Leaving Microsoft

Monday, August 22, 2011 5:04 AM

Remember last December when I wrote the post titled New Job about this incredibly awesome opportunity I was really excited about? Here I am less than a year later saying goodbye already. My last day with Microsoft is September 9th.

I truly believe an ADM and the PSfD organization as a whole to be a valuable investment for companies with development staff, but it's just not for me personally. Though it is a highly technical position and I did some code-centric work, I would say it is dominantly managerial and it contains a great deal of support responsibility. I've always claimed that I could never be a manager and I don't think I'm cut out for providing support. Maybe it's my near zero empathy score - don't know. Maybe I've found my level of incompetence! Most importantly though, I really miss just being a developer.

At first I thought about moving around inside the company. I thought I'd look for a development position that would allow me to work remotely since I'm anchored to the area (willingly). After all, Microsoft is an excellent company to work for. Great pay, great benefits, and it's full of extremely smart people who are also fun to be around (for you social types). In the end though, the wife and I decided this would be the perfect time for me to chase dreams. Dreams of working for myself and becoming a Micro ISV.

I'm not entirely sure at this point how I'm going to accomplish this, but I'm going to give it a go. In the beginning I'll be an independent contractor and take jobs as I find them to help financially. Mostly I'm going to be doing a lot of research and investigating a few ideas. Oh, and when I don't have a contract, I'm going to pick up my youngest daughter earlier and hopefully be home when my oldest gets off the bus. Might even make supper for the wife if she can stomach it.

Tags: work
Comments (5)
Jeremy Jeremy 8/25/2011 9:08 AM

You only live once my man. Forget following the dream i'll start calling you dream catcher! LETS DO LUNCH. :) thx, J

Barend Esterhuizen Barend Esterhuizen 8/25/2011 9:10 AM

That's sad news for us man! I think it's awesome to chase your dreams though. I admire you for having the courage to make that decision. I'd like to stay in touch.. All the best!

Jay Smith Jay Smith 8/25/2011 11:15 AM

Sometimes, change is good. Good luck and glad to hear you will still be in the area. As always, if I can help let me know.

Robby Gregory Robby Gregory 8/25/2011 11:42 AM

I applaud you for being able make a decsion to follow your dreams (especially a dream that I admittedly am way too chicken to make for myself). Knowing you (and knowing you will be successful), I really dont need to say this, but I will say it anyway... Good Luck! -Robby

Tim Tyrrell Tim Tyrrell 8/26/2011 9:55 AM

Congrats my man! I wish you the best :)