The Pressure to Escape
Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a never-ending loop at your job, just counting down the days until freedom? That’s exactly how I felt after nearly two decades at Amazon. In early 2024, I decided to leave my role as a principal engineer, eager for change. But what I didn’t realize was how quickly that desire to escape could lead to costly mistakes.
I left over $250,000 on the table simply because I couldn’t bear another day of performance reviews and endless meetings. Sure, it seemed right at the time—after all, who wouldn’t want out of corporate life? But sometimes those feelings can cloud our judgment:
- Was my need for distance worth walking away from such valuable stock?
- Did my anxiety about leaving push me toward a rushed decision?
It turns out that urgency isn’t always synonymous with necessity.
Overcoming Negativity Bias
When I announced my departure from Amazon, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Yet instead of focusing on the supportive comments and excitement surrounding my new venture, guess where my attention went? You guessed it—the handful of negative remarks!
"Steve's just trying to hide the fact that he got laid off." This is a classic example of negativity bias: our brains are wired to pay more attention to negative feedback than positive experiences.
- Why do we let one or two unkind words overshadow dozens of encouraging ones?
- How can shifting focus onto positive interactions create better outcomes for us? My advice? Before making any major decisions spurred by emotional turmoil, breathe! Look at all aspects—positive and negative—to make informed choices.
Avoiding Burnout with Boundaries
After leaving Amazon, I thought I'd have more control over my time. Instead, I've found myself working seven days a week—more than when I was employed full-time! Each yes turned into chaos as opportunities flooded in:
- Podcast requests,
- Consultations,
- Collaborations... and suddenly everything became overwhelming! How did this happen despite warnings against taking on too much? The key lies in establishing boundaries early on; otherwise: | Result | Potential Solutions | | --- | --- | | Working excessively | Implement templates and systems | | Losing focus amidst countless tasks | Prioritize effectively using tools like HubSpot’s free templates (check them out here)| You don’t need every opportunity that comes your way; saying no can be an incredibly powerful skill! Be strategic about what deserves your precious time.