I was asked difficult questions with good intentions and was empowered to articulate the reasons behind my choice. A valuable exercise, especially since I will be working in the gaming/gambling industry. If Web3 already has a polemic status, imagine saying you'll be building decentralized poker! It might seem off the path to some, considering my drive to make a real difference. Yet, in this role, I see an opportunity to bring fairness and transparency to an area that's been fraught with skepticism, while simultaneously polishing my skills. I'm excited about using technology I'm passionate about for a good cause. Plus, being a single parent, the stability this job promises is critical for me and my kids. It's about finding that balance between making an impact and providing for my family, and I feel this move aligns with both.

Still, it was a bittersweet moment. While I was able to express the reasons behind my choice and my excitement about the new challenges ahead, I realized how close we've become and how much I've enjoyed our daily interactions. Even though we'll continue working on other projects together, our shared time will be drastically reduced, and I know I'll miss it.

I spent the rest of my afternoon in a melancholic state, reminiscing about our onsites and the few times that we met in person. Despite being a remote team we have managed to form meaningful bonds. An era is over, and a new one is beginning. This career change has been the hardest I’ve ever faced but I am grateful for its difficulty because it shows how much I appreciate these individuals.

I am fortunate to have shared these emotions with my children, who also expressed sadness; they, too, have built relationships with my team. My team has shown nothing but understanding for my family circumstances, even making efforts to host our last onsite close to home and include my children in our activities.

As I look ahead, I can’t help but feel excited about the opportunities awaiting me in my new role. Delving deeper into the world of smart contracts—a field I am deeply passionate about—offers a chance to tackle complex problems that stimulate my professional growth. Additionally, leading a team again is something I’ve missed and greatly look forward to. It’s an aspect of my career that brings me immense joy and fulfillment, allowing me to mentor and inspire others as I have been inspired by my past experiences.

Reflecting and writing about this experience brings tears to my eyes. The joys and struggles I've shared with this remarkable group of people are best described by Khalil Gibran: “When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”