Great writeup. I come from a similar FAANG SWE background but didn't have something as explicit as a boomerang return offer to tempt me so congrats for sticking to your guns. I definitely relate to "Am I dedicating my efforts to the right project?" which is pretty much the conundrum that worries me the most. It's easy to come up with many things that might move the needle but very hard to figure out which one will actually be most effective without risking at least some time finding out.
Thank you Bill for your comment. Always nice to connect with individuals on a similar journey.
I agree with you. Time is the currency we have on our hands and we will need to spend it to figure out which projects are worthwhile pursuing. Good luck for your projects! I'll be following along.
Hang in there, Kunal. You're certainly right about the income coming from multiple streams. I'm sure things will work out positive for you. The journey can often be full of ups and downs.
Thank you for sharing this article. Great lessons from it especially because work has trained us to be goal focused - career, promotions etc. Action focused work make so much sense.
Nov 15, 2023·edited Nov 15, 2023Liked by Kunal Modi
Another great Issue Kunal! I love the updates and the stories.
I have that same temptation but I know that it's not something I want. Usually it's to fulfill a temporary desire like wanting to pay for something expensive.
Ultimately the decision to leave was for more freedom, autonomy and trying something different. I am having way more fun than I have ever had, discovering myself and learning very valuable skills that are hard to learn in one role at a job. If I ever did go back I know it would just be for a short while to save up again to be able to keep doing what we are doing now until I figure it out.
I think the self doubt will always be there but just don't put too much pressure on yourself and have fun. You have done so well in such a short time. If you need to go back its nice to know you can and its totally ok if you do. That helps me not stress too much and just focus on the experience and committing to figuring it out regardless of whether I have to go back for a short while.
I like how to elegantly described a decision framework on why would you ever take back a job. Thanks for sharing how you too are coping with the self doubt that arises. Love the clarity in your thought process. Good luck to both of us!
Great writeup. I come from a similar FAANG SWE background but didn't have something as explicit as a boomerang return offer to tempt me so congrats for sticking to your guns. I definitely relate to "Am I dedicating my efforts to the right project?" which is pretty much the conundrum that worries me the most. It's easy to come up with many things that might move the needle but very hard to figure out which one will actually be most effective without risking at least some time finding out.
Thank you Bill for your comment. Always nice to connect with individuals on a similar journey.
I agree with you. Time is the currency we have on our hands and we will need to spend it to figure out which projects are worthwhile pursuing. Good luck for your projects! I'll be following along.
An honest an beautifully told reflection
Hang in there, Kunal. You're certainly right about the income coming from multiple streams. I'm sure things will work out positive for you. The journey can often be full of ups and downs.
Thanks Raju for the support!
Love it. Kunal your efforts in keeping your goals in check while finding the balance for family and health is really inspiring!
I often struggle with zooming in on daily work and out to see the bigger picture too. I find myself returning to this article often: https://blog.andymatuschak.org/post/159979927467/satisfaction-and-progress-in-open-ended-work Hope it gives you some insights too!
Thank you for sharing this article. Great lessons from it especially because work has trained us to be goal focused - career, promotions etc. Action focused work make so much sense.
Another great Issue Kunal! I love the updates and the stories.
I have that same temptation but I know that it's not something I want. Usually it's to fulfill a temporary desire like wanting to pay for something expensive.
Ultimately the decision to leave was for more freedom, autonomy and trying something different. I am having way more fun than I have ever had, discovering myself and learning very valuable skills that are hard to learn in one role at a job. If I ever did go back I know it would just be for a short while to save up again to be able to keep doing what we are doing now until I figure it out.
I think the self doubt will always be there but just don't put too much pressure on yourself and have fun. You have done so well in such a short time. If you need to go back its nice to know you can and its totally ok if you do. That helps me not stress too much and just focus on the experience and committing to figuring it out regardless of whether I have to go back for a short while.
I like how to elegantly described a decision framework on why would you ever take back a job. Thanks for sharing how you too are coping with the self doubt that arises. Love the clarity in your thought process. Good luck to both of us!