So here I am, in my new position, standing at the helm of Threepenny Opera. Today like all of the days before and likely all of the days after I will be the master of my own destiny. The main difference will be the types of constraints that I will need to deal with as I shape the future in a way that makes sense! I've been asked many times over the past days why I am doing this now? Believe me when I say this, but there a days I wonder the same thing. I worked for the largest software company in the world (The pic should give you a clue as to which one) I had a global responsibility, I am at the top of my game, I enjoy the respect of my peers, and I made more money in a month than I made in previous years, when my wife and I were raising 2 kids. So why then am I chucking this fabulous opportunity that so many people would give part of the family jewels to get?
It all comes down to making a life, instead of just making a living. The actor James Dean, spoke about living hard, dying young and leaving a good looking corpse. Perhaps there is some merit to his sentiments, when we look at our own lives. True he was a bit of a rebel, he definitely lived hard, and while his corpse may have been good looking, I am not at all convinced he was ready to die young. He too was at the top of his game, and now 50 years after his untimely departure from the planet his legend lives on.
Personally, I have always felt that the time to quit is when things are going well. I have no desire to become a walking example of the Peter Principle. My accomplishements, meagre in some eyes and substantial in the eyes of others, are what they are. I feel good about them, and over time, they will age to even greater proportions in my mind, much like a vintage Cabernet. While I am slowing down to see the world at 6 knots instead of 600 knots, what I have done, what I will do, and with whom I do it, is what makes me truly happy. Thanks for the memories, as they do influence the shape of the future.
Auf Wiedersehen to all the fine folks in the best software company in the world....you know who you are!
Addison 8/15/2008
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3 comments:
I hope you are not likening yourself to James Dean as he flipped his convertable over going too fast while way too drunk. That was a bit of a freaky post - Pat - you need to keep an eye on Addison - maybe put him in the dingy and drag him behind the boat for awhile.
Peas & Carrots
Best wishes, great Blog entry make so much sense. Shows me that you have really thought this out and developed a stellar plan.Those of us who know you and have been exposed to your thought process would expect nothing less.
Keep blogging it only makes the rest of us who are honest with themselves so jealous.
To me the dingy is too good, make him swim behind the boat to develop skills that you hope he never has to use.
jeffreyhmmtuz
Best wishes, great Blog entry make so much sense. Shows me that you have really thought this out and developed a stellar plan.Those of us who know you and have been exposed to your thought process would expect nothing less.
Keep blogging it only makes the rest of us who are honest with themselves so jealous.
To me the dingy is too good, make him swim behind the boat to develop skills that you hope he never has to use.
jeffreyhmmtuz
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