I’d like to say I dove into consulting after building a solid business plan, setting clear targets, and lining up clients. I’d like to say that I made a level-headed choice to forego my growth trajectory (and pension and benefits) to follow through on an inspired, entrepreneurial vision. But that’s just not how things went down.
My choice to leave corporate America was fairly anti-climactic.
In 2013, I held a director-level corporate role and was on a fast growth track after more than a decade at my company. I managed a great team of kind, talented people, based in two headquarter offices. I traveled monthly between Dallas and New York, and oversaw the strategy for multiple projects that touched nearly 300,000 employees worldwide. In addition to my day job, I was finishing my final semester of graduate school at Columbia University, which I attended in-person, twice a week in the evenings, for four years.
During this time, my then-pre-kindergartner began suffering some puzzling medical issues. Out of respect for her privacy, I’ll just say her symptoms were unpredictable, frightening, and required immediate intervention.
When I shared this news with my manager, she was deeply sympathetic. She also knew I was tremendously proud of the career I had spent almost two decades building, that I passionately loved my role and that I was excited to put my graduate school learnings to practice.
Together, we discussed a transition to a part-time role within the company that might allow me more flexibility and less urgency and C-suite exposure in the short term. She formally pitched the proposal on my behalf to company leadership, and when the proposal was declined, I could tell she was as heartbroken as I was.
In a tearful follow-up conversation, I informed her of my intent to leave the company. She couldn’t have been more supportive or understanding. (She was experiencing similar challenges and stress related to long-distance eldercare.)
On my final day in the office, my supportive SVP stopped by my desk with a bottle of champagne in one hand, and three plastic flutes in the other. She poured glasses of bubbly for my manager, herself, and me, and toasted my success, while sincerely wishing me well.
Then, after more than a decade, spanning four business divisions, I slipped quietly out the door.
I also heaved a sigh of relief, since deep in my heart, I knew it was never a choice.
I drove home to my baby.
My first piece of advice to folks questioning their next step is: listen deeply to yourself.
- Are your personal values or priorities being challenged?
- Is your physical (or mental) health in jeopardy?
- What do you need to be successful, and does your organization offer those options today?
- Have you creatively explored new or different options?
- Do you have a sponsor or advocate within the organization?
- Do you know the HR policies and legal options available to you?
- Are you financially prepared to leave or transition elsewhere?
- Finally, are you really making a choice? Or is there actually no choice to make?
With more than two decades of communications experience spanning agencies, Fortune-100 organizations, non-profits and academia, Kristi Hinck Mills brings her passion for employee communications to CommsLede Consulting, where she delivers strategic solutions and executive coaching for her clients. Visit the CommsLede blog for more tips.
