Moving In A Different Direction

"After a long and deep analysis of all of the factors that led to the disappointing early ends to our playoff runs over the past two seasons, we concluded that it was time… to move in a different direction. "… expectations …are very high and, although change always carries an element of risk, there are times when that risk must be taken in an attempt to break through to new, higher levels of accomplishment. This is one of those times."

The quote above is taken from Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert's words on firing coach Mike Brown earlier today - it's heavily edited by me to fit my purposes here. Although I do think Mike Brown got a bum deal here, that's another story. I like the words in context of what I've done with my own career today. I submitted my notice of resignation at JPL.

Why? Three reasons:

1) I'd done what I came to JPL to do.

- Improved JPL's functional knowledge of the E-Business Suite.
- Helped improve JPL's relationship with Oracle.
- Established a project management methodology and a PMO.

All three long-term goals checked off…I've taken them all as far as I can.

2) I'd become very complacent and more than a little bored. I was slipping, my skill set was fading, and it was obvious I needed some new challenges to get my Mojo back.

3) The direction my shop is taking, in terms of more process control over IT projects, is directly opposite of the direction my own thinking is going (too much process control kills productivity).

I got a great deal of inspiration from the good folks over at Talented Apps, especially in terms of taking responsibility for my own career. So that's what I'm doing…we'll see how it goes. And, yes, I do have someplace I'm joining…but that's another blog post.