Overall my family, friends, and I are pleased with my new job. We’ve actually been able to use my travel points to take real vacations (New Orleans, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando). My wife often reminds me that I hadn’t taken any vacation or sick time since I entered consulting 5 years ago.
Things are OK at work. Like most that leave MS, I get frustrated with the manusha of the corporate world. However, my experience over the last year as an Enterprise Architect has been worthwhile. My breadth in all vendors products and technology strategy has increased. I’m especially glad that I pushed for the position and level that I did (top architect, reporting to directors).
From a career perspective, I do feel like I’ve slowed down a bit (no trail blazing, no industry recognition, little contact with industry leaders, etc). However, I’ve always been overly career focused and have the credentials jump back into the fast lane once my family is ready. In addition to quitting MS, I also quit community which contributes greatly to my career slow down. No more INETA, user groups, regional notoriety, presenting/speaking (except work of course), etc. In fact, my old technical contacts tell me often that I fell off the face of the earth when I joined MS… but my friends and family actually get to see me now.
What I miss… The bad of my new job
Outlook and Smart Phone connectivity - We use notes L
Less meetings - Everyone wants me in their meeting and I have little time to do my work
Control of my own schedule - Meetings, working remotely, nobody checking to see if my office light is on
Working with bright individuals that perform (little dead weight for the most part)
Modern work styles and concepts – Things I got used to are now radical culture shifts
MS 100% coverage 0% co-pay Benefits
UBI bonus
What I don’t miss… The good of my new job
No Time tracking - my level is just considered overhead, so I don’t charge to projects
No Status Reports - I drive toward annual goals instead of weekly ones
Not getting thrown under the bus or overly scrutinized
Able to take vacation - at least without financial (UBI) penalty
Coming home every night, watching my kids events, helping out at home
Lite travel to conferences, vendors, etc. No more living in the airport, but still get out of Cedar Rapids
Weekdays events with friends and co-workers. Someone to grab a beer, movie, golf, etc with
Noticing and utilizing new businesses, restaurants, etc that pop up (i.e. not being disconnected with my home town)
Key factors I’m glad I considered
Work life balance
The right level
The right position
Leaving on good terms
Key factors I wish I’d considered
Missing a 1 year of the review cycle (i.e. factor in a raise)
In summary, I suppose I miss MS, but not MCS at all. J