Leaving Microsoft....And Continuing the Revolution
Let's see...I worked at one of the wealthiest, most stable, most profitable companies in the history of the planet (Microsoft), why would I ever give that up?
I resigned to protect my global micro-brand. (As for what is next, see here...)
Here's the note I sent out to my colleagues:
I wanted to let you know that I have resigned from my role on the US Public Sector Partner Marketing, effective May 2nd.
One of the topics I blog about often is the need to protect and grow one’s personal ‘micro-brand.’ (e.g. here, here, and here).
Last November, I switched from SMSP field sales/marketing to the Public Sector BMO. For a variety of reasons, the ‘fit’ for which I had hoped wasn’t there. I was not adding value in the way I am normally capable, or that my manager and her team require.
And my ‘micro-brand’ was suffering for it.
Add in the personal challenges of my wife’s month-long bedrest, a new baby, and 1 month of paternity leave, and the ‘fit’ did not improve.
So, I figured, it was better to simply admit that the ‘fit’ wasn’t there, give my manager and her team a chance to find the right person ASAP, and prevent further damage to my ‘micro-brand’ by offering my resignation.
I’d prefer to take it on myself to find a new opportunity (at Microsoft or elsewhere) on my own time than to stay in a role that was hurting my reputation and my team’s effectiveness.
I am executing my backup-recovery plan (hint: read I Didn't See It Coming...)) and am always open to hearing about opportunities.
I’ve spent 5.5 years at Microsoft and am tremendously grateful for the experiences I have had, but mostly for the people I have met. That’s why I am emailing you.
If you would like to stay in touch, please ·
Let me know via email
Subscribe by email or RSS to my blog
Connect via LinkedIn, Facebook, Plaxo, Twitter, Tumblr (Skype: jer979)
As for what is next, see here...
Comments
Simon Mosheshvili said on 4.28.2008 at 5:30 PM
Go get them Jeremy.
I have been thinking about WOM and Social Networking for March of Dimes for past few years and have been coming up against lots of different challenges. It would be interesting to cheat with you when you have a minute to see what is your perspective and how different are our approaches to Social Networking mechanism for organizations like March of Dimes.
Good Luck my friend.
Mo Edjlali said on 4.28.2008 at 6:29 PM
Congrats and best of luck!
Karen Kalantzis said on 4.29.2008 at 2:12 PM
I will miss you at Microsoft and look forward to keeping track of your future successes! Karen
Venkat said on 5.03.2008 at 5:48 PM
Does that mean you'll finally switch from graffiti to wordpress? :P
Best of luck in the free agent nation!
jer979 said on 5.03.2008 at 10:03 PM
I think Graffiti rocks, so I'm here to stay.
Esther Kustanowitz said on 5.23.2008 at 2:14 AM
I'm a big fan of transitions, <a href="http://estherkustanowitz.typepad.com/myurbankvetch2005/2008/05/know-when-to-wa.html">obviously</a>. Mostly for other people, but I trust that leaving something because it's not working is a move of integrity that will be rewarded by karma, the universe, or whatever else one believes in. Shabbat shalom from Jerusalem, and best of luck.
Mark Bruneman said on 5.23.2008 at 10:05 AM
Jeremy,
We're having a party reinventing the sales and marketing infrastructure at Cognitive Technologies. On our list of things to do is having our subject matter experts blog. Give me a call. May be there's a gig in here...
BTW...for what it's worth, the minute you left the Microsoft Mid-Atlantic Team the lights dimmed. It was as if the buzz generator lost half its power. When you were there you made being a partner cool and important. Hopefully, they'll bring you in as a consultant to crank the power back-up.
Barbara Manning said on 5.23.2008 at 1:54 PM
Jer,
I'm always inspired and amazed by you. I can just see you doing the analysis and saying goodbye to the folks you like from MS, and leaving with a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
I'm still using your old standby: The Buckets of Life. I've introduced it to my sister's as well.
All the best!
Barbara
Gemma Lee said on 5.27.2008 at 12:07 PM
Jeremy,
You are a true pioneer with a keen sense on the next wave of the future. There's no doubt that Microsoft has lost a highly valued innovative thinker but I look forward to hearing of your successes very soon. Who knows, Microsoft may well become your customer #3?
Go get'em, Jeremy!
Gemma