I worked in corporate jobs for almost 20 years.
Working for companies like IBM was a drag.
The company was so big you were just a number, and you felt like you didn't matter.
I loved working for startups.
We had no rules.
We did what needed to be done working in small groups with little structure.
Eventually, things change, so you're no longer passionate about your job or the team you work with.
Some signs made me realize it was time to quit my job.
- You hit snooze a dozen times before you get out of bed
- You toss and turn all night thinking about your endless "to-do" list
- You have a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach as you enter your office
- You start coming in later and leaving right at 5 o'clock
- You start calling in sick after never missing a day of work
- The company has grown out of the startup phase
- Your team's comradery turns to backstabbing
- Your calendar is full of meaningless meetings
- You start having meetings to plan meetings
- Your friends stop going to happy hour
- People stop going out to lunch together
- Company perks and raises are eliminated
- Moral sucks
I was never happier than the day I quit my job to start my consulting practice.
I miss working with teams, but I don't miss the politics and backstabbing.
How did you know it was time to leave your corporate gig?
