The article is true in every aspect. The job opportunities here are so unsatisfactory, that I do not even consider local companies when applying for internship. Startup scene is nonexistent, as the number of VCs and angels is next to void. At least there is a handful of good universities.
Fortunately, everything seems to be gradually getting better. It was only 20 years ago, when we were ruled by communists, which brought our economy to ruin. This is amazing that it took so short to recover.
I am a co-founder of a startup based in Poland and I disagree with "unsatisfactory job opportunities" you mention.
I think the job opportunities are there all right, and the startup culture is growing very rapidly. Problem is, young people (especially programmers) have unrealistic expectations, not in line with anything you might call a "startup".
First, most young people start working for large companies during the final years of their education. Then, right after they get their master's, they take on a mortgage. Which means from then on their work career is dictated by the requirement of a constant, predictable salary.
Second, when dealing with startups, programmers expect a) a high salary, b) extras. Start telling them about shares and options and see how the conversation doesn't go anywhere. Sure, it's sugar on top of their salary, but (a) is required. Their families and friends only understand (a), so (a) it is.
Third, and this is a European problem, rather than a local one, things happen slower over here. It is difficult to make people work hard and fast and if you do it, people will complain about unsatisfactory work environment.
So, in my opinion, if you are looking for startup job opportunities, there are plenty to be had, but don't expect corporate pay, benefits and work hours.
As to the original article, it is true and well-written (I know the people mentioned, it's a great team). Not everything is rosy, and it is difficult to run a startup across countries and timezones, but it can work out very, very well indeed.
And in my opinion, the biggest problem with the Polish startup scene is not the founders, but the relative immaturity of the angel and VC investors. If some of the foreign, more experienced VCs and angels decided to do business here, I'm sure they would find plenty of good opportunities.
Bear in mind that 'unsatisfactory' is purely subjective term. :)
I have seen your startup's presentation two weeks ago at MIMUW and I was genuinely amazed that people do such things here -- so were my friends. Most of them work for corporations.
I agree that startup scene is not mature. For many people, it is easier to move abroad and start there, than struggle here. This is understandable, although it holds back the development, which results in vicious circle.
This is true unfortunately. Out of my high school class, probably half of technology-oriented people ended up either working directly for someone abroad, or moved abroad themselves.
It's a bit sad that all this effort / work doesn't stay in local companies, but there are simply not enough local opportunities. Outside of the big cities mentioned in the article, the offers are typically for 20yo with 5 years of experience and student-level wage...
One can only hope that some of the actually successful people who left will at some point come back to sponsor local projects.
Fortunately, everything seems to be gradually getting better. It was only 20 years ago, when we were ruled by communists, which brought our economy to ruin. This is amazing that it took so short to recover.