why did you do it?
By Pat Law • Mar 12th, 2010 • Category: The NarcissistThe million dollar question since I resigned from Ogilvy last week.
I was getting recognition for my work at Ogilvy from top dogs. I was working on glamourous global brands, launching big-budget campaigns.
Well, mostly, save for the occasional letscall20bloggerstoaneventthatdoesntevenmakesense Government brief that comes my way. Moving on.
Developing the big idea fell under my jurisdiction. I was part of an elite league of seasoned communicators who functioned on a beautiful system of meritocracy. I didn’t need to drop down to my knees under the managing director’s desk, so as to get a promotion. I was valued strictly based on my work. And I had the creative license to dress whatever way I wanted (yes, it’s important to me to not look like a bloody bank teller).
Training doesn’t happen once every three years when some eager-to-please new boss decides knowledge is important. Training is legendary in Ogilvy. If you were lucky enough to be selected for the prestigious Ogilvy University, you would be shipped off for weeks, removed from any form of distraction – that includes pesky clients, which your immediate boss will have to deal with in your absence. Having been an alumnus of Ogilvy University, I do strongly believe no other form of employee training from anywhere else will ever match up.
Needless to say, resigning from Ogilvy was the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make. So why did I do it?
The entrepreneurial part of me has always wanted to run my own boutique agency (I know, it is a godawful description, but it’s not my fault incompetent self-proclaimed social media experts abuse that term just because they know how to blog) but I was comfortable. Too comfortable perhaps. The pay was respectable, the office is gorgeous, and most importantly, I had an endless supply of gourmet coffee from the superb in-house barista.
The week my dad was diagnosed with a tumour in his brain was the same week I handled in my resignation letter. There are bills that need to be paid. There are responsibilities one needs to undertake, regardless of how much one dislikes her father. To put it simply, my life is not just mine anymore.
GOODSTUPH*, my one-woman social influence studio, is the dream I’ve always had but failed to deliver due to my reluctance to leave my comfort zone. I needed to be pushed, and ha, the push was huge alright – 2cm in size to be precise, with a deadline. I’m known for my passion in the industry, but boy, the flame has never burned this violently ever. When you’re living your life for more than yourself, you think, feel, and work differently. Yes, my dear reader, GOODSTUPH is definitely gonna come your way. I will be doing what I’ve always been doing – digital marketing/ social media marketing/ influence marketing/ whatever you want to call it, but on my own. It’s scary no doubt, but hey, like my top-notch lobbyist of an aunt would say, “Suck it up and get with the programme”.
I cannot say I’m at my happiest at this point of my life, for more reasons I will not reveal, but it comforts me to know that everything happen for a reason, and somehow, everything will work out fine in God’s hands.
Really, you’re not reading this wrong. Pat Law has acknowledged God and the power of Faith on her blog for the first time.
I’m obscenely vain and obsessively anal about perfection. Nothing goes out the door unless I’m guaranteed your first response would be GOODSTUPH. More news to come about GOODSTUPH in due time.
P.S. Pardon how primitive my Under Construction page is. I churned it out in 30 minutes, just in the nick of time before exchanging business cards with Marc Ecko.
congratulations pat! it seems like yesterday when you first told me about your plan. i'm happy that it has became a reality for you now.
looking forward to more "shi hao de" goodstuph from you! you're one badass.
Hey Pat,
I totally understand the decision – having just left MOE a month back. Praying that your dad gets well.
The absolute best wishes for your new venture.
Congrats. I have made a similar decision 3 months ago, the job was too comfortable. Never looked back since. Good luck, and enjoy the ride
you go, pat! all the best and keep going!
Wow.
I'm shocked, but immensely excited for you in your new endeavour. Looking forward to hearing more about GOODSTUPH!
-Nabilah Said
Good. I respect you.
Ah… Hope I am not that person who contributed to that "letscall20bloggerstoaneventthatdoesntevenmakesense" Government brief.
I specifically requested for you cos I know you can do a lot more than "letscall20bloggerstoaneventthatdoesntevenmakesense". I was hoping for something different like blogathon or SoyJoy campaign. Not really sure what was transpired though.
Anyway, all the best to you and I hope we can work together soon!
Pat, all the best in your new venture. I am looking forward to the day you open the door for business. Hope to be amongst the first fortunate few to have a pick at your talent.
perfectionists prosper wherever they go because they never do anything half hearted
)
rocksteadddy!!!
(btw I can't comment w my intensedebate account
Hey, Good luck with the new endeavour!
It's easier to make such decisions without having to think of commitments or retirement plans.
I'm always awed by people who give up a good career for their dreams! I'm sure this exciting new route for you is definitely going to be GOODSTUPH! ALL THE BEST, PAT!
You'll enjoy this route I'm sure! One-woman boutique is tough. But hey! You're a badass marketer! All the best Pat! Welcome to the journey of entrepreneurship!
Hang in there kiddo.
Will be saying a prayer for your dad.
Good luck and all the best girl.
ALL THE BEST!
Sorry to hear about your dad, will say a prayer for him too. All the best in your new and exciting journey!
FUYOH!! Pat Law leaving.. Damn girl… keep the fire burning.. you have my support.. *throws blog at u*
Only just read this, sorry to hear the news babe, hope your dad gets well and you’re not doing too badly either
Cosa buena!
Me encanta mucho lo que escribiste! Muy bien.