech career working at satellite offices for west coast tech companies (in RTP, NC) before moving to Seattle - there's just no comparison to the career opportunity that comes from working at a HQ (or even just in the same timezone as the HQ!). I'm back in NC, which isn't so bad now that I've "leveled up" my resume with FAANG experience and have plenty of remote work skills - but I still recommend that ambitious engineers from the south spend at least a few years in a west coast tech hub. It's possible that NYC works too now, but I'm not sure.
Regardless, this is a smart move for airbnb. I have no doubt they'll get great talented engineers, lower costs, and be able to brag about their diversity numbers compared to other west coast companies as a result. But until there is real startup investment in the south, I'm not optimistic that we'll see anything special come from this trend. That said, if I'm wrong and this means more tech investment in Atlanta for startups too - I'd be incredibly happy.
Regardless, this is a smart move for airbnb. I have no doubt they'll get great talented engineers, lower costs, and be able to brag about their diversity numbers compared to other west coast companies as a result. But until there is real startup investment in the south, I'm not optimistic that we'll see anything special come from this trend. That said, if I'm wrong and this means more tech investment in Atlanta for startups too - I'd be incredibly happy.