I left Wealthsimple – what's next

TL;DR

The video discusses the reasons for quitting Wealthsimple and the path ahead.

Transcript

I did not expect to be making another video on this topic in a year really I just did this video a year ago but here we are if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you would have heard the news by now that I recently quit my job at wealth simple now before I get into all the reasons on why I left this job maybe just starting with a little bit of b... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛩️ The transition from a large company like Uber to a smaller organization like Wealthsimple initially promised more influence but was met with unforeseen challenges.
• 😤 Layoffs have a profound emotional impact on remaining team members, significantly affecting morale and productivity.
• 🥺 Managerial turnover can destabilize team cohesion and lead to a disjointed work experience, impeding career development.
• 🖤 Engaging with strategic initiatives as a designer enhances creativity and job satisfaction, which was lacking at Wealthsimple.
• 🥅 A comprehensive evaluation of personal goals and workplace alignment is crucial when considering career moves.
• 😤 New opportunities in management provide avenues for individuals to influence team dynamics and processes.
• 🎨 A supportive company culture is essential for recognizing the strategic importance of design within product development.

Questions & Answers

Q: What prompted your decision to leave Wealthsimple after such a short tenure?

My departure was largely influenced by the layoffs that occurred in 2022, which significantly affected the design team. Friends and colleagues were leaving, leading me to question my own reasons for staying. This insecurity about alignment with my career goals pushed me to reevaluate my position.

Q: How did the management changes affect your work experience?

Frequent managerial changes can create disruption, as consistent guidance is vital for personal and professional growth. In my year and a half, I experienced four managers. This instability made it difficult to form solid working relationships and pursue my design goals effectively.

Q: How did the work at Wealthsimple compare to your previous experience at Uber?

At Uber, I was involved in complex projects that challenged my skills and required strategic decision-making. In contrast, Wealthsimple’s tasks often felt more tactical and less innovative. I sought a role where I could influence project direction from inception, but that opportunity was limited.

Q: What steps did you take before deciding to leave Wealthsimple?

Initially, I wrote a comprehensive pros and cons list to weigh my options. I considered my career aspirations and whether staying aligned with those goals. The decision was not taken lightly, as I wanted to ensure that my next move would be beneficial for my career trajectory.

Q: What are you looking forward to in your new role at Gusto?

I am excited to step into a management position and take on leadership responsibilities, which has been a personal goal for me. I believe Gusto offers a better balance between the culture of a smaller company and the stability of a more established organization.

Q: How do you perceive the value of design in a company?

Design should be a strategic partner in the product development process, influencing decisions from the start rather than just executing pre-determined solutions. I felt that Wealthsimple didn’t fully appreciate this, hindering my potential impact and growth as a designer.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The narrator reflects on their transition from Uber to Wealthsimple, initially embracing the opportunity for greater influence in a smaller company. However, this expectation was challenged by layoffs and a loss of design talent.

• Experiences of frequent managerial changes impacted the narrator's growth and stability, leading to feelings of being unchallenged and creatively restricted in their role at Wealthsimple.

• Ultimately, the decision to leave was fueled by a desire for a more fulfilling and impactful role, leading to a new position as a design manager at Gusto.