side programming group would write a COBOL payroll program if they could get some free computer time and the company agreed . While the coding of the payroll project a major even occurred. The other three members thought the group was to big and they wanted Gates to leave and Gates's response was "Look, if you ever want me to come back you have to let me be in charge. But this is a dangerous thing because if you put me in charge this time, I'm going to want to be in charge forever after." The group reconsidered and agreed to Gates terms. Other job opportunities came to the group and it became quite profitable. They did scheduling systems and programs for the state road department of Washington.
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