opensoul.org

Leaving Collective Idea

I have grown dissatisfied with my work as of late, and I have decided to leave Collective Idea.

The depth and breadth of what Collective Idea does has grown over the years: contracting, consulting, training, product development, open source, maintenance on client applications. All worthy endeavors, and all things that we do very well.

But I’m ready to focus on one thing and pour all of my time and energy into it. I want to finish something and be able to honestly tell myself that I did my best.

That’s not something that can easily be done while fulfilling all the duties that go along with helping to run a company. Nor is it easy to alter the trajectory of a company with a culture and habits suited for the work currently being done.

So it’s time for me to move on.

What are you doing next?

Leaving a company that I helped build has made it difficult to think clearly about what I want to do next. I hope by the time I run out of money (sometime late next week) I will figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

I wish the guys at Collective Idea the best of luck. I have no doubt that they will continue to do great work.

announcement and collectiveidea December 02, 2010

17 Comments

  1. Daniel Morrison Daniel Morrison December 3, 2010

    We’re sad to see you go, but expect you to continue to be a big part of the community. 

    Thanks for some great times!

  2. Steve Richert Steve Richert December 3, 2010

    Wow, what a shock (to me, at least)! Best of luck, and don’t pull a _why.

  3. Derek Kastner Derek Kastner December 3, 2010

    Definitely a big change!  Good luck!  I’m sure whatever you pour skills into next will be something very good and worthwhile indeed.

  4. Brandon Keepers Brandon Keepers December 3, 2010

    Daniel Morrison: I’m sad to go too. I will definitely miss working with you guys every day.

  5. Brian Ryckbost Brian Ryckbost December 3, 2010

    Sad to see ya go, but I hope nothing but the best for you in the future.

  6. Amanda Chocko Amanda Chocko December 3, 2010

    Good luck in your new adventures, Brandon!

  7. Nick Nick December 3, 2010

    Woh!  Going to miss having you around the office!  

  8. Brandon Keepers Brandon Keepers December 3, 2010

    Nick: Likewise.  But don’t worry, I’ll still drop by. I wouldn’t want the kegerator to get lonely!

  9. Daniel Morrison Daniel Morrison December 3, 2010

    Brandon Keepers: although we’ll bill you for each pint!

  10. Aaron Schaap Aaron Schaap December 3, 2010

    Well dang. I’m sure it was a tough decision. I admire ya for focusing on yourself. 

  11. Chris Van Pelt Chris Van Pelt December 3, 2010

    I think you should move to San Francisco.  I know of a few startups that are hiring…

  12. Rick Rick December 3, 2010

    WHOA WHOA WHOA… wait just one minute! This is not official until I’m drinking a beer at the “We Wish Brandon The Best” get together.  So the obvious question is – when and where?

  13. John Hwang John Hwang December 4, 2010

    Brandon! I remember the first time we met at the Ruby User Group Meetup 6 years ago when you showed up with Daniel as part of CollectiveIdea. It must have been a tough decision. I respect the bold step you’re taking. I’ll be praying for you and wishing you the best.

  14. Zach Dennis Zach Dennis December 4, 2010

    Wow! I didn’t see this coming! I’ve been way too out of touch with you guys. I wish both you and CollectiveIdea the best. I hope our paths cross again, both personally (I need a tennis rematch) and professionally (I have loved working with you all in the past).

  15. Brandon Keepers Brandon Keepers December 4, 2010

    Chris Van Pelt: Unfortunately, moving is not an option right now.

    Rick: We could make that happen.

  16. Matt Scott Matt Scott December 3, 2010

    Good luck to you!

  17. Keith Gaddis Keith Gaddis December 3, 2010

    We’re all sad to see you going… Its been a great pleasure working with you over the last year.  Every time we pair up I learn a little something new from you, so I hope we get a chance to collaborate again in the future.  Regardless, the team that gets to work with you on your next project should count themselves fortunate to have you, and I hope you find whatever challenges you’re looking for.

    Happy coding, my friend!

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My name is Brandon Keepers. I like to build things, usually in Ruby or JavaScript. I work at GitHub and live in Holland, MI.

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