It is Wednesday, July 24th 2024, and I only have 5 full working days left with ExxonMobil. Leaving 24 years behind and moving on to work for Cannon Instrument Company is a huge life changing event, on par with marriage, divorce, having children, buying a new home, losing a loved one, etc. It deserves pause for some positive, humble, thankful, reflection. LinkedIn is a professional social media site, so I feel my thoughts might benefit anyone who is considering a change in their career.
First, ExxonMobil has been a rock steady foundation of a personal sense of security for me. The only other aspect of my life that has endured as long is my fatherhood. (Unfortunately I’m divorced so I can’t claim the same with marriage). My oldest son was born THREE DAYS before my start date with ExxonMobil. He’s never known the insecurity of an unemployed parent. Neither of my children have ever missed a meal, they’ve never wanted for anything reasonable that I couldn’t provide. I’m thankful that God blessed me with the technical skills and knowledge to maintain a career that provided that sense of security.
My children are older now, my youngest a sophomore in High School. They’ve reached the age where I’ve become less risk averse as a parent. Though my career up to this point has been secure, I’ve reached a place where I need new challenges, new opportunities. I did not feel that ExxonMobil could provide these to me. Which brings me to the point of my post.
I am so very thankful that Cannon Instrument Company is giving me this new chapter in my life. I have established a long history with Cannon’s team of engineers who provide top tier technical support for their products. They are second to none in this industry. Being a part of that team is the exact spark that I needed for my career. My start day with the company is fast approaching in early August, and I’m champing at the bit to get started.
My advice to anyone considering a career move:
*don’t be afraid to take a risk.
*you’re never too old for change.
*don’t burn your bridges.
*establish good relationships with the people you do business with. Learn from them and share your knowledge. Those may be the seeds of opportunity for your future.
If you took the time to read this, thank you and good luck in your own career.
Trading Operator at bp
2moThank you, CEF! Couldn't have done it without you!