BigBags

Sometimes simple choices are not easy, and sometimes easy choices are not simple.

Unlike Alice (above), I have a pretty good idea of where I want to go, and what path I want to take. I’ve made my decision, and I’m sticking with it.

The decision was simple, and it was not easy. It required a lot of careful thought, and personal reflection. When I finally came to a conclusion I felt good about, I realized that new factors were coming into play that would require me to verify my decision.

As a matter of fact, I’m finding myself having to consistently reaffirm my choice on a very regular basis.

It’s as if I confidently chose a path and decided on a finish line, only to watch it be transformed and mutated by a violent earthquake right in the middle of my journey.

Little did I know that making the decision would not be the hard part. Living out the decision is what really takes guts.

Regardless of the path I have to traverse or the obstacles I have to overcome, I made my decision… making it to the end after all of these unforeseen challenges will only make it that much more rewarding.

Don’t give up on your dreams… because nobody else can dream for you.

I didn’t think today would be as hard as it has been. It was my last day at work before I make the move to Orlando, which means I was forced to say goodbye to the 50+ people I’ve spent nearly every day with for nearly a year and a half.

These people have become some of my closest friends. Some of them I’ve worked with before, others have been roommates and friends from high school or college. These are the people I want to be at my wedding one day, or people I’d want to vacation with…

Saying goodbye to these friends has helped me realize what I love most about work… and also what I’m best at.

One of the coworkers I’m not incredibly close to dropped by my office today to say goodbye. “Nate,” he said, “You are going to be missed around here. You really are the lifeblood of this company. You make everyone want to be better. I’ve never seen you have a bad day. You just bring so much positive energy to work. Your presence will be missed.”

I was floored. And then I realized that this is my passion. This is my life calling. I love inspiring others. I love motivating them to tackle new challenges. I love helping them find purpose. I love being involved in everyone’s projects in an effort to make them better. I love being the cheerleader.

Yes, my work is important too… but it’s the relationships I’ve built that are the real payoff for me.

My CEO has stopped by my desk at least half-a-dozen times this week to make sure that I know that I have an open invitation to come back at any time.

Having started here as a part-time employee during college to a full-time person who has had a significant impact on the culture and direction of a business has been eye-opening. More so now that I’m closing this chapter on my life and can reflect and see the impact and growth I’ve attained. (Hindsight is 20/20, right?)

I’m going to miss Mindshare. And it makes it even harder to go knowing they’re going to miss me too.

Now it’s on to a new adventure! (But first, another “Goodbye Party” where I say farewell to more people I love.)

Wish me luck.