I chose to leave while I was ranked well and earning a strong salary before COVID and before the company’s negative challenges became more visible to others. It wasn’t about compensation or performance; it was about alignment. I realized that the work and priorities there no longer matched what I wanted for my life.
Today, I can honestly say that no amount of money, not even $2 million+ a year would persuade me to return as an employee.
We each get one life and one youth. I decided I didn’t want to spend my prime years in an environment that didn’t align with my values and aspirations. Working at ExxonMobil was a valuable experience. I learned a great deal, both positive and negative about corporate culture, and that clarity ultimately helped me make my decision. There are higher ambition and better career opportunities and experiences out there for many.