Typically, I take very few risks. I was taught that you never leave a job unless you already have the next one lined up Recently I realized my career wasn’t going where I wanted. So, I left my job at the beginning of July….
…and I didn’t have a new job lined up yet.
It was a big move for me, but I felt I needed to step out of the mix to get a better perspective. I’ve never been good at sitting still. So, I’m on the hunt for my next adventure.
As conventional wisdom recommends, I reached out to other professionals, my “network.” I’ve worked with many talented people over the years, so there’s no lack of people to talk with. I even went to a “Tweetup” near Boston last week and met some great people who were very open to helping me. It amazes me how many people are willing to help. Everything goes well until we get to the question:
what do you want to do?
Truth is, I’m not sure.
I know it’s hard to find my next great role if I can’t articulate what I want. I’ve been working on the web for a long time. When I started in 1995, it was all about what we could do with the technology. I spent a few years writing applications and supporting web environments. In 2000 I moved into management. Initially responsible just for web engineering, but with increasing exposure and work on the marketing side of the house over the next 8 years.
I’ve seen the move from technology driving business to business driving technology. It’s a good change — I’ve seen too many projects cost a lot of money with little to no return for the business.
My career has also been moving from a focus on technology to business, but I’m not sure where it should go next. Should I go after another web strategy role? make the move to product management for an online product/service? is there something I haven’t thought of yet?
I haven’t found my answer yet, I’ll try to keep you updated as I sort this out.
Comments
8 responses to “What’s next for Kevin?”
Sounds like a personal Renaissance in the making. I’ve had quite a few of those since college. Good for you. Taking time to asses yourself and remember what it is about life that sparks your passion is the best time spent.
Good luck, and I will keep my eyes peeled to see what you’re up to.
Sounds like a personal Renaissance in the making. I’ve had quite a few of those since college. Good for you. Taking time to asses yourself and remember what it is about life that sparks your passion is the best time spent.
Good luck, and I will keep my eyes peeled to see what you’re up to.
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Kevington, I am in precisely the same boat, except my employer decided to let me go instead of me doing it. But I am also trying to find where I want to go next, having moved into management in 2000 as well, but finding I liked being the guy making shit go in the back room more, which is where I ended up 2002 till now. Now instead of being on the bleeding edge, I find I want to be somewhere in between, perhaps just sweating in the back room. 🙂
I am trying not to make this out to be too much. Years ago I decided work was just work, my career was not the center of my life. I plan to keep it that way.
I just downloaded my former HRs resume guide, and found it really bugged me. I am nowhere near an opinion on resumes yet, so I watch your example with hopeful eyes.
Good weekend to you my old friend!
Kevington, I am in precisely the same boat, except my employer decided to let me go instead of me doing it. But I am also trying to find where I want to go next, having moved into management in 2000 as well, but finding I liked being the guy making shit go in the back room more, which is where I ended up 2002 till now. Now instead of being on the bleeding edge, I find I want to be somewhere in between, perhaps just sweating in the back room. 🙂
I am trying not to make this out to be too much. Years ago I decided work was just work, my career was not the center of my life. I plan to keep it that way.
I just downloaded my former HRs resume guide, and found it really bugged me. I am nowhere near an opinion on resumes yet, so I watch your example with hopeful eyes.
Good weekend to you my old friend!
Thanks for the advice Brian. It’s so easy to forget about passion when you’re thinking about paying the bills. Great reminder!
Ben, I know it’s been years since we worked together, but you were always dedicated, knowledgeable, and a great person to work with. I wonder if you’re going through a similar questioning of ability and experience like I am. If you need any help with your hunt or resume, let me know. I’ve seen you tackle bigger challenges than this in the past–stay positive!
Thanks for the advice Brian. It’s so easy to forget about passion when you’re thinking about paying the bills. Great reminder!
Ben, I know it’s been years since we worked together, but you were always dedicated, knowledgeable, and a great person to work with. I wonder if you’re going through a similar questioning of ability and experience like I am. If you need any help with your hunt or resume, let me know. I’ve seen you tackle bigger challenges than this in the past–stay positive!
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