My whole Silicon Valley work life since 1977 has been about networking, staying connected and helping others. This has resulted to 16 jobs, numerous consulting assignments and a continuous flow of cash.
Now, I am thinking of getting out. Probably not forever but maybe forever from this field of work.
One thing I have learned from studying history of people and nations is that you can just walk away. But if you want to leave in an orderly manner you need some time.
1. Stop looking for new work. If work comes your way pass it quickly to others.
2. Stop networking. Just stop.
3. People may reach out to you but don't reach out to them.
4. Be less available.
5. Make them come to you.
6. Give advice but not help. This needs esplainin' as Ricky Ricardo use to say. It means you can give advice but don't offer to connect people. Give them their contact information and tell them to use your name. Don't do the connecting for them.
7. Cut yourself off from any networking sites for job's sake. Like Linkedin for example. Just go cold turkey.
8. People won't generally understand all of this so create a reason to be gone. I am writing the great American novel. I have to take care of sick relatives. I used that one in 1979 but back then it was true.
9. Leave your cell phone off. Use it when you want to call someone. Think outbound and answering center rather than 24-7 inbound.
10. Stop discussing jobs and careers. This is crucial. Learn to change the subject or make an excuse to get away. You have to train the your network that this is no longer something that interests you. Be kind about it though.
11. Work may come your way that interests you. That lures you back in for the moment. Charge heartily for it. That way if they can't afford you fall back on #1 and pass the work forward.
12. Act dumb about what's out there. After all you are busy writing the next great American novel. You just don't know what is out there.
13. Focus on other passions. Don't read about business or specific companies.
14. Create or seek a qualifying event that takes you of the workaday world. Hawaii is a nice idea. That strip of beach down near Santa Cruz. Who cares about work there?
15. Don't be blabbermouth about what you are doing. Just go quietly.
16. Read Breaktime by Bernard Lefkowitz if you can find a copy of it. It is the bible of the stop working (or caring about it) world. It was published back in the late 1970's but it still is relevant today. You can generally find it on the internet at rather cheap prices.
If all else fails use the card below.
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