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

1. 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?
2. 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.
3. ‘Cause I can!
4. Because the ride is over and I’m ready to jump off.
5. 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!
6. No more reports. No more reports. No more reports.
7. Ties, procedure, core values, egos and business dinners-yuck!
8. Because of Back stabbers, gossip, more egos and those darn ties.
9. 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.
10. Because my passion changed from the glamorous world of floor covering to the fantastic worlds of writing and professional speaking.
11. I spoke with my wife and she said I could.
12. I spoke to my dog and I think I saw him blink his left eye in approval.
13. Our kids are done with college so we don’t need another trillion dollars to pay for tuition and books.
14. Because I want to.
15. Burnt out-sure. Done working-hell no.
16. 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!