I hear that writing is cathartic, so I’m starting today with no end in mind. We’ll see where this goes…

On Thursday I received my severance letter from Best Buy, leaving me 30 days to find a new position here or leave the company where I’ve worked for 18 years. Not one of my favorite days.

Unlike some of my 249 friends in the same position, I brought this on myself.  Literally.

Back in December, I was watching and listening intently to all the changes at Best Buy. I spent a lot of time thinking about what would be best for my company and what I wanted in my career. This process led me to two conclusions:

First, my team’s work - along with the rest of Best Buy - must completely change this year.  At a tactical level (among other issues), we have had two director-level positions, which doesn’t make sense in today’s environment. At a strategic level, the work itself must be reinvented. And, while I’ve got ideas on this, I’m not convinced I’m the one to lead this chapter of the team’s future.

Second, I have a dream, a vision, for the next phase of my career. I’ve been laying the groundwork, and it has been coming together. Slowly. For months. Years even. In the meantime, I have done great work that provides huge benefit to the company. And I’ve been congratulating myself for my patience and my ability to drive results for the good of the organization.

Now, I have an overwhelming sense that this is the time. That the stars have aligned. That I have much to offer to Best Buy, in a role that can fulfill me.  That can benefit the company while taking my career in a new direction. 

I told all this to my leadership. And, that they should plan a new team organization without me. So that I can follow my dream.

Right now, my dream involves building a better Best Buy. I have so much to offer this company. I continue to believe that my work here is not yet done.  

Meanwhile, my friends who have chosen to follow their dreams have inspired me to be courageous. To go after my passion. So, I’ve taken a pretty big risk – letting go of relative safety and stepping into what I hope will be a new position in a new area at Best Buy.

Of course, there are no guarantees. If my career path doesn’t come together, now, here at Best Buy, then I need to drive toward my dream on my own.

I try to believe that I’m comfortable with this, that I’m at peace with it. Not sure that’s entirely true. It’s scary. The economy is daunting. Not completely sure I’m ready for the challenge.

But,  my dreams remain. Now is the time for me to chase them, wherever that may take me.