I did something kind of crazy.
I left my job. My awesome, amazing, fantastic, ridiculously cool job where I got to work on interesting things with even more interesting people.
WHAT?! WHY!?
Yeah. That’s been the common reaction. And honestly, I think the answer only makes sense to me, since it’s something I’ve been thinking about for quite a long time now, but here’s the gist:
1) I need a new / different challenge.
2) I want to try to create my own future – maybe it’ll still be doing Product Manager-y things, maybe I’ll be a freelance web something or other, maybe I’ll go work in a photo studio, or maybe I’ll go get my masters. I don’t know. That’s what’s awesome about it.
3) I don’t want to have lived this perfectly by-the-book life. I’ve gone to the good college, I’ve gotten the good jobs. It’s all been so prescribed so far. I don’t want to look back and regret not trying things that I’ve wanted to do.
Could I do all of that while keeping the awesome job? Possibly and probably. But I know how I work – if there’s any excuse NOT to do something I’ll probably use it. I’m too comfortable. I need to make myself uncomfortable, because I know that’s when I work best.
Leaving Etsy has been one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make in my life so far. It’s been such an incredible experience. I’ve learned so much (can you believe I use git and almost prefer vim these days?!). My coworkers are really just some of the coolest people you’ll ever meet and the toughest part is going to be missing out on the chance to spend more time working with them. I hope I’ll be able to take the spirit of Etsy with me into whatever I do, because that place is pure magic.
My dream has always been to run my own company – a web startup, a photo studio, a soda shop, the industry has never really mattered, but the dream has always been there.
So that’s what I’m going to do. And I’m going to go all-in. I’ve been working on Accompl.sh for nearly 2 years now and it’s about time I gave it the full attention it deserves. New Years resolution season is coming and I plan to make the most of it.
Here we are. The leap of faith. It’s going to be an interesting adventure, that’s for sure. The future is, for once in my life, a complete mystery, and I’m beyond excited to see what’s in store.
If you’d like to help at all, please join Accompl.sh, start a list, and send me your feedback! Or, if you know of anyone who is willing to lend a hand, have them get in touch (jenn at accompl.sh) – designers, developers, general advice, marketing, I’ll take it all!
Congratulations! Perhaps that doesn’t seem like the right word, but it takes a lot of chutzpah to purposely make yourself uncomfortable like that. Good luck, and know that you’re not alone in your leap!
WOW! I’m impressed. Kudos to you for winging it and jumping in after your dream. Best of luck!
best of luck in all the new endeavors!
by any chance do you listen to Back to Work? they had an epic, multi-episode argument a while back about whether you can keep your day job and really get things done in the leftover time.
Haven’t listened to Back to Work, but will have to have a listen to their arguments. I’ve definitely been making it work as much as possible for the last year+ but I couldn’t ever really fully devote the thought necessary to tighten up the Accompl.sh experience, etc. when my mind was on my actual real-job work (and vice versa!)
i think this was the ep where the discussion began, and where they spent the most time on it. it became sort of a recurring theme thereafter. http://5by5.tv/b2w/24-daddy-destiny
Congratulations, Jenn. You’ve shown an ability to really make sh*t happen, so I can’t wait to see what you do next. I’m looking forward to the next iteration of Accompl.sh as well. (Also I second the vote for listening to Back to Work. I think you’d appreciate it.)
Again, so excited for you! You know I definitely understand not feeling right at a job that looks great from the outside. I can’t wait to see what your next steps are!! Maybe someday I’ll join you in the non-corporate world… bakery maybe?
Wow!! Wasn’t it this time last year you left your other job? lol Really, though, this is great! I definitely think it suits you well and I’m sure you’ll have a ton of fun with it. If I had the money and the talent, I would totally be all in for starting my own web thing as well (I’ve actually been thinking a lot about it recently…I feel like I may have chosen the wrong career path, so part of me wants to try something new before I go too far deep with this whole science thing). Looking forward to seeing how things progress–keep me posted!! :]
Rooting for you!
Congratulations Jenn. It’s so important to do what you love. Plus, when you do what you are passionate about, the $ will come.
scary, but awesome! so great you have the opportunity to do what you want
good luck!