Out the Window

Yesterday was my last day as a proud employee of "the Manufacturing Giant You've Never Heard of." Even though I had the fortune to see it coming, it's still a little surreal to be typing it now. If you had asked me a month ago if I was open to new opportunities, I'd have said "no."

As I walked out the doors the last time, I thought of the picture I grabbed before walking in the doors five years ago. In fact, those doors were no longer there, making way for Jabil's new company HQ.

It had taken nearly all five years to achieve my professional mission at Jabil: To close the reporting loop and demonstrate measurable pipeline impact. The journey had been more rewarding - yet also more challenging than I had anticipated. My mentor was beginning to ask if I was at risk of burnout and I had to admit: "Yes, but..." There was still more to do and people to help.

A change was inevitable - and ultimately, the decision was being made at a much higher level.

Don't worry. When God closes one door, S/He throws you out a window.

As I grieve the loss of the straightforward path, I run through all of the "what if" mental exercises that led here. What if I had asked for more? What if I was willing to step on more toes? What if I had chosen to build my power base rather than trail-blaze a path of empowerment? Yes, the door might still be open; but those decisions would probably have quickly put me into the wall, instead.

This process has also revealed many of the interesting sequences that led to a window being opened now. And in this moment I am extremely grateful for the many opportunities for growth at Jabil over the last five years.

I grew as a person.

One of the many executive and employee-driven causes Jabil supports is empowerment, diversity and inclusion with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

Deep professional friendships grew.

As team members, we raised our glasses to celebrate successes. And I expect we'll continue to do so as good friends. I could fill this page with all the amazing people of Jabil I've connected with and I'd only just be scratching the surface.

My list of destinations grew.

Team meetings, grand openings and conferences carried me to never-before destinations, filled with amazing opportunities for exploration.

I grew as a professional.

I could write an entire article on the skills, technologies and processes I was able to deeply explore while working at Jabil. I have no doubt they'll all help me hit the ground running on the other side of this open window of opportunity.

Oh, and let's not forget this little gem of a voicemail.

He's right, y'know. Change is hard. But it's worth it.