The Hardest and Best Professional Decision

I get emotional from time to time. Just last week, I found myself tearing up while watching "Inside Out 2" with my wife and youngest son. Though I almost fell asleep midway, the emotional climax made it all worthwhile.

Tears are a common occurrence for me, especially in matters involving parenting. Movies like "Big Fish" never fail to bring me to tears.

However, one special moment in my professional life stands out—a time when I cried my heart out. It was the only time I resigned from a job, and it was incredibly emotional.

I was a young professional, welcomed into a team where I felt comfortable being myself. I spent more than the standard 40 hours a week with them, blending work and life into one. I created meaningful and vulnerable connections. Sure, everyone had the personal interests tied to the job, but it helped me understand how relationships can be fostered in a workplace.

You don’t need to bring in pizzas or force team activities; being genuine and caring for others is enough. That experience taught me valuable lessons about business, hiring, managing people, and leadership.

Quitting was painful. The environment wasn’t stifling my growth, but it wasn’t pushing me out of my comfort zone either. I had to make myself uncomfortable to grow, and that was my responsibility.

Throughout my career, I’ve helped many people navigate similar stages—feeling tied to a team and struggling to break free. It's like saying no to a life you cherish, yet that same life prevents you from reaching your full potential. Relationships may last, but our time with people changes. If you don’t act, something external will eventually force you to.

Choose to make things happen rather than waiting for them to happen to you.

One tool I often share to transition from comfort to discomfort is finding someone who inspires you into action. For me, it was a good friend who made the move before me. Seeing his courage, I followed suit.

It turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I grew, built autonomy, and it led me to where I am today. I'm forever grateful to Manuel for taking that leap.

Interestingly, I still have good connections with the people from that job, and I cherish those relationships.

So, who can you draw inspiration from right now to make the move you need to make? Get into action!

If you want more information and resources to navigate your career and life, you can check my website.

And if you’re ready to dive deeper and make lasting, effective changes, let’s start with an informal chat. You can reach out to me here.