23 Comments

Hi, Matt! I just came across this piece today and found it incredibly helpful. I appreciate you being so thorough in sharing your journey, inspiration, and resources.

I’m nearly a decade older than you and going through my own downshift/transition/reflection on my career after 14 years in the tech/startup space. I’ll be leaving my job of 9 years at the end of 2024, so I found this post of yours at the perfect time. Thank you!

And thanks for introducing me to Schlaf! I noticed he encourages writing to your future self and I did just that in my most recent post! I don’t want to forget what it feels like to have this clarity that I’m ready for a more creative and fulfilling life. 🥰

https://kaylamauriello.substack.com/p/looking-for-my-next-jawb

Expand full comment

Hey Kayla, thanks for the kind words and for reading! I'm glad you were able to discover Steve's writing through me. Usually it's the other way around haha. I'm excited for your next chapter. I have no doubt it will be filled with new discoveries and unexpected surprises along the way :)

Expand full comment

This is so spot on, so much is eerily similar to how I've thought and written about it as well. Kindred spirits no doubt!

Expand full comment

thanks Devin! appreciate it, excited to see where this group chat goes haha

Expand full comment

Awesome piece. Really resonated, particularly the desire to "seek consensus to justify a personal, divergent decision". Subscribed!

Expand full comment

thanks Ryan, I appreciate the kind words!

Expand full comment

Congrats, Matt! Very thoughtful to make a guide that can help others. It is by no means an easy decision.

I love how you framed it as returning to the ethos of childhood. I feel that is the key to finding intrinsic motivation again!

Expand full comment

thanks, appreciate the kind words. 💯 on the ethos of childhood, we're all trying to return to that joyful period of our lives

Expand full comment

Big move and good luck with your journey ahead! It is great to hear about challenges and perspective from others that are also in the early career phase. Personally, building my confidence, finding fulfillment, creating a sustainable work life is my intention for my current work.

Expand full comment

sounds like goals that are all worth pursuing :)

Expand full comment

Congrats!

"Isn’t it a bit ironic that losing my first job made me realize I should try less on my next one?" I feel like this is true for a lot of people, myself included. I don't think it's a bad thing either.

Really great write up overall! Looking forward to following your journey over the next few years. It's a lot of introspection (which you've already seem to have done a bunch of) and totally worth it in the end.

Expand full comment

thanks Michelle!

Expand full comment

Good luck! Stay introspective!

Expand full comment

Thanks Chris! I shall :)

Expand full comment

Love it (and the guide). Cheers to your year of play!

Expand full comment

yeee excited to see what you do as well!

Expand full comment

Stoked for you!!

Expand full comment

bali '23 ✌️

Expand full comment

let's go Matt!! really resonate with this, and love the guide

Expand full comment

thanks Kasra! excited to continue following along your journey :)

Expand full comment

Great piece, Matt. Excited to see what 2023 holds for you!

Expand full comment

Thanks Taylor!! Appreciate it :)

Expand full comment

Great write up Matt.

Find our purpose and joy in life is always a meandering journey and I am so glad you are on this new path.

I wish you the best.

Expand full comment