Farewell Amazon. The last seven years have been an incredible ride. It’s a really difficult decision to leave a job without something else lined up. But, I’ve realized my path is diverging from the direction of the org, and honestly, the company as a whole. That’s sad and maybe a little frustrating, but also natural. I am choosing to embrace this moment as an opportunity. It’s bittersweet because the engineers I got to work with are amazing, the advertising domain proved more fascinating than expected, and we tackled really hard technical problems that delivered tangible value. I am more than grateful for all of the wonderful and talented people I have had the pleasure of working with during this journey - thank you.

I am fortunate to have a supportive family and be in a financial position that allows me to take this leap. One of my resolutions was to establish a set of core values. I am choosing to align with one of my principles of self determination and not align with one of my anti-principles of complacency. Rather than rage against the machine or follow in a direction I disagree with – I’ve decided to move on. As someone passionate about personal finance, I have been building up my freedom fund for a situation like this. I recognize that not everyone has this privilege, whether due to financial obligations, immigration status, or other life circumstances. I do not take this for granted, and I hope that by sharing my experience, it might encourage others who are on similar paths.

What’s next? I’m planning a deliberate sabbatical, giving myself the space to reset, recharge, and explore new possibilities. Whether this lasts weeks or months, I know that my passion for solving complex problems will guide what comes next. Perhaps I’ll start a business? Perhaps I’ll buy a business? Perhaps I’ll join a startup? Perhaps I’ll join another big tech? Perhaps I’ll boomerang? In the meantime, if you think I could help in a fractional capacity – as a CTO, architect, engineer, mentor, or any role that fits my skills and passions – I’d love to hear from you.

Thank you Amazon. Thank you everyone I worked with. Thank you everyone who supported me.