Time to Move On

2.5 - 3 years is generally the time frame my biological clock gives me before it itches for something different. Something more. This is where I find my motivation.

Lately I have been underutilized at work. I thrive when the challenge of the work is over my head. That has not been the case for the last 3 years. I have learned tidbits here and there, but I feel I've reached my potential. I look around and there is nothing else for me to do and there are no jobs I can fulfill to make my time worthwhile, and the company's time worthwhile.

I desire my progression to be like the green line in this chart (that yes, I made in Paint):

I like for my growth to be slow at first, but continue to grow exponentially as time goes on. My growth the last 3 years has been more like the blue line. Quickly at first, and then at some point growth plateaued.

I would've jumped shipped sooner as I have in the past, but I stuck around to experience product realization. That happened with 1 product already, but I got greedy. I told myself I'd stick around until the 2nd product, and until a promotion. I wanted to get rich! And I wanted the title.

That may or may not happen. Even if I got promoted, what I'm actually currently doing wouldn't change much. If you compare growth potential with money-earning potential, growth would get a little bump, but not enough to keep me satisfied/satiated in the long run. I tried to find a balance and allowed the money-earning potential to keep me going, but it isn't worth it if my growth is stalled. It has dampened my potential and my motivation. I could have both high growth and high money-earning potential elsewhere.

There are many reasons for me to move on. I tried to make a concise top 3 list:

1. Minimal growth

2. Minimal support

3. My values don't align with company's values

Minimal growth. In addition to the above, there are times when things don't work out and your time is just up. It's a cycle. Out with the old and in with the new. New people bring new insights and ideas, changes, a bright face brimming with energy. Old people can recite the business processes in their sleep, have the same routine everyday, and may not see potential for improvement. As much as I hate it, I lump myself in with the old. I know my growth potential and I just can't contribute anything more that would make enormous strides. I'm barely moving the needle.

Minimal support. I have... 3 supporters, even after 3 years. That's not enough to be a network of supporters. Unfortunately 2 of them are consultants. The last one is my direct supervisor, which is great. However, there have been other roadblocks and I just don't think management understands how to utilize employees as best they can.

Values. As I become a leader in a company, I want to feel like I can make a hefty contribution and difference. And this spans from my own role, to company values. Like benefits. We have extremely limited vacation time and no gym reimbursement - I've asked for these things constantly and nothing's changed for 3 years. It's 2018 - fucking get with the program. Who doesn't offer these simple things?! This is an extension of management decisions. Other things I value that I feel don't align with the company's values are: listening to feedback and taking action to change, and learning from mistakes.

So... my time is done. ✌