Last Day Worked
Retire into something…
I’ve had the good fortune to work for three privately owned companies throughout my 35-year career: Booke & Company, Hewitt Associates, and Fidelity Investments. Fatefully, those first two employers were eventually acquired by the same public company (which I shall not name), prompting me to jump ship both times. Before that, I worked part-time as a “Swing Manager” at McDonald’s throughout high school and college…one of the most important formative experiences of my life. I also met Sandy there.
Today is my last day of employment. I’ve never not been employed since my 16th birthday. Not one single day. I even once worked the weekend between changing jobs (while Sandy was laid up with a broken foot). I was a bona fide workaholic for many years, and I thank Sandy, Kayla, and Molly for tolerating that while I learned to be a better partner and father. I am not suggesting that going to college and working a corporate job is remotely the definition of success; it’s just that path that I chose. I’m a firm believer in Scott Galloway’s notion that one shouldn’t necessarily “follow their passion”…I was better served by finding something I was good at and making that my passion.
Along this journey, I experienced plenty of setbacks, but was guided by great mentors who helped me find my way:
Ken Whicker was my first manager at McDonald’s. He taught me the values of motivating others, being excellent in your field (he would literally quiz me on the weight and dimensions of a frozen Filet-O-Fish), and most importantly, being customer-focused.
Lee Bettis was my first senior leader at Booke, who took me under his wing and gave me a chance to learn from my mistakes.
Craig Maloney plucked me out of project management to give me my first leadership role in Relationship Management at Hewitt. He had the uncanny ability to make me want to run through a wall even after revealing that everyone thought I completely bombed my first leadership presentation.
Nancy Pallerino entered my life twice at the most critical crossroads of my career. She saw something in me that few people did, opening up opportunities I never imagined. She guided me and countless others in selfless ways we didn’t realize until we had the luxury of time to reflect upon.
My Dad set the template for an unrelenting work ethic, and my Mom instilled in me a level of curiosity and persistence that laid the foundation for all of these opportunities.
Honorable mention goes to anyone who may not have been my strongest advocate, but had the integrity to shoot straight with me. If you ever receive tough feedback, get passed over for a promotion, or even get managed out, check your ego at the door and learn from it. My friend Jim teaches his kids that you are your own best advocate.
I realize I’ve been fortunate in life not to face many of the social or economic hurdles others encounter. However, I believe that anyone can aspire to surround themselves with good people who do good for others. Stated more directly: Bust your ass to earn the privilege to be influenced by great role models! My next phase will be focused on:
Being more present to my immediate family
Decluttering my life in pursuit of “What is the most excellent thing I can do today?”
Devoting more time to my Creative Projects
That includes giving this Blog thing a try. I’m not sure what I have to say is all that important or interesting, but I’m sick of social media, and I hope this will be a more authentic way to connect with people. You can’t like, subscribe, or comment, but you can contact me at matthewhedrick9@gmail.com if you have something thoughtful to share.