rocket50 Member Stories featuring Brent Schimke
Discover how Brent identified the need for change, his go-to resources during pivotal career moments, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. š Whether you're contemplating a career transition or seeking inspiration for your professional journey, Brent's story offers practical wisdom and insights to guide your path forward.
How did you refine your career path after you turned 50 or beyond?
While I didn't know it at the time, the year I turned 50 was the year I set off on a path of self-directed work. It started for me when I became the 1st employee and co-founded my own company that grew to 60+ employees, and $6M+ revenue in 6 years. I've left that enterprising organization for another, recently, that again had only a handful of employees but this time Iām contributing about 50% of my time instead of 150% of my time. But in both instances, there was more freedom to do either "what I wanted" or "when I wanted" than in any other decade of my life. Making this change wasn't just a mindset change but was ābuilt on the backā of years of experience and some lucky timing (that I took advantage of).
How did you identify that you needed to change careers, what was the most helpful resource during this time?
Throughout my career, identifying when a change was needed usually happened when transformation at one location was stalling and an opportunity to transform (a product, company, or industry) was about to open up at another location. The most helpful resources as I discovered new transformational opportunities were those in my network and from sources that published new funding events (budget changes in government, IPOs, VC funding, mergers, etc).
What was the greatest help to you during your career transition?
Each transition in my career drew on different helpers. First, it was my business school that was most helpful in my first job. Then, my own research helped for the 2 following roles. Over my career, my friends have helped in 4 transitions. And a recruiter was most helpful in placing me with the Mayor's Office in NYC.
Looking back, what are you most thankful for regarding your career path and journey?
With rare exceptions, I've found myself with employers and at opportunities that have let me perform in ways that were fairly independent, entrepreneurial, and not prescribed. And, I've received accolades along the way for embracing the void of prescribed work which has felt good.
What advice would you give to someone in a career change?
The advice I would give to someone in a job or career change is to join an organization that is growing (or has the money to grow). Even if that organization doesn't succeed, the lessons you will learn in a growing, changing, dynamic environment will be surprisingly valuable as a human and you will make some strong friendships in times that demand peak resiliency.