Do you need a new job or do you need a break?

Anu Bharadwaj, once a promising employee at Atlassian, found herself contemplating a career change. After working there for only two years, she felt the need to quit due to the long hours and intense pressure. In a surprising turn of events, her boss proposed a counteroffer: a year off to pursue her passions, with a promise to keep the door open if she ever wanted to return to her tech career.

Anu took this opportunity to immerse herself in wildlife conservation, a field that had always fascinated her. Upon returning to Atlassian, she went on to lead the company's successful transition to the cloud, eventually taking on roles such as COO and president.

Struggling with the decision of whether to leave a job or simply take a break, Anu contemplated several key questions. First, she considered whether the issue was with the job or the company itself. Atlassian's values of honesty and open communication resonated with Anu, who had previously worked as a game developer for Microsoft. She appreciated the company's supportive environment and felt a strong connection to the team.

Next, Anu pondered if she respected her current and future bosses. At Atlassian, Scott Farquhar, the CEO, recognized her potential and provided her with the space to explore new opportunities. He exemplified the qualities of a champion, going above and beyond to help her succeed, unlike mentors or sponsors who might only speak on her behalf or guide her indirectly.

Anu also evaluated which aspects of her job still energized her. Despite the exhaustion, she still enjoyed interacting with customers, a task that brought her immense satisfaction. This realization led her to focus on the parts of her job that brought her joy, rather than abandoning the entire position.

Furthermore, she questioned whether she would continue learning and growing if she returned to Atlassian. Her year away in wildlife conservation exposed her to diverse perspectives and challenges, ultimately preparing her for new opportunities. This experience allowed her to return with a fresh outlook, capable of navigating complex problems and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.

Lastly, Anu reflected on what she might do instead of returning to her tech role. After her sabbatical, she left her executive position to pursue a more flexible and fulfilling career. She now supports founders and enjoys spending time on personal interests, such as hiking and caring for her cats. Anu's story highlights the importance of taking a step back to reassess one's career path, taking into account not only the challenges of the job but also the possibility of discovering a new direction that aligns better with personal values and aspirations.