16 Reasons Why I Left Corporate America
It turns out that having one foot in the speaking world and the knowledge that I was leaving corporate America, while the other foot was still planted, made for a roller coaster of emotions, thoughts and questions internally and from many others who thought I was nuts! I felt their pain, but moved forward, sometimes only an inch at a time.
I knew it was time to leave corporate America and I had a plan in place. My vision was to write a book and learn to speak professionally. Easier said than done.
Reasons For Leaving Corporate America
- After 28 years with the same company I had to ask myself; why are you still doing the same thing you did when you were 25 years old?
- Every week they want you to face in a new direction. New policies, good and bad managers. It was time to manage myself without a “bottom-line” mentality.
- ‘Cause I can!
- Because the ride is over and I’m ready to jump off.
- My horoscope said that today was the day to make that BIG change in my life. I hope they weren’t referring to my deodorant!
- No more reports. No more reports. No more reports.
- Ties, procedure, core values, egos and business dinners-yuck!
- Because of Back stabbers, gossip, more egos and those darn ties.
- My desire to listen to one more person give their opinion about politics, religion, how to better run the company and those damn tie’s.
- Because my passion changed from the glamorous world of floor covering to the fantastic worlds of writing and professional speaking.
- I spoke with my wife and she said I could.
- I spoke to my dog and I think I saw him blink his left eye in approval.
- Our kids are done with college so we don’t need another trillion dollars to pay for tuition and books.
- Because I want to.
- Burnt out-sure. Done working-hell no.
- Professionally, I’ve accomplished more than I ever dreamed of. I leave behind a strong legacy and also many beautifully decorated homes.
Okay, I’ll admit that leaving corporate America was the right decision for me. It was my choice, management supported me and gave me a year to work through things before leaving, and I became a global transformational keynote speaker. Now, I want to help others develop their inner leadership skills with my Next Level Leadership Retreat. Not too shabby!
Continue the Leadership Conversation
The ideas in this article are part of a broader conversation about leadership, employee retention, workplace AI, and organizational change. Scott helps organizations across healthcare, government, manufacturing, financial services, technology, human resources, safety, early childhood education, and professional associations develop stronger leaders and build more engaged workplaces.
Explore Scott’s keynote programs:
- Leadership Speaker – Build stronger leaders, improve communication, and create high-performing teams.
- Employee Retention Keynote Speaker – Strengthen engagement, reduce turnover, and build workplaces where employees want to stay.
- Workplace AI Speaker – Help leaders and employees prepare for the future of work while keeping people at the center of organizational success.
- Change Management Speaker – Equip leaders with practical strategies for navigating disruption and leading organizational change with confidence.
I just read this at work, probably not a good place to read ‘reasons to leave Corporate America’. However, some very good points to take into concideration when I may or may not leave my job someday. :-)
I don’t know who survives well in Corporate America. You made it 28 years – congratulations! #12 is probably the most important right – if the dog is happy, we are all happy! (or is that #11??!!)
I like all of these too much to pick just one. All very true, and spoken from the heart. Proud of you friend.
Your horoscope, really? Do you even know what sign you are? Kidding aside, great, helpful, list!