Google: I will miss you

Today, was my last day at Google!

It has now been 5 years and 5 months since I first joined the company. As a Portuguese guy used to Sun, beach and an extraordinary gastronomic culture, moving to Ireland was a tough decision. But, at the same time, the smartest I ever made. Joining Google in its European Headquarters, brought me an unmatched experience and vision.

During the last 5 years, I met so many bright and intelligent people, from the most diverse corners of the world. People that, have an amazing sense of responsibility, pro-activeness, and at the same time, are fun to work with.

Until now, working for Google has been one of the longest, most enjoyable and self-rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. In one sentence: I found here a unique company culture, that I expect to take with me throughout the rest of my life and career.

Since my start in March 2006, and during my progress to Webspam Analyst in the Search Quality team, I’ve seen, experienced, learned and worked on so many amazing things… I’ve seen technology that goes well beyond what I could ever dream of… And which many say it doesn’t exist yet. I feel extremely lucky, to have been handed so many privileges and responsibilities. To touch the core of one of the most successful companies in the world. The ability to see how the massive Internet world moves; how and where trends grow; where it has been and where it’s going… It surely is an amazing view from here.

I’m really proud of the many things I and my team achieved. All the chances Google gave me from learning, to travel. Representing Google as a Search expert in conferences in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Dublin and Turkey. The insane amount of interviews I never dreamed I would be giving. And the level of communication I achieved with everyone that follows me on Twitter and on Google+.

I worked with so many amazing people, that the list of names would be very extensive. Nevertheless, there are a few key people I’d specially like to thank (in no particular order): Matt Cutts and Brian White for the knowledge, support and insights they gave me; John Mueller for being so awesome and always pushing for better ways of communication with the outside world.

I’d also would like to thank my managers and team, for driving such a great culture; the whole global Search Quality team for our efforts in improving Search in so many languages; and the External Communications stream. Thank you for all the friends I made inside the company, and for all the good moments we shared.

Leaving Google, and the extraordinary Search Quality/Webspam team is by far the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. But I feel that the time has come for me to move on to exciting entrepreneurial challenges. Hopefully, you will hear more about it when it’s ready. For now, I can only say: Stay tuned.

A step back? Maybe… But only to gain momentum.