The Bullet. No1. Why I left my job.

TL;DR Legacy, Fun and Revolution.

In August 2021, I left my role at Unilever as Global Media Director. It was a great job, at a great company, that was well rewarded, and something I spent 20 years working towards. So why did I decide to leave? 7 contributing bullets for this opening letter:  

1.       I’m joining the revolution

On the day I post this letter, Bitcoin becomes legal tender in El Salvador. Many people, who are fortunate to live under relatively stable currencies and governments, may not have seen this news or if they had, even care, but the reasons are profound and important, and I shall try to cover them in future letters. For now, while El Salvador may be the first, I don’t believe it will be the last nation state to follow the path and Bitcoin is on its way to becoming the world’s reserve currency. I’ve been learning about Bitcoin and other crypto for the last few years and am convinced it will have a wide ranging, but profound net positive impact on society. I know that might sound ridiculous to some, and it’s easy to say such a thing when crypto prices are appreciating against government money (fiat). However, 1000s of hours learning, reading, researching, listening, and contemplating, have led me to evaluate my understanding of economics, society, inequality, politics, trade, climate change, personal freedom, war and peace. Bitcoin is the most important invention I believe I will see in my lifetime, so I want to dedicate maximum time and effort to help making a Bitcoin future a reality.

2.       Diminished pride in my work

I got into advertising because I loved ads, simple as that. I enjoyed talking about my favourite ones with my mates, and they were part of the fabric of culture. Sadly, something changed and now people don’t like those that work in advertising, it’s a sad fact. In 2018, an IPSOS study revealed advertising executives were the least trusted profession, below that of politicians (routinely break promises), bankers (too big to fail bailout thieves) and a whole host of others. A rerun of the study in 2020, revealed the picture was getting worse and not better. There are many reasons, although chiefly among them is we’ve abused the use of people’s data, without asking permission and given back generally terrible experiences in return, that provide limited utility. Having worked in advertising and media for over 20 years, I realise I must take some blame, so I apologise to anyone who’s found ads that I’ve been involved with, annoying, irrelevant, or just plain boring. I still believe advertising can be great, can be enjoyable, educational and above all useful, and I’d love to still play a part getting that trust back, perhaps through a combination of the best that crypto and marketing have to offer. Advertising is full of brilliant, kind and generous people who have the best intentions and are working hard to do good in the world, I trust them and hope the industry gains a better reputation going forward. For me right now, introducing myself to people as someone who works in advertising feels tainted, so time to do something about it.   

3.       Mid-life

I’m at the exact half-way point of my working life, that is assuming I ever get to, or want to, retire. If I’m ever going to try something else in my career, I figure now is a pretty good time to do it. I still have curiosity, hunger and energy and am far from done. I’ve been calling it a conscious mid-life moment, rather than a crisis, but make of it what you will.

4.       Covid

Covid is to blame for everything, so had to be here too. It’s not been a direct impact of course, even though a positive test took me out of action for a week or so recently, but the pandemic has given me pause to reflect and evaluate what I want to do with my time. Life is short and I intend to maximise what I have left to the fullest. 

5.       Family

Like many of you, I’ve spent a lot more time with my family recently, more through circumstances than choice, but I’ve enjoyed it very much, even if my end of term teacher feedback read, “not as good as the professionals”. My kids are still young but won’t be forever, and I want to make the most of these precious moments. It’s been great to spend the summer holidays with them full time, maximise fun and enjoy some of the simpler things. Now they’re back in school, so time to focus back on work.

6.       Purpose

Related to a few of the points above, I’ve reflected more on my purpose in life and what I want to achieve. Many businesses, Unilever included, have championed personal purpose, which is great, and I thank them for that. My purpose has evolved but simply put it’s to provide the best future for my family and live a life full of fun.  Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to live their purposes fully, but if you get the chance then you should, and that’s what I’m aiming to do.  

7.       Changing face of work

Many of us have got used to working at home. It’s not the ideal set up, but I’m luckier than others in that respect and I’ve been surprised it’s taken this long. Since I moved client side over a decade ago and had the ability to work remotely, reporting into a boss in New York, I’ve long thought that people would move more to that way of working. Now through a pandemic, the world has had to embrace it. Employers are offering more remote based positions, opening up many more opportunities, in places I never thought possible, so I’m excited to see where that might lead.  I really liked working in London, it’s an amazing city, but quite frankly, the thought of delayed and overcrowded trains, when you’ve been used to greater flexibility, lost some of its allure, although I do feel it’s about balance.

Final thought. According to a recent Wired article, I’m not alone – “In the US, four million people quit their jobs in April – a 20-year high – followed by a record ten million jobs being available by the end of June. A Microsoft study has found that 41 per cent of the global workforce is considering leaving their employer this year.” The journey may not be easy, it may also have just got a lot more competitive, but so far, I’m enjoying it immensely, and that’s the point.

Until next time. Peace, love and Bitcoin.

Rob