Early in my career, I found myself in the world of investment banking, selling in fixed income. It was a hard-earned achievement. Landing that role was a dream come true - it was a prestigious job, and I was on the fast track. I put in long hours, worked on weekends and holidays, and climbed the corporate ladder. Living in New York City was a thrill, and the money I was making was more than I imagined. On the surface, it was a story worth sharing.
However, I was growing increasingly tired. Despite the exceptional leadership and the valuable lessons I was learning on Wall Street, something crucial was missing. I couldn't find the daily energy and inspiration I needed, and after three years, I began to question the path I was on. While I admired my bosses, they didn't ignite the desire in me to follow in their footsteps.
I had a mentor who had known me since my early days, starting with my first job fresh out of engineering school. She understood me better than I did myself and had witnessed my career's ups and downs. We would have regular phone calls and exchange emails where I shared my experiences - the good days, the bad days, promotions, challenges with colleagues, and more.
Out of nowhere, one day she posed a question: "You have over 40 years of your career ahead of you. Can you be doing what you're doing every day for the next 40 years?" It was a question that struck a chord. Perhaps she had noticed a pattern in my updates that I was oblivious to, or perhaps I had never dared to ask myself that question.
In response, I realized the answer was a resounding "no." Deep down, I knew what truly sparked my passion. However, transitioning from investment banking to the technology sector, especially in 2005, was not an obvious or easy choice. I had invested three years of my career into banking, and I grappled with the fear of starting over, making irreversible decisions, potentially less money, and looking like a fool for not having a clear path.
But the seed had been planted. I decided to interview in tech, landing an interview at Microsoft in Seattle. The people there resonated with me deeply. They were accomplished and humble, ambitious and kind, hardworking and caring. I knew I wanted to be a part of this environment; I sensed I was on the right path.
Fast forward, it took me more than eight months to gather the courage and conviction to make the switch. My mentor played a pivotal role, patiently answering my questions, knowing when to push me, and when to let me reflect. Ultimately, the decision was mine, not something I did because someone convinced me. Many others offered their opinions, but in the end, it was my own choice.
In hindsight, it was an excellent decision. I've never looked back since transitioning into technology. I still work hard, including weekends and holidays, but the energy, passion, and sense of accomplishment are worlds apart from my previous career. My path has diverged significantly, and I'm immensely grateful for it.
I owe gratitude to my mentor for asking the right question, for guiding me with wisdom, and for being there when I needed a gentle nudge. Our discussions today have evolved, but that initial question remains a turning point in my personal journey.