“Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder.” - Pattie Sellers
In June 2022 I had it all planned. I was going to volunteer for a layoff on a Thursday. Having been a TPM for over 10 years, I even had a schedule. I knew the company would lay people off soon. I knew I was ready for a change.
I read the preemptive layoff story from
and figured: if I’m willing to quit, why not give it a shot? My friend gave me a boost of confidence.
Then the most amazing thing happened. I got laid off two days before I could volunteer. I was dancing in my kitchen with my wife & all smiles on the HR call ; not exactly what they were expecting. I wrote about my optimism on LinkedIn.
I didn’t hate my job. I loved my team. My compensation as an Engineering Manager was nuttier than squirrel poop (i.e., quite nutty). But I had experienced something so wonderfully fulfilling that I wanted nothing else from my career.
Five months prior, I combined my 25 years of tech experience (mostly TPM, Eng, & Eng Mgr) with my 13 years of coaching experience. Tech. Coaching. Tech Coaching. It was this sparkly Wonder Twin powers moment of badassery, and I couldn’t go back.
Anyone who says your career is a ladder is suffering from a lack of imagination; here’s my jungle gym:
Pizza delivery guy
Screw packager (long story)
Server at a Country Club (short story)
Game developer & designer
Volunteer volleyball coach
Contract game tester
Data analyst
Technical Program Manager
Business owner for back supports made from foam & duct tape
Engineering Manager
Career Coach
I wouldn’t change a thing about my career either. I’ve learned so much from so many people and forged great friendships. I now reside somewhere between young buck & old fart (old buck?)
I hope to pass along some value to those who find themselves in their own jungle gym, excited for the opportunities but also looking for guidance. Thanks for reading.
Brian Pulliam
www.refactorcoaching.com
Now this is a great story - consider republishing it on Medium too :)