The Unplanned Departure from Microsoft
Thank you for reading this email.
About 3 months ago, I left Microsoft. I said goodbye to having a regular paycheck. To say that I am nervous is an understatement.
I can’t shake off the feeling that sometimes I feel that I picked the worst time to build a business. Two young kids. 40 years old and still wanting to work like I am still in my 20s. I get physical reminders like the grey hair, beard. And then there are the mental reminders, shallow breathing, and not being present with the family. I think the only advantage of being a 40 year old man is that I am aware of them now. The autopilot way of living is no longer part of my identity.
I joined Microsoft a little over 2 years ago. There were more than 400 regional Digital Advisors globally when I first joined. I was one of the last 10% left. I survived a few rounds of laid-offs. But around mid last year, things changed. My role changed. I was offered a sales role. I should have walked away sooner, but I didn’t.
When I asked myself if this is the line of work I want to do for the next 5 years, 10 years, my answer was a clear no. I looked back at my first job which I started in digital marketing, made a transition to people consulting about 6 years in, and went into digital transformation in the last 10 years. I have a love and hate relationship with technology. Since I started writing and podcasting a few years ago, one of the habits that really transformed my health and my thinking, is this non-negotiable ritual to limit technologies, and intentionally choose how I want to consume contents online.
So, I want to use technologies differently, and build a platform to help people grow.
This means:
We use technologies to help people grow together and embrace change.
We use technologies to widen people’s perspectives.
We use technologies to help people slow down.
We use positive media to spread inspiration and not fear.
The opposites of these four statements are the problems we want to solve.
If you would like to catch up about life, ideas, business opportunities, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for reading this. Have a blissful weekend.
Evolve Together,
Aaron
