In January 2024, I faced a pivotal moment in my career—being laid off from my position at Viasat. The decision I made was not just about leaving a job but about choosing integrity and self-respect over convenience. Here's my story of why I chose this path and why I don't regret it.
The Challenge: Throughout my 8 years with Viasat, I worked on the data center team. Our mission was clear, but challenges arose when working with the Compute team. Often, they blurred the lines of responsibilities, wanting us to undertake tasks that were beyond our scope. It felt like we were constantly being asked to do System Admin work, which wasn't part of our role.
Setting Boundaries: To tackle this, I took the initiative to create workflows and define clear boundaries between our teams. However, it was a constant struggle to ensure these were respected. It was about standing firm for what was fair and right, not just for me, but for the integrity of our team's work.
The Decision to Leave: When the layoff came, I was offered a "life-line" to work with the Compute team. However, this wasn't a decision made on the spur of the moment. I had resolved a year prior that should such an opportunity arise, I would choose to leave. It was a clear and confident choice, aligning with my values and long-term vision.
A Revealing Discovery: Recently, I learned that many on the Compute team had second and third jobs. It became clear why their commitment seemed lacking and why tasks kept being pushed onto others. Their excuses on calls now made sense—they prioritized those other jobs over their responsibilities at Viasat.
No Regrets: Looking back, I am relieved to have distanced myself from that environment. I've realized that sometimes, walking away from a situation that doesn't align with your values is the best decision you can make. It's better to face uncertainty with integrity than to stay for convenience.
Conclusion: Leaving Viasat was a step towards a future where I can create and contribute to environments that value fairness and responsibility. I’m grateful for this new chapter, ready to embrace whatever comes next.