In September 2023, as Shell was permanently shutting down Hydrogen stations in California, I had the task of informing our contractors that they were being laid off.
I called this guy into my office and explained the situation to him. I had negotiated a 6-week notice for them (instead of the 2 weeks the company wanted to give them).
I told him he would need to find another job in 6 weeks.
βCan I resign today?β he asked me.
I was shocked.
βMy business needs my full attention so if you guys donβt need me anymoreβ¦I might as well just leave now.β
I couldnβt sleep that nightβ¦smart folks like him have been playing chess with their careers while Iβve been playing checkers.
If Shell were to give me 6 weeks today, what would I do?
I promise myself that day to do what Iβve been thinking for years ie leave corporate America on my terms.
By the end of 2023, I was clear on exactly how I would leave and what I would do.
By the end of Q1 2024, I worked the plan, and left.
The rest, as they say, is history.
If you are reading this, pause and reflect on this question and future-proof your career.
You need to secure the bag, always!
If your salary stops today, whatβs your alternative source of income?