I’m Officially a Free Agent
It seems to me that there are some people who go, ‘All right, I’m grabbing the bull by the horns. Let’s do this…,’ and there are some people who it takes a while to figure out. It’s an everyday struggle to be able to go, ‘I’m going to follow my own instincts — I’m going to try and hear my own heart, regardless…’
I mean, there are things that I want in my life. You can hide in your work, I guess I’m saying, or you can be alive and free and live in your work. You can pretend the people that you’re going to work with for however many months are going to be the family that’s going to be forever. But the truth is, they’re not. And no matter what relationships you make along the way – which have been occasionally really, really influential on my life — ultimately I choose all the mishegoss, and all the complications and confusions of life, which takes courage and patience to sift through. Over the temporary moment of ‘Oh, I’m comforted in the womb of this family.’ I choose the other. I hate to say this, but ‘it’s time to jump.’ — Jake Gyllenhaal – GQ May 2010
So I did the unthinkable. I gave my two weeks notice to SMC, in a down economy no less, before having another job lined up. The thing is I know what you’re “supposed to do” I know that they call it a job for a reason. I know that countless people would be ecstatic to have the job I had, and many others would be happy to have one at all.
I also know that I rarely follow the status quo, and I’m entirely too young to have my job adversely affecting the rest of my life on a daily basis. The day I quit there was an overwhelming sense of relief and I got the first good night sleep I’d had in nearly 2 months.
There were a number of contributing factors that led to my departure but suffice to say that it just wasn’t a good fit any longer. Sure I could go through the motions, keep doing good work, and keep collecting a paycheck, but that’s not fair to my employer or to my future. I want to be intensely passionate about doing great work every day, and they deserve someone who can provide that.
I had a good run, and I think I brought some good changes, some new business, and made a positive impact during my time at SMC. More importantly I got the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented people (see below), and I probably learned more about myself in the last year and a half then I ever have before.
So What’s Next?
I’m very fortunate that I’m the most frugal person you’ve ever met, and I’ve saved up over 9 months of living expenses. While I certainly don’t want to deplete my entire savings I do have a bit of a cushion to find something that is a good fit for me – case in point I’ve already turned down one job that would’ve been a solid raise within 3 months time. (Though I didn’t have another job lined up, I did open some doors before leaving).
In the last 4-5 months I’ve been fortunate to interview with 2 companies making great strides in this space, making it very deep in the selection process for one of them. Both have phenomenal leadership, and though I didn’t receive either position I’m very grateful for the experience I acquired going through the process and feel confident that I’ll remain on their radar for future positions as both continue to grow. Besides, what’s life without a little adversity, right?
To be candid, I feel a wide range of emotions: excitement, fear, relief, apprehension and few hundred others. But I’m also feeling reinvigorated and so in my quest for a great fit (if you have recommendations by the way I’d love to hear them) I would also like to get back into consulting/freelance work.
I haven’t done any significant projects in a few months now, but if you need help with understanding the value of social media, integrating social into your traditional marketing and business frameworks, relationship marketing, etc. please feel free to reach out. And if you know someone looking for similar services please let them know I’d be happy to help.
At the risk of missing someone I’m not naming names (save for Lauren, Teresa, Sydney, Jake, and Jackie) but a huge thanks go out to all my friends and colleagues in the space for their continued advice, help and support. I wouldn’t be where I am without the relationships I’ve developed with all of you over this last year and a half.
[Also, my family is the most amazing and supportive presence I could ever hope for.]
And finally, before I thank my SMC co-workers, if you’re an employer in need of a resilient, passionate, strategic minded marketing professional who insists on challenging himself and the organization he works for to continue improving and striving for excellence then by all means I’m all ears.
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As for my former SMC colleagues:
Matt – One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. He’s so polite that it might come off patronizing to someone who doesn’t know him. To this day I often use his mantra of “What can you do about it now?” if I mess something up or find myself on the receiving end of an attack. Also, he introduced me to the great state of South Carolina.
Brittany – Knows more about college football (and sports in general) than virtually any female you will encounter. She’s stubborn and strong-willed in a way that keeps the office on their toes, and I definitely think she sometimes flies under the radar in her ability to create compelling strategy.
Hannah – We jokingly refer to Hannah as tax break because of her ability to always spill coffee on herself, but she’s gifted at finding the balance between work and play. She liked to remind me to ‘work smarter, not harder,’ and we had a lot in common outside of the office. I definitely miss our lunches where we talked about everything but work.
Linda – Our office admin always had the ability to brighten the day whether it was bringing in fresh cut flowers from her garden or catching you off guard with her quirky laugh out of nowhere. She brought worldly experience to an office full of 20-somethings, and lightened our loads by taking on a lot more than just admin work.
Bill – A very talented developer, one of few I’ve encountered who has the ability to speak in plain English about the value and business application of our proprietary software without confusing people with garbled tech lingo. Besides, Bill is a fellow Texan!
Jackie – Because of our mutual affinity for the social media space, and our ambitious drive to keep reading, learning and challenging ourselves Jackie and I grew pretty close during our time sitting next to each other in the office. His efforts to keep adding skills to his arsenal have made him an indispensible employee.
Jake – Without question, I learned the most from Jake over the past year and a half. He’s moved on to Fleishman-Hillard now, but as I’ve mentioned before you’re never working ‘for” Jake, you’re always working “with” him. He is a gifted leader who understands people as much as he understands business and his level-headed approach often kept our team calm during storms. In addition, his efficiency output is virtually unparalled.
Kathleen – I appreciate her taking the chance on a new grad from Texas, and accommodating me when I knew I had to return to my home state after the first year. I’m grateful for the opportunity and wish everyone all the best.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Let me know how I can help, especially if your thinking of coming back to Charlotte anytime soon
.-= Roy Morejon´s last blog ..International Social Media Strategy =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Thanks for that Roy. Though I don’t envision leaving Texas anytime soon (as you well know :p) I will definitely let you know if I need any help. There are definitely some things in the pipeline, and I’ll certainly keep you in the know.
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First of all – good for you. Your point above about doing GREAT work that you are passionate about is spot on. That’s what YOU need to be doing, and any company needs that in the workers they have.
Not that you are worried – and if you are – don’t be – but this is going to be a huge stepping stone for you to be doing just that, amazing work that you can pour everything into.
I’ve been there, both on the “quitting my agency job without anything lined up” when I moved to Chicago and the “getting fired randomly” a few months ago – both were hard, and both taught valuable lessons that I’ll spare you the preaching.
I’m proud of you buddy – any company out there would be incredibly lucky to have you on board. And what you’ve done is great in setting yourself up for success. I have no idea if what I’m doing right now will be the end-all future for me, but at least, if nothing else, I’ve set myself up from a financial standpoint to go after something I actually WANT – for the first time since graduating, I don’t have to simply chase a paycheck – you get that, and you’ll end up doing something incredible because of it.
Cheers my friend – best of luck to you in the coming weeks/months.
.-= Matt Cheuvront´s last blog ..The Last Person Alive Without an IPhone (The Future of Social & Mobile Marketing) =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 8:30 am
I know it doesn’t always work out like we plan for it to, but one of the things you and I have talked about and one of the things I try to keep into perspective is that I’m only 25 years old. Though I want to conquer the world, there’s plenty of time for that.
I’m flattered and humbled that the work I’ve done in this space and the relationships I’ve forged have led people to believe I’d be worthy of their organizations.
You’ve obviously had success in your transition, and though there’s always that twinge of apprehension I’m looking forward to what life holds in store.
Thanks Matt.
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Congrats on such a big risk! Sounds like you’ve got quite the adventure ahead of you
Let me know if you’re ever looking for anything outside of TX! Atlanta would love to have you!
-Katie
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 8:45 am
Thanks Katie! I’m not sure I’d have it any other way, and I as I told Roy, I’m all for taking risks, but those don’t involve leaving Texas again anytime soon. The support network I’ve created here is invaluable. Besides, I’ve loved not having to miss all my buddies weddings the last few months.
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Good luck! I’m right there with you. I know that going to school may not seem like a huge leap, but it means leaving my job and finding a new fit. We had been talking about decisions you want to make, and I think this is going to work out for you.
.-= Emily Jasper´s last blog ..Do You Have What You Really Need for the Long Haul? =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 8:32 am
I saw where you were headed back to get that graduate degree. Congrats amiga! I’m glad I went straight to grad school after undergrad. I think leaving a salary and benefits to go back would be tough, but then I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about that doctorate either. :p
Thanks for the well wishes, and please let me know how your next steps progress.
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Bold move! I mean leaving your job, not quoting Jake Gyllenhaal.
Best of luck Ryan, looking forward to learning what you end up doing.
.-= Adam Sherk´s last blog ..An Early Look at Facebook Open Graph Protocol Integration on News Sites =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Ha. Thanks Adam. I wrote this post last week with the intention of putting it up today and just happened to read that quote and was like, “Did Jake G just articulate what I’m feeling better than I could? Damn, I guess I’m using that.”
I’ll be keeping any and all readers of this blog up to date about where I end up and/or what I end up doing. Thanks for your support!
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Now that you are a free agent, you need some representation! Haha, jk. Good luck. I’m sure you will find an awesome opportunity out there.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 8:50 am
Thanks Darren. What do you get, 3%? I’ve always wanted to walk around wearing fly suits. I even bought some LSAT books and entertained the idea of law school post undergrad to be an agent. Maybe I’ll just open up a Texas office for your firm.
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Darren Heitner Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 8:53 am
3%? Unless I’m battling Rosenhaus for you, I’m asking for 5%. I hope you burned those LSAT books. They’re not fun to stare at. I’m starting to put the matches near my Florida Bar Exam study books…
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 9:08 am
I’m kind of partial to Randy Hendricks myself. He said he was in the market for a washed up second basemen who still has good hands, but a torn rotator cuff. He especially liked the fact that I have no gap to gap power anymore provided I keep hitting bloop singles and drawing walks. Ha.
Ryan,
All I have to say is congratulations. Last year, I was in exactly the same spot you are, and as scary as the thought of leaving in a down economy, not having something else lined up etc. is, it was BY FAR the best decision I’ve ever made.
For someone as extremely bright and talented as yourself, there is no doubt that you are going to find that perfect fit. And I will echo Matt in a tweet I just saw that “no rush” is a great place to be.
Enjoy the new-found freedom and keep us posted on whats next!
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 10:31 am
Thanks for the kind words Sean and for being a great example of someone who can go out on their own and achieve the kind of success and freedom they desire. Though I’m fairly confident I could take that route as well, I’m leaning towards going to work for another company to expand the breadth of my experience before going solo later in life.
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Ryan – Congratulations! I also think the Jake quote sums up your decision and conscious effort so well.
I’m excited to hear about your journey and all the excitement, fear, joy, uncertainty, etc. It’s all good
Movin’ on up!
.-= Grace Boyle´s last blog ..Friday Linky Love + Announcing My Giveaway Winner =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Thanks Grace. You’ve been a great friend since we first connected and I’ve loved following your journey from uprooting and heading to Colorado to being a rockstar at Ligit. And glad you liked the Jake quote, who knew, right?
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Congrats buddy, best of luck. No that you will need it, though
.-= Carlos Miceli´s last blog ..The Best At Networking =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Thanks Carlos. I’m looking forward to the extra time I get to philosophize and wax poetic over the next few weeks. We’ll have to catch up soon. You’ve been putting out some solid stuff that has resonated of late.
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Ryan — I’m pretty sure that wherever life leads you, whatever job path you choose, it’s going to take you far. A bold move, yes, but sometimes we have to trust our instincts and take that first step.
Wishing you the best of luck.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 10:48 am
Thank you so much Susan! You’re insights are always such a breath of fresh air and I’m so thankful you invest time in sharing some of them with this community. Cheers to whatever is next!
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Congrats Ryan! Your next company (or clients) will be absolutely lucky to have you. And I salute you for your Ultimate Frugality – impressive! Keep me posted on everything
.-= Jenny Blake´s last blog ..Networking Awesomely: Get the Right Systems in Place =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Thanks Jenny! You of all people understand my obsessive compulsive frugality. We won’t talk about my approach to paper towels publicly though
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Hey Ryan,
Congratulations! I was in a similar position to you around a year ago. I’d lost my job and didn’t have a clue what I was going to do.
The last year has been a crazy ride, and it’s only just the start!
Good luck in whatever you do!
Ash.
.-= Ash´s last blog ..What Rocky Balboa can teach us about social media =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Thanks a ton Ash, and awesome to see you’re a regular contributor to Sports Networker now! I’d love to hear more about your experience with the last year when you get a chance!
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Ash Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Be happy to talk more about my experience in the last year anytime man, just give me a shout on Twitter/Linkedin. I’m usally on Skype all day if you use it, if not there’s always good old email
.-= Ash´s last blog ..What Rocky Balboa can teach us about social media =-.
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I’m proud of you. If there is one thing I can say about you, it is that you stay true to yourself. You recognized a situation that was no longer the ideal, determined there was no simple solution while still in that environment and made the most level-headed decision you could have made.
Whether you recognize it or not, your growth has been tremendous since starting with SMC. I venture to say you know enough to head out on your own and accomplish some amazing things if you wanted to. You are also overly qualified and knowledgeable to step in and fill an chief strategist role for an rising company.
There is no doubt in my mind that your next step will be one of your choosing because you’ve been through enough good and bad to know what you want. When you get paired with something you’re truly passionate about, watch out! I just want to make sure I get a ticket to the show.
.-= Jake Rosen´s last blog ..Keeping with the routine while traveling =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
1.) Thank you. We talk enough such that I won’t go into elaborate detail, but your endorsement (and advice) mean a lot.
2.) Does this mean you don’t miss all those questions I asked the first couple of months at SMC?
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Jake Rosen Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
The questions and answer sessions have turned into conversations about strategy or practice or theory. We also can’t forget the evolution of our fitness conversations. I think we’re both on the eternal path to pushing ourselves physically. When is that race of death with fire, and spears and tractor tires?
.-= Jake Rosen´s last blog ..Keeping with the routine while traveling =-.
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Great post and congratulations on making the move that was best for you. And I must admit you described me pretty well in just a couple sentences! haha!
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Thanks Brit! We definitely had an awesome team. Glad you feel I described you adequately — I couldn’t work with all of you for over a year and not give you a little love after my departure. Please let me know if there’s anything I can ever to do help. And take care of Conference USA for me
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Congrats and good luck Ryan. If I can help in any way, be sure to let me know! We should have a chat sometime soon now that you have free time on your hands, no?
.-= Ryan Knapp´s last blog ..Adult Soccer Academy Launches in Buffalo and Western New York =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
Ryan – Absolutely. I’d love to connect soon. Elisa always talks about your late night gchat conversations, and admittedly I’ve grown envious. I’m in a whirlwind right now, but ping me later on this week and we’ll find some time to visit. Looking forward to it!
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Good Luck Ryan…I know you’ve been educated by the best, have the best network possible, and you absolutely know what hard work is all about…I find myself thinking that you will find exactly what you are looking for. Let me know if I can ever be of assistance.
.-= Thomas McMillan´s last blog ..Navigating your marketing career – NOT so simple. =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Thanks Thomas! I regret we never got to meet up while I was in North Carolina, but I had to get closer to the core of our network. I read somewhere there’s well over 10K+ season ticket holders in Houston alone. Besides, who knows, I might proposition Dr. Berry to teach me for 3 more years and co-author his next book (he doesn’t know he’s writing it yet, of course): The Soul of Service II: How Social Networks Influence the Nine Drivers of Sustainable Business Success. Ha.
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Thomas McMillan Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Ryan- Let me know if you need someone to write a review for the cover (ha ha). If you go that route (back for doctorate), good luck. I can’t say it hasn’t ever crossed my mind…especially after the loss of Dr. Conant.
If you ever come back to NC, you will have to come out to a Texas A&M party here…I am now the President of the Charlotte Texas A&M Club so I’m going to try to build it up stronger.
Keep up the good work. I’m sure I’ll be down that way on occasion…it’s hard to have worked in the athletics marketing department and not come back for a game or two.
.-= Thomas McMillan´s last blog ..Navigating your marketing career – NOT so simple. =-.
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Woo congrats! Good for you! I totally respect your decision to take the risk and move onto something that’s a better fit for you. You’re right that it wouldn’t be fair to you or your employer if you just went through the motions. Like I said on Twitter today, you’re one of the most hard-working, driven people I know. I’m sure some great opportunities will come your way! Good luck! We’re definitely all pulling for you
.-= Sam Karol´s last blog ..Not Being Happy For Someone Just Means You Care =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Sam – Means a lot coming from you. I apologize I’ve been a bit out of touch lately — trying to finish strong and ensure the transition was smooth and that I had some doors open in the interim. We’ll catch up soon!
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Ryan:
I admire your courage to follow your heart! So few people do that. Sure there’s risk, but the rewards if you stay true to yourself are priceless.
Good luck and let me know if I can ever help with anything.
@abarcelos
.-= Anna Barcelos´s last blog ..Five Confessions of an Integrated Marketing Communications Marketer =-.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Rachel Vincent told me that her Dad always says, “You can only gain as much as you’re willing to risk,” and I think that aligns well with your sentiment as well. It’s something I’ve continued to stress to myself throughout this process. Thank you so much for reading here and your continued support.
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Best of luck man. I’m excited to hear about your new adventures as they unfold.
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Ryan Stephens Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Thanks Tony! I suspect readers of this blog will hear before everyone save family and close friends.
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So I’m a little late to the commenting game, but just think of it as a little boost of YAY a few days after the initial rush has passed.
Seriously, what I admire most about this is how you have saved up and thought about the decision you made. Don’t get me wrong, I’m guessing eventually it got to a point where you just had to fish or cut bait, but you did it in a smart and “growned up” sort of way.
I wish nothing but amazing things for you. As I said before, you are like the hot single girl at prom now…and all the boys should be tripping over themselves to get to you. Hold out for the good one though. Anyone can date “that guy” just to have a boyfriend, but a true lady makes the choice that’s best for her.
(Wow, I spend too much time writing about relationships…)
.-= Elisa´s last blog ..How Blogging Got Me A Best Friend =-.
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April 29th, 2010 at 2:35 pm