I Quit.
A simple post can change everything.
Storytime. While in Michigan last week, I dropped a simple post into LinkedIn. The response was jaw-dropping.
Clearly, I touched a nerve.
I shared about quitting my job 3 years ago. This resulted from learning you don’t FIND balance. You CREATE it.
Leaving my C-level role wasn’t easy. Financial security, great benefits, and nice perks were rewarding, yes. But fulfilling, no.
The reason I left was simple. I was missing balance.
I also realized my best gifts weren’t being used. And so, I became a solopreneur to help people create careers & teams they LOVE.
Because I’m a 4-time CIO, I naturally focused on IT leaders. What I heard time & time again was: “Chris, this message is applicable to so many people outside of IT.”
The viral nature of my LI post confirmed it.
In last week’s blog, I promised to announce big changes. Here are the punchlines:
→ I’m going wider than IT leaders
→ I’m going narrower on my focus areas
→ I’m still writing a 2nd book, but will pivot my abstract
Wider than IT leaders. I’ve worked in IT for 30 years. Of course, my message applies. How could it not?
Narrower focus. I’ll only provide coaching/content in two areas: 1) Creating a career you love. 2) Creating a team you love.
2nd Book. I was working on Unignorable. I’m still excited about it, but perhaps it’ll be my 3rd. I’ve got a new title and abstract but not quite ready to share yet. (Just because I might change my mind again!)
After a long corporate career, I’m convinced there’s a universal truth:
We all want to matter. And because we spend 40+ hours at work, it’s often the source of imbalance and feeling like we DON’T matter.
Since I’m a reformed C-level who’s achieved balance and finally doing work I LOVE, I want to help others do the same. That’s always been the goal.
I’m just saying it more directly now. Honestly, I’ve been cautious about this message because in the back of my mind I thought, “What if I want to return to C-level life?” Or, “What if I piss off corporate clients with this message?”
Screw that! I’m going all-in on helping others.
It’s possible for you to have financial security AND better balance. It’s also possible for you to move up the corporate ladder (if you so desire), AND not lose yourself in the process.
I hope you’ll stay on this journey with me. My life & work are wonderful, and I want others to have the same.
Make it a great day!
Chris
P.S. I'm coaching a cohort of 10 people to create a career they love with balance. We'll meet for 1 hour on 4 Saturdays. Click here to learn more and reserve your spot.
