After more than seven years in my second stint at Microsoft, I’ve decided to step away and take a sabbatical. My last day is Friday, March 7th, and below is the plan.
Reflecting on the journey
When I rejoined Microsoft, my goal was to deepen my expertise in cloud . That mission was certainly accomplished, particularly through my time in Azure Marketplace and Industry Experiences. The past seven years have been an incredible ride—full of innovation, collaboration, and meaningful projects that have shaped both my career and perspective. However, I now feel the pull to challenge myself in different ways, and take a step back to reset.
Prioritizing health and AI
One of my primary areas of focus during this sabbatical will be artificial intelligence. I’m eager to dive deeper into its implications, applications, and future possibilities. Besides, I’ll get to write some code again! Beyond professional growth, I’ll also be dedicating time to something even more important—my health. Stepping away from the traditional work routine will allow me to focus on physical and mental well-being, creating space for reflection, exercise, and balance.
More Learning and Sharing
While I may be stepping away from the corporate world for a while, I won’t be stepping away from learning and contributing. I plan to write more and publish new courses on Pluralsight, sharing insights and knowledge with the broader tech community. Technical education has always been a part of my professional journey, and I’m always excited to continue helping others grow in their careers.
Additionally, I may still lend a hand on a consultation basis if you need help onboarding your software solution to Azure Marketplace. Feel free to reach out if that’s something I can assist with.
Exploring the meat space
Another exciting aspect of this time off is travel. My wife and I have been planning some exciting trips, and we’re looking forward to experiencing new landscapes, and perspectives. Travel has always been a source of inspiration for me, and I’m eager to see where we arrive—both literally and figuratively.
A temporary farewell
Could I have pursued these interests while staying at Microsoft? Possibly. But sometimes, the best way to grow is to step back, reset, and explore without constraints. This sabbatical is not just about stepping away from work—it’s about stepping into a new phase of personal and professional development.
I look forward to what’s next, and I hope to stay connected with many of you along the way. If our paths cross in the future—whether in tech, AI, travel, or learning—I’d love to connect.