When I was interviewing for jobs, one place I looked was a local company doing really hard algorithms for really high-traffic searches. I learned that a colleague from grad school was also interviewing for the same position.

He got the offer and took the job. If I were in their position, I would've hired him over me as well. He's just vastly better than everybody else.

That said, he's since moved on to other things. And of course if I'd taken that job I wouldn't be working on Fortress today. It'll be water under the bridge.

But I wish I were better at actually doing my best. :-)

-Jan