Second-guessing my decision

Some number of years ago I made to decision to leave my executive position and explore other worlds. It was not an easy decision. I was leaving a position that paid extremely well. I worked with people I genuinely enjoyed. I liked the company, EDS, and was successful in my career there. But something started shifting for me and I no longer liked coming to work. I knew this was a warning sign I needed to heed.

I revisited that decision last evening at an EDS 20 year anniversary party for an employee who started his leadership career in my organization. As I was catching up with people, I started thinking about what it would have been like for me had I stayed. I probably would be making more money. But other than that, I could come up with no other reason to second-guess my decision. I doubt if my career would have flourished since I wasn’t enjoying myself and therefore wouldn’t have put my all into it. My attitude would have shown in my performance and motivation, it always does. I would also have had to deal with all the cutbacks, layoffs, salary freezes and changes EDS has gone through to survive.

So, after a brief sojourn into the “what if”, I was clear that I did the right thing both for me and for the employees I would have lead half-heartedly. I would not want my Leadership Legacy to be about either a second rate performance or reductions. It was more fun for me to hear that people still thought of me as a wonderful leader who had a powerful and significant impact on their careers.

Comments

[Kurt]

Hey, I liked you as a boss - even though it was just for a summer job. I remember you taught me a valuable lesson. I had a project that I was working on at the Tech Center, but before I completed it, you transferred me to the Detroit team. I thought that my responsibility for the project was over - on to the next task! But, you made me stay late to finish it up before going downtown. I was not happy about it at the time - but it taught me a valuable lesson to finish what I started. Yes it was a basic lesson - but one I needed since I had never had a "real" job prior to this one.

Thanks.

[Buck]

I made a similar decision to break out on my own about the same time you did. While I seldom look back on that decision, when I do, it's never with regret. Sure, there's less money. But there's more variety, challenge, and demand for the things I really do well. I know now that I wouldn't have made the jump to self-employment if I had known there would be less money, but I found I don't need as much money, and I know that every success and failure is entirely my own. As a result, I've grown in ways I never imagined.

PS I also worked for you at one time and thought you were a great leader and a joy to work with!

[Kelly]

I certainly can connect with everything you have stated. Although I have stayed with the company and am well compensated, I have to admit their is not much joy or satisfaction that comes from working in the EDS environment these days. I am in a position to make an impact and help turn the company around, but the task in front of us is enormous.

I also worked for you for several years, and viewed you as a role model. We had fun at work, worked hard and were rewarded equivalently.....boy, do I miss those days. I appreciate everything you taught me. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

[dofAnnotsBeft]

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