Recently I left a company after 14 years of service. That’s a long time to be at the same place, and it’s uncommon. I experienced multiple changes in leadership, structure, focus, and strategy. During times of change, I soaked up every scrap of a lesson that I could scrounge. During stable times, I knocked out some of the ideas I had accumulated, those “wish I had the time for this” projects.
I hired several “generations” of entry- and near entry-level employees and watched them grow in and eventually out of my purview. They took on new and different roles both in and outside the company. I contributed to several projects that have had a lasting impact on the organization. I continued to have a back pocket full of ideas and plans that I was excited to get started on.
And then it was time to go. An opportunity to work with new technology (who can resist something called Operation Dogfood?), with someone I highly esteem, with a small, nimble, and growing company was too much to resist. A month in, I am relishing the change.
If you find yourself ready to leave, I have a few tidbits for you to consider:
With my track record, I’ve got another 13 years 11 months before considering a similar transition, and truthfully, I’d be happy to never do it again. Thanks, Lora Cecere, for the opportunity to join your journey!
I’d love to hear your comments. What worked with your last exit? What didn’t?
Recently I left a company after 14 years of service. That’s a long time to be at the same place, and it’s uncommon. I experienced multiple changes in leadership, structure, focus, and strategy. During times of change, I soaked up every scrap of a lesson that I could scrounge. During stable times, I knocked out some of the ideas I had accumulated, those “wish I had the time for this” projects.
I hired several “generations” of entry- and near entry-level employees and watched them grow in and eventually out of my purview. They took on new and different roles both in and outside the company. I contributed to several projects that have had a lasting impact on the organization. I continued to have a back pocket full of ideas and plans that I was excited to get started on.
And then it was time to go. An opportunity to work with new technology (who can resist something called Operation Dogfood?), with someone I highly esteem, with a small, nimble, and growing company was too much to resist. A month in, I am relishing the change.
If you find yourself ready to leave, I have a few tidbits for you to consider:
With my track record, I’ve got another 13 years 11 months before considering a similar transition, and truthfully, I’d be happy to never do it again. Thanks, Lora Cecere, for the opportunity to join your journey!
I’d love to hear your comments. What worked with your last exit? What didn’t?