It’s been a while since I’ve written anything, much less anything from the heart. Recently, though, I’ve been wrestling with things and writing

Underwhelmed - by Corey Garvey - Corey's Essays

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2024-06-08 09:30:03

It’s been a while since I’ve written anything, much less anything from the heart. Recently, though, I’ve been wrestling with things and writing feels like a way to get it all out there.

I have an amazing life. My wife is wonderful, my kids are cute and healthy, my family is supportive and caring. I’ve experienced fantastic things in my life and I have excellent relationships with friends from childhood to adulthood. I transitioned from finance into tech and (thanks to COVID) my work life is extremely flexible.

All that said, within my career, in my view, I’ve underachieved. I’ve been a good, but not great, employee at every job I’ve had. With the exception of a few three month blocks here and there, I’m constantly looking outside the workplace for career satisfaction. I’ve built numerous side projects and always seem to be angling for the escape.

This has held me back from “career progress”. At the companies where I’ve worked, including my current job at Palantir, I’ve nestled into a (much too) comfortable individual contributor role. Show up each day, knock out a few tasks, call it a day. I don’t lead any teams, manage anyone, or make important decisions.