The backstory

Why I quit my job and what I am doing now

Some of you know the context of this newsletter; others of you may not.

At the end of July, I stepped away from my corporate career. In the preceding weeks, true to form, I created a spreadsheet with (A) the names of coworkers I wanted to tell personally and (B) my communication plan for each — i.e., in person, via phone call, via Teams call, or via email.

On my penultimate Tuesday, I completed my last conversation. I had spoken with 75 people in a two-week span, and some of these interactions (including this final one) were incredibly meaningful. It was 4:30 p.m. I opened my laptop, clicked send on a message in my drafts folder, and raced out the door before anyone could reply.

I want to share the email I sent (see below) because it summarizes clearly both what I am doing and why.

As I communicated my decision, many coworkers began pressuring me (kindly) to write a blog. Several even demanded, “Comments enabled!”¹ Likewise, friends and family across the U.S. are deeply invested in my life and what God is doing. I anticipate He has all kinds of surprises up His sleeve!

And that, my friends, is how we find ourselves here. This newsletter is my means of keeping each of you updated on my adventures. You are welcome to share it with anyone else who might be interested in or encouraged by following along. And of course, feel free to unsubscribe at any point.

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Subject: Thank you!

Tuesday, July 19, 4:33 p.m.

Partners,

I want to tell you personally that my last day at [our company] will be Friday, July 29. I am taking a sabbatical during which I have the opportunity to work with an international missions organization for five months. After spending August and September with friends and family, I will fly to Hawaii for training from October–December and then venture somewhere in the world (location TBD) for January and February. I am very excited to invest the next season directly caring for spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.

This decision is rooted in my belief that life is much longer than the few decades we get on earth. I desire to maximize the impact of my life by playing the longest game I know — i.e., living for eternity. I believe I may have a different calling, and I want to be open to anything. Beyond February, I have no idea what God has in store for me!

To be clear, I feel nothing but sincere gratitude for [our company]. As excited as I am about what lies ahead, I am also very sad to step away from this tremendous organization and from the chance to continue working with countless dear friends. From the day I arrived nearly six years ago, I have been celebrated and supported. If anything, I have received far more than my fair share of opportunities from leaders who have advocated on my behalf. Through the process of sharing my decision [at corporate], I have gained even more respect for our executives as they have responded graciously and with words of encouragement. I can envision an alternate version of this story where I experience a deeply meaningful life while continuing to spend my days at [our company]. Ultimately, though, I am confident now is the time to take this leap of faith.

If you are interested, I would love to keep you updated over the coming months — zero pressure, of course. My personal email is [redacted], and my phone number is listed below.²

Thank you for who you are and for making my time at [our company] so significant. <3

1. You know who you are.

2. My phone number was in my email signature and is not listed here for obvious security reasons. You are still welcome to text, call, or email me if you have my contact info!