Why I Left My Job at Amazon?
A Personal Journey into the Unknown to Discover What Truly Drives Me
(Note - I published this in April 2023 on LinkedIn)
After 15 years of working as a full-time Software Engineer, including the last 9 at Amazon, I quit my comfortable, high-paying, and highly visible Sr. SDE role at Amazon last month. It wasn't an easy decision. I experienced a lot of professional growth and success at Amazon, had amazing coworkers, and supportive managers. However, I wanted to take a step back and evaluate how to shape the next phase of my professional career.
So, I asked myself: What would I do if I controlled all my time? What would that career look like? How would I decide which ideas to pursue or pass on? Would I be healthier? Happier? That's the journey I've decided to embark on - to explore the "what ifs" and discover what truly drives me. I am giving myself the next 12 months to pursue this journey.
I acknowledge that taking the plunge into an unstructured, non-corporate environment is not without risks, but I believe that now is the right time for me to experiment. On the personal front, I have managed to save enough to sustain my family's lifestyle for at least a year. As an immigrant to the US, I am lucky to be free from immigration challenges that many of my friends and coworkers have to deal with. I also feel privileged to be able to pursue such a decision.
I have weighed the pros and cons of my decision, and I believe that even if things don't work out, I can always apply for a full-time role as a Software Engineer. However, if things do start to fall into place, the upside could be high. In both outcomes, I am going to discover more about myself - the things that drive me and whether I have what it takes to navigate a more unpredictable world.
I don't know exactly what I am going to build or work on, but I know it is going to be a series of iterations to learn what works and what doesn't. I plan to document my experiences, challenges, and learnings throughout this journey. Follow me here on LinkedIn or on Twitter (@kgmodi) for updates.
Also, please feel free to share your thoughts, advice, and experiences in the comments below or via DM.
Wish me luck!
Kunal
Photo - NYC 34th Street Crossroad on Manhattanhenge
Credit - me :)