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Leaving Goldman in 2021 taught me a life lesson.
When I first joined in 2019, my thinking was, “If I can build a reputation as a smart, reliable, and driven analyst, I should be able to accelerate my career progression faster than most”. And since I was placed on a team with very senior Managing Directors, I knew good work wouldn’t go unnoticed.
In the subsequent two years, that was the approach I took. I stayed late on weekdays, came in on weekends, and consistently found ways to elevate my output. The strategy worked. Over time, I was put on bigger projects, given more responsibility, and eventually I was provided a clear path to advance.
But in the summer of 2021 (after much reflection), I made the difficult decision to leave Goldman and in the weeks following, something occurred to me: most of my professional identity would not follow me out of the firm.
The thousands of hours I spent on Powerpoint presentations, Excel models, and client meetings. The relationships with coworkers that I poured great time and energy into. The rapport I built with my superiors over many months. All of it would disappear the moment I left.
In the first few months at my next job (this time at a startup), I learned this to be true. While I was hired based on my resume, interview performance, and prior experience, in reality, my new colleagues knew nothing about my work style or competency. I felt like I had to prove myself all over again.
This experience gave me greater appreciation for all that comes with career change. [2] It also unexpectedly brought new perspective to a familiar Bible verse.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” - Matthew 6:19-21
What I realized: just as it’s important for man to reflect on what he’ll take with him from this world to the next, from a career perspective, it’s important to reflect on what you’ll take with you from one job to the next.
The revelation I had post-Goldman was that most of my work product and professional goodwill would not follow me. This changed how I thought about work.
Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham wrote an essay in 2021 titled, “A Project of One’s Own”. In it, he talks about the beauty and joy of engaging in voluntary, independent work. I strongly agree with his insights but there’s one point he missed.
Part of the value in personal projects is that they’re yours. Building a website. Writing online. Publishing a newsletter. Starting a podcast. There’s something powerful and freeing about owning your work and identity.
Today, while I’m privileged to have a job that’s provided me with many growth opportunities, I know most of my work won’t last. The projects I’m assigned. The many colleagues I collaborate with. If even 5% of my work has an impact on my life twenty years from now, I’d be shocked.
Just as a good investor carefully thinks about their investment time horizon, those that care about the future of their career should reflect on the longevity of their work.
Ask yourself the question: What will you take with you?
