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There comes a time in everyone’s life where things change. Change comes in all shapes and sizes, both when we want it and when we are least expecting it. Change can be rewarding and exciting, but change can also be very scary. The thought of the unknown and the fear of leaving somewhere comfortable to you are valid points.
For me, today, change comes in the form of leaving my position as WordPress developer here at Nobel Learning Communities. It saddens me to say so, mainly because Nobel has been such a rewarding and challenging experience for me both personally and professionally. I have learned more about WordPress, the WordPress community and general business than I could have ever imagined coming into the job. I have had the chance to work with some great people, who I would have otherwise never crossed path’s with. I have only been with Nobel for 7 months, but it feels like I have been apart of this team for much longer as I quickly found a home here working under the lead developer.
I’ve grown very fond of the managerial staff here at Nobel. They have been nothing but supportive of me towards my professional goals, and have always been understanding when personal issues would arise in my life. For that, I can not be thankful enough. Coming into my first full time position out of school was nothing short of daunting, but they made the transition smooth and were always welcoming. I can’t help but feel like I am losing some close friends.
“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
-Steve Jobs
The Bitter
More often than not, change brings about a fresh perspective to ones life. Even tho sitting down to discuss me leaving the company with my boss was one of the hardest things I have had to do, I learned more about my self than I had previously known. Internally, I’m struggling with the decision. Not because I am unsure that it’s the right one, but because I can’t help but feel that I am letting the entire team down. Even tho I have only been here 7 months, I can’t help but feel like I have become a valuable and contributing member of the team. Not only that, but me leaving places an extra burden on the people I was hired to help relieve. So in turn, I ultimately feel like I’m in the wrong.
The Sweet
After reading all the above, I hope you don’t think I am second guessing my move. I’m not. In fact I’m more excited to begin my new position as PHP/WordPress developer than I have been of almost anything else before. I know I will be more involved with the WordPress community than I ever have been, and I’ll be attending a few WordCamps this year. I don’t want to drop any company names before I begin working there, but the new place I’ll be working aligns perfectly with professional goals I’ve set for myself. The company is about 10 minutes from my house and they do a LOT of community work to better the struggling city of Philadelphia. On top of that they give so much back to the WordPress community as well (something very few other companies even consider). So I know this move is a good one for me, personally & professionally, but the thought of uprooting my self once again and fighting to get comfortable at a new company is challenge.
Conclusion
Although I am very sad to be leaving Nobel, I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity that they have given me to grow as an individual. I want to thank them for there support, they’re knowledge and the awesome things they do for the children of their private schools. They are going to do some really great things in the coming years, and I wish everyone at the company all the best.
Specific shout outs go to Jon, Pat, Steve and Scott all of whom have helped me at one point or another during my employment at Nobel. I wish them and there families all of the best in the coming years. I also want to thank everyone in the marketing department for dealing with my transition into the corporate world, as I’m sure that wasn’t easy. Keep killin’ it!
