Taking a Leap from a Microsoft Career at 45: Embracing Change and Achieving Fulfillment

Joseph Landes, at 45, made the bold decision to depart from a long-standing career at Microsoft to venture into new territory. Opting for a fresh start, he confidently exited without tarnishing professional relations.

After 23 years at Microsoft, where I held several titles, I finally exited in 2018 from my role as Brazil's marketing and operations lead. Destiny brought Vadim Vladimirskiy, my now business partner, and me together during Microsoft’s Inspire event. Our decision to form Nerdio came about in 2020, and shortly after, I moved to Orlando to embark on this new journey.

Nerdio focuses on easing cloud computing and automating IT tasks for clientele who are Microsoft users. Despite my departure from Microsoft, our partnership remains robust. Each interaction with former colleagues is delightful, observing their growth and the hurdles they tackle.

Insights Gained from Transition

Leaving an established company like Microsoft taught me multiple lessons, three of which I find indispensable.

1. Cherish Valuable Connections

Upon my exit, my priority was to part respectfully, ensuring no bridges were burnt. Aiming to leave the company in a superior state than when I arrived, I bid farewell with heartfelt gratitude.

Today, I still benefit from past connections, knowing I could always return if desired. Frequently, I'm asked if I miss Microsoft, yet it's truly the companionship I miss. Maintaining these bonds requires effort and persistence.

Regardless of the organization you depart from, keeping in touch with colleagues is crucial. Future opportunities might require collaboration, and keeping those lines open is wise. LinkedIn proves invaluable for staying connected, and I often meet up with former colleagues when passing through the city.

2. Financial Preparedness is Key

Setting out to establish a startup, I crafted a simple spreadsheet dubbed ‘Is it financially viable?’ I logged my daily expenses, from essentials like rent and groceries to future costs, such as my children’s higher education and weddings. This sheet projected a decade ahead, supported by savings sufficient for 18 months.

Leaving a salaried role with benefits to start anew posed financial questions. It necessitated assessing how to sustain my family should the business not flourish. Fortunately, thorough planning uplifted my confidence and reduced anxiety.

3. Embracing the Risks of New Beginnings

At 45, taking this leap was risky. Younger individuals may navigate these changes with less at stake. However, with age comes added responsibility.

If apprehensive about leaving, consider exploring different roles within your existing organization. Such transitions might offer the rejuvenation many seek.

The Rewarding Experience of Building Nerdio

My tenure at Microsoft facilitated professional growth and lifelong connections. Nonetheless, creating a business from the ground up, embodying my visions and principles, offers a unique fulfillment.

At Nerdio, I shape not just our offerings but also the corporate ethos. We advocate for calculated risk-taking, learning from missteps, and constant improvement. Watching our company exceed previous boundaries brings immense satisfaction.

Guiding a team unafraid of experimentation assures me of progressive strides. Partnering with Vadim in crafting something we both passionately believe in has been deeply gratifying. Although I cherish my Microsoft memories, I’m elated with the risk I embraced to build Nerdio.