In my lifetime, I’ve been to many corporate headquarters, movie studios, festivals and events, but none of that prepared me for the experience of Facebook in Menlo Park. Maybe it was the pure excitement of finally arriving physically to a company I have been supporting, promoting, and working with for the better part of a decade, or maybe it was the fact that you literally never have to leave the campus for any reason. In a phrase, it was truly “sensory overload” in a good way!

Supporting creatives of all stripes is what Facebook is all about. Programmers. Promoters. Marketers. Graphic Designers. Videographers. Facebook has recruited some of the top talent right out of university, and the atmosphere certainly reflects it. I felt like I had stepped back into my “dorm daze” but my time at university didn’t have any type of cuisine, any type of entertainment, all services including hair stylists, massage therapy, and more on offer like is available to the staff at Facebook.

It is super easy to see why early 20 somethings prefer to step over to Facebook, Alphabet or Apple rather than enter what the general population relates to “work” (or boring life-draining demoralising cubicle paper pushing) because Facebook has figured out how to balance work, play, and downtime into a way that keeps their staff at top productivity. And it shows!

Zuckerberg and his team have really captured the best elements of the university experience coupled along with a work environment to where Facebook employees live and breath the company. In fact, in some ways, after visiting I can see how some of the controversies surrounding the company have happened inadvertently and in some cases misinterpreted. The mantras of “build social value”, “be bold”, “move fast”, “focus on impact” and “be open” line the walls all over the campus to subconsciously reinforce the company’s mission.  Zuckerberg and upper management walk the walk, like when intern Ben accidentally took down the entire platform, and Zuckerberg hired him afterwards!

Candy, colas, a wall of Asian food, burgers, and more burgers, great interior design and a beautiful campus makes this such a desirable place for young bright minds to make their way into the world. But the campus life isn’t for everyone, as the founders of WhatsApp found out when they wanted to break from the Facebook traditions when they moved over to Menlo Park. Those traditions have become sacred.

Everyone who has seen my social posts about visiting FB HQ have asked me if I’d work there full time. For me, it’s great to come visit, but I’m a free bird that likes to see the entire world, and travel constantly. Would I work there full time? I think I’d gain more than the notorious “freshman 15” we used to joke about during the first year  of university. Maybe mine would be “Facebook 45”. In a week. So, that’s a no. But I will be back to visit again and again, if only for Sugar Shack, or Burger Shack.

If you ever get the opportunity to visit Facebook HQ, you MUST do it. It is an experience like no other. Is it the future of how we will all soon work? You never know, it just might be!