The Decision to Leap

I had accumulated four weeks of paid time off at the fifteen year mark in my manufacturing career, and I was on track to earn a fifth week when I hit twenty. I shared earlier how I had barely used 40 hours of that through the first eight months of 2014, and nearly all of that was in half day increments. The position I accepted when I left manufacturing came with 120 hours of PTO, but the HR/Safety Manager position in the construction company only offered 80 hours. I accepted that, but with the understanding that I could take more time off unpaid if needed for various things in my own (new) business. Even then, my commitment to go above and beyond the call of duty meant I would deliver results regardless of the time off - and I did. 

I did use all 80 hours, but much of that was dedicated to attending training and certification events that would help us provide more value in our business. As a quick side note, we did manage to squeeze in some leisure; I can’t have you thinking I work Cindy all day, every day.

I share that detail because we were in the middle of a ten day trip to Florida when I read the email directing me to “learn more about the behavior-based hiring approach” from the used car salesman/consultant. Had I been in my office, or even in Virginia, when I read that, my response would have likely been a bit more hasty - and far more direct. Realizing there was little value in initiating a full-on pissing contest through email, especially when I wouldn’t have the chance to address it face-to-face for several more days, I sent a simple reply saying, “We can discuss this when I’m back on Monday.” However, that was THE moment I decided to resign from that role and enter the world of the self employed.

The next few days were absolutely packed. We were not only attending a Maxwell Leadership event for continuing education, I had also volunteered to help with run-of-show details. That was a tall order in and of itself since sessions started before 8a and ran until late in the evening. We were there to learn, so we sat in on everything we had access to. My volunteer responsibilities started after the final session ended each day, often wrapping up around midnight. I was completely engaged, but I was also actively processing the conversation I’d be having when I got back to my office the following week and all that would follow.

When I returned, I pulled the owner of the company aside first thing. I was respectful, but I was also firm. I laid out the ongoing concerns I had about him being taken advantage of by the consultant and explained that the suggestion to “learn” something from him that I had been attempting to help them do for nearly two years was an eye-opener. I remember saying something like, “If he’s worth half of what you’re paying him, I need to dedicate all my time to my business because I’m going to be freaking rich!” I closed by sharing that I would be happy to work the following two months to help identify and train my replacement. A two-week notice is customary, but that is nowhere close to enough time to fill even a basic position - and certainly not that position.

I knew going into that conversation that there was a distinct possibility that my resignation could have been accepted immediately so I was just as prepared to call Cindy for a ride home as I was to work out the extended notice I offered. Definiteness of decision requires assuming full responsibility for outcomes; these leaps clarify values. Although we didn’t have them posted on our own website at the time, the values we work to model today played a key role in that decision. Not because that company had done anything wrong, but because our desire has long been to make an intentional and measurable difference for the people we work with through action (the first four of our six values, in case you’re wondering). Meeting quarterly to talk about continuous improvement over and over wasn’t aligning with any of those, and it was eating me up inside.

I had reasonable flexibility to hit our business with a stick. I was also earning a decent salary with moderate benefits. But the restlessness had been growing and I felt like the cage was closing in. The decision to leap full time into our business meant burning the ships yet again, but that was the only option I saw for truly living by the values we were yet to put on paper and to chase the purpose that had become abundantly clear.

As I worked through those final two months, I came to terms with the reality that doing more than I was paid for would soon take on a whole new meaning. We’ll pick up there next. Now, though, I’ll challenge you to pinpoint one area in your life, personal or professional, needing a decisive pivot. Then take the first step within the next week!