So I quit my job - and started a new
It was about time. I was closing to eight years in the same company. Starting as a Unix SysAdm and when I left I was in charge of Operational Security. Day2day means dealing with practical questions and be prepared for the worst with my GCIH in my backpack as a safe net. Needless to say I was very proud of my job, and (I hope) skilled. I have done security related work since late 1980's with computers and there has always been something new to learn, experience and look forward upon. But then came the big wave.
That big wave came, not as a shockwave, but as a slowly growing tidal wave and it swept all engagement and will away. The epicenter of that tsunami was politics. I had grown and roots were stuck. I was stuck. I felt like a Jeep in muddy waters where grey water started pressing its way into the Jeep and all I could do was sit there and watch. I wasn't even in the driver's seat. And it just kept coming in.
I told my boss a year ago that this couldn't go on. I need someone else to help me out. I cannot do this all by myself. We have thousands of servers and you rely on me? That is just ridiculous. What if I break my neck in a motorcycle accident? Or want a holiday?
Talking to deaf ears... No response. I had been promised a colleague for two years, my patience was running on fumes. So I planted a few seeds at companies I knew I liked and specialized in security, and had the same values, and customers that understand what they are buying and not just going by some kind of security hype rumors. I also told these companies that I'm not going to join them and sit down at the office and wait for assignments. I am there to work and I want them to have assignments ready with companies that can appreciate my work, as opposed to my former employer.
It took the better part of a year. But it's done. I quit my job in favor for a place where I feel my knowledge is appreciated and have a few assignments to choose from. On the other hand my former boss realized (too late) that my work was pretty important so he had to hire me as a consultant to fill the gap between me leaving and my replacement to start. I have no problems what so ever to stay on. My workmates are still fun, skilled and a joy to work with. What I can tell you though, my former boss is paying a lot for this... like three times my former salary. Good on him!
That big wave came, not as a shockwave, but as a slowly growing tidal wave and it swept all engagement and will away. The epicenter of that tsunami was politics. I had grown and roots were stuck. I was stuck. I felt like a Jeep in muddy waters where grey water started pressing its way into the Jeep and all I could do was sit there and watch. I wasn't even in the driver's seat. And it just kept coming in.
I told my boss a year ago that this couldn't go on. I need someone else to help me out. I cannot do this all by myself. We have thousands of servers and you rely on me? That is just ridiculous. What if I break my neck in a motorcycle accident? Or want a holiday?
Talking to deaf ears... No response. I had been promised a colleague for two years, my patience was running on fumes. So I planted a few seeds at companies I knew I liked and specialized in security, and had the same values, and customers that understand what they are buying and not just going by some kind of security hype rumors. I also told these companies that I'm not going to join them and sit down at the office and wait for assignments. I am there to work and I want them to have assignments ready with companies that can appreciate my work, as opposed to my former employer.
It took the better part of a year. But it's done. I quit my job in favor for a place where I feel my knowledge is appreciated and have a few assignments to choose from. On the other hand my former boss realized (too late) that my work was pretty important so he had to hire me as a consultant to fill the gap between me leaving and my replacement to start. I have no problems what so ever to stay on. My workmates are still fun, skilled and a joy to work with. What I can tell you though, my former boss is paying a lot for this... like three times my former salary. Good on him!
Comments
Post a Comment