Sabbatical Reflections: Month 2 - Consolidating Post Exit

Two months ago, I left Sparx Engineering to pursue self-directed learning and explore other interests and new opportunities. Here's what I've discovered about optimizing for long-term impact while navigating career uncertainty.

What I've Been Building:

50+ pieces of technical writing spanning systems strategy, workplace dynamics, and Bitcoin network analysis for Small Levers Lab.

An AI stop motion video generator (check it out)

Engineering management frameworks, including my favorite piece this month that’s a systems diagram for EM impact optimization.

The challenge with long-term thinking? Short-term value isn't always visible. But the compound effects of consistent creation and skill development are starting to show.

Key Areas of Focus: Content creation through an engineer's lens has been my primary focus, along with exploring sociotechnical complexities, particularly Bitcoin governance and protocol design. I'm also increasingly drawn to career coaching, especially for professionals in transition or approaching burnout.

Lessons from Conversations: Through discussions with former colleagues, friends, and family, a few insights have crystallized:

Before leaving any role, identify the root causes driving that desire and make sure that your next move addresses them. If you're content where you are, focus on sustainability. If you've already made the leap, give yourself grace to close one chapter while making your risk worthwhile.

Looking Ahead: My time at Sparx taught me valuable lessons about scalable systems that I'm now applying to content and career frameworks. My creative sprint continues alongside an active job search and several side projects. While the exact next step remains open, I'm excited about the opportunities ahead.

What career transitions have taught you the most? I'd love to hear your experiences.