Just a quick note to say that after more than 5 1/2 years at Microsoft I’m moving on at the end of this year.
Working at Microsoft has been a blast – certainly the best employer I’ve ever had, and I’ll miss the great people here. Wherever you go, you won’t find a better calibre of people – either professionally or personally. Microsoft is a great place to work.
In my time I’ve been part of an award winning DPE (Developer and Platform Strategy) team, an award winning BMO (Business, Marketing and Operations) team and the international Microsoft subsidiary of the year. Its hard to think you could work in a better place, with better people.
However, my path is changing, and not only am I leaving Microsoft, I’m also taking a bit of a departure from IT. In the new year I’ll be starting studies to change from IT to become a church pastor.
This isn’t a snap decision by any means. I first considered this about 16 years ago, but the timing wasn’t quite right. Its something I’ve reconsidered every few years since then, and now, after more than 15 years in IT the time is right to make the move. So, next year we will start studies here in Wellington via distance learning, then mid year we expect to be moving to Los Angeles to attend seminary.
To all you out there, that I’ve enjoyed working with over the last few years, I’ll miss you all. I hope you’ll stay in touch via facebook, linked in, twitter or email. The NZ IT community rocks, and it has been a joy to work with you all!
I’ve also set up a page where I’ll be chronicling the journey from tech geek to Bible geek. Feel free to subscribe to the RSS feed there or subscribe via email, posts will also be posted to twitter and facebook (dont you just love social spam?).
Officially my last day in the office is Christmas Eve.
*Update* Staying in the Wellington region for the first half of 2011.
Congratulations on thid decision, Darryl. I am sure that your background in IT evanglism can be put to good use in your new role!
The pay may be less, but I hear the overall packange/fringe benefits are out of this world
On a serious note, I am pleased for you personally that you are following your heart and doing something that you are clearly bpassionate about.
Good luck – and thanks for everything you have contributed to Microsoft.
Best wishes
Andy
Wow, now that’s a career change! Good luck and thanks for the amazing contribution and dedication you’ve shown over the years in the IT community. You’ll be a hard act to follow.
That is very cool news for you – follow that passion!
Good luck and thanks for the supporting words over the past few months.
@Andy – thanks Andy – I appreciate your support! Its been a great experience working in BMO!
@Tokes – Thanks! I’ve just encouraged you all, you’ve done the work
@Mike – Thanks Mike – Let me know if I can help further!
Darryl – The IT industry will miss you, but it’s a smart move. I’m sure you’ll have a great future ahead and will help and influence many people.
Good Luck!
Very cool. Good move.
This is awesome news, so I’m not the only christian in IT? May God bless you greatly in this career and life change. I pray that I could say something more enlightening, but I am not that great with heart felt words
@Brendon – yes there are actually a good number around. I can’t say I know many in Te Awamutu though – thanks for your kind words!
Thanks to you all for your kind words!