Today I left the first job that would be considered part of my career. Reconciling the mix of emotions that comes with a change like this has surprised me. On the one hand I had grown tired of the routine and monotony of the work, eager for a change. But on the other hand the people I worked with were absolutely amazing.
Like anyone before they take the first role in their career, I had zero industry experience. This made it challenging to even get potential employers to give me an interview. I think when all was said and done, I had applied to nearly 100 jobs and been given roughly two telephone screenings (which I completely botched). It wasn’t until an old friend from my days in undergrad personally connected me to the hiring manager that I was seriously considered, and keep in mind it was for an internship… and I was 30 years old. With the backing of my friend’s reputation they took a chance on me and hired me on for the summer.
It was a fantastic experience, I was given autonomy to conduct trade studies, given my own desk in the scrum area, and ultimately hired on as a part time employee. Part time because I am still wrapping up my PhD program and they wanted to give me the flexibility to succeed in both roles, as a student and an engineer.
My point in all this is to say that my boss and coworkers gave me every opportunity in the world and helped me to develop professionally from a complete beginner to someone people looked to and trusted as a subject matter expert. That is why it feels so rotten to leave them in the lurch as I shift gears into my next role at a different company, and a different industry.
What I am reminding myself by writing this, is that they (hopefully) received as much value from me, as I did from them. A equitable exchange of value and growth. Me with my experience and them with the advancement of their product.
I think the best thing about leaving my first job is the opportunities for growth that the transition opens up. I am so excited about starting in my new role. The new technical challenges it will bring, the new people I’ll be able to work with, and the new products we will make together are the reasons I felt it necessary to take this small step away from what was comfortable for so long.
Its easy for me to imagine that everyone who embarks on a career path eventually encounters a situation either equivalent or analogous to mine. It doesn’t mean it isn’t confusing or difficult. With that thought in mind, the next time you hear from me I will be fully onboarded and tackling exciting new computational challenges.
thanks for reading… once more unto the breach, dear friends