Leaving the tech industry after almost 15 years can be a daunting task. Judd Antin's departure from Airbnb in 2022 marked a significant shift in his career trajectory. Let's delve into his experience and the challenges he faced post-transition.
Feeling Lost After Leaving Big Tech
Antin's decision to leave Airbnb after nearly eight years left him feeling more anxious than liberated. It became evident that deprogramming his Big Tech mindset was a more challenging endeavor than anticipated. With no predefined metrics to meet and his time no longer dictated by corporate demands, the transition proved to be a struggle.
Unpacking Antin's Tech Journey
Antin's tech career commenced in 2006 when he co-founded a startup. Following the completion of his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley in 2010, he ventured into roles at Yahoo and later at Meta, formerly known as Facebook. His tenure at Meta coincided with a period of substantial growth, involving pivotal projects such as the mobile transition and the integration of news into the platform.
In 2015, Antin joined Airbnb as the head of research, where he held various executive positions over almost eight years. Collaborating closely with the C-suite on high-profile initiatives, Antin found fulfillment in his role but also recognized the looming specter of burnout.
Struggling with Industry Expectations
One of the primary challenges Antin faced post-transition was reconciling his satisfaction metrics. The tech industry's relentless pace and emphasis on measurable success had ingrained a particular work ethic in him. The constant hustle, last-minute changes, and unending array of tasks created a perpetual cycle of stress and anxiety.
Leaving Big Tech meant abandoning the familiar markers of success and defining new parameters for personal fulfillment. The absence of structured work hours and predefined objectives left Antin grappling with a sense of aimlessness and discontent.
Finding Stability Post Big Tech
Despite the initial hurdles, Antin discovered the importance of establishing a structured routine in his post-tech life. Embracing an "anchor" activity that provided a sense of rhythm and purpose proved instrumental in his transition. For Antin, teaching emerged as his anchor, offering a fulfilling cadence of preparation, instruction, and interaction with students.
While engaging in executive coaching and consulting post-Big Tech, Antin's teaching commitment served as a grounding force amidst the fluidity of his other endeavors. Adjusting to a life outside the tech realm necessitated time and patience, with moments of anxiety and freedom coexisting in the transitional phase.
Embracing Change and Growth
Transitioning out of Big Tech involves more than just changing jobs; it requires a reevaluation of personal values and definitions of success. Antin's journey highlights the challenges and rewards of stepping away from a tech-centric identity to explore new avenues of fulfillment.
While the process may be arduous and unsettling, embracing change and reprogramming ingrained patterns can lead to a newfound sense of purpose and satisfaction. As Antin's experience demonstrates, the journey away from Big Tech is a transformative one, offering the opportunity for personal and professional growth.
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By: insider@insider.com (Judd Antin)
Title: Transitioning Out of Big Tech: A Personal Journey
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/leaving-big-tech-career-change-2025-2
Published Date: Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:05:36 +0000
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