>> You're dealing with humans, not machines. Maximize your advantages by being polite and civil and bending a bit even when you don't have to.
Absolutely. Having said that, everyone should have a sensible threshold at which they stop bending.
>> It's a small world in tech.
It really depends on whether you're trying to keep your employment in a specific category (i.e., SF Web Startups) vs. a tech job in any industry in a large city. In the latter scenario, there's actually a good chance you won't encounter anybody you've met in your "previous work lives".
Absolutely. Having said that, everyone should have a sensible threshold at which they stop bending.
>> It's a small world in tech.
It really depends on whether you're trying to keep your employment in a specific category (i.e., SF Web Startups) vs. a tech job in any industry in a large city. In the latter scenario, there's actually a good chance you won't encounter anybody you've met in your "previous work lives".