resignation – From the desk of Adam Thomas

This morning I thought about Nassim Taleb

More specifically, I thought about this post I wrote a few years back. In it, I talk about the importance of writing a resignation letter before you start anything. Nassim Taleb wrote about the power of resignation letters in “Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder (Incerto),” and it made sense at the time.

This letter is hard to write. I struggle with it. (Full transparency – I didn’t do it with my last job, and now that I think about it, if I wrote it I may have left sooner)

So, I reiterate the point to myself, and you, reader. The point of that letter isn’t to hand in, but to keep yourself honest.

I thought of another reason this morning, which brought about that very thought. It also highlights what your “willingness to pay” (WTP) switching costs are.

Knowing how much you are willing to give up (job, a source of income) for your well-being is a critical part of self-awareness, which can make you hyper-aware for the next thing, whatever that is.

The first step to self-mastery is self-awareness, and this is a powerful tool to help you get there.

“Some things benefit from shocks; they thrive and grow when exposed to volatility, randomness, disorder, and stressors and love adventure, risk, and uncertainty. Yet, in spite of the ubiquity of the phenomenon, there is no word for the exact opposite of fragile. Let us call it antifragile. Antifragility is beyond resilience or robustness. The resilient resists shocks and stays the same; the antifragile gets better”

Nassim Taleb
I am currently reading Antifragile from Nassim Taleb. The book is a fantastic read (on the reread list). It features practical, modern stoic philosophy wrapped in actionable ideas all leading to a life of antifragility.

One story stuck with me.

At one point in his life he decided to work in academia.

When he got his job, he did something I find exhilarating (and at one point in my life, horrifying.)

His first move at work was penning his resignation letter.

After that, he signed it, and put in his desk.

This move instantly freed him up from the usual BS that accompanies a new job. He had boundaries, and he made peace with the fact that this isn’t forever. He ready for the unexpected(stoic thought) , and by writing (actionable), he was free to tell the truth as he saw it (freedom / strength).

I was never taught this way of thinking.

In fact, I learned the opposite way from my environment. Instead of starting with the end in mind, just be glad you “got a job.” (reactive) When you are there, do what they say and hopefully they won’t fire you (Weasel behavior/ complacency) . If they get outrageous, try to sneak out the back door (dishonesty) and look for a job. Once that next job offers that position,write a resignation letter then, once you are “safe”(golden handcuffs/weakness).

All positive, meaningful action (meaning not by chance/ randomness) in my life has come from proactive movement. By penning that resignation letter and keeping it in a place he can see it, it’s a constant reminder of keeping the worst end in mind, and in effect, being antifragile.

Something to think about.

Note: A stuffy corporate job will not like that way of thinking, at all. When someone has the golden handcuffs on you, the last thing they want you to do is be a key maker.