“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
In this picture: the revolution of Retail Communications and Training, Mobile Payments, Retail Operations, and the creation of HealthKit, iPhone, and Apple Watch, and a lawyer who loves Pop Tarts.
Really, the only thing that remains in my life from four days ago is my girlfriend. Or I remain in hers. Most likely the latter.
Four days ago, I had the perfect job… 13 years under my belt as a senior manager at Apple within various departments. I lived in a great condo… a renovated two bedroom on the second floor that was only two miles away from Apple Park. I didn’t have to deal with the commute. My finances were under control. I had a very fulfilling side business and a beautiful girlfriend with two lovely cats.
I was content. I was happy.
AND I worked my tail off for years to get there… originally excelling as a Retail employee with a chip on my shoulder the size of a tree so I could prove I belonged at the Apple Mothership.
Saying goodbye to the teams at Apple Park
So, after all those years of building myself up, why did I give it all up?
A little over 30 years ago, my father passed away suddenly. It came as a shock to our entire family, but it instilled an important lesson in all of us: you never know when you’ll be called away from this world. So it’s most important to experience life rather than stay comfortable within it.
At the age of 40, I realize that my life is reaching another phase. It’s time to give my life, my job, even my condo to someone else so they can fulfill their own life’s work. I could hold on for another 10 years, and yes, I would continue to do cool things that would change people’s lives in technology. But I lived through one revolution at Apple (remember that iPhone thing?) and I’m happy to see another revolution someday through the eyes of an Apple customer.
“I will miss you. But I will also not have to come into work tomorrow in jeans and a plaid shirt.”
I have changed my entire life in mere days. I’m thoughtful about it, and committed to it. I’m selling my condo, and leaving California to begin anew in New Hampshire.
