nick.org

I don't feel fulfilled at Isilon. I haven't quite figured it out - I have
fantasies of being in Japan, fantasies of being in graduate school, fantasies
of being involved with Mathematics - but I don't know if those are just tools
to escape the present or real dreams. I don't know if I would be at Isilon
if I wasn't worried about finances. What if I had all the money in the world?
What would I do? This is something very serious to think about.

The last few months (and realistically, the last few years), I've really been
struggling with whether I wanted to quit my job and pursue a PhD. However,
my opportunities at Isilon are just too exciting to pass up - it is very rare
to be able to stay at a successful company as it moves from a startup stage
to a public company. I'm in a unique position to influence and shape the
organization as it grows - and these types of opportunities are few and far
between. I've decided to put off any plans to pursue a PhD. Instead, I will
stay at Isilon until it is no longer exciting. It will take a few days (weeks)
for the impact of my decision to be felt, but I already feel relieved.

Work has kicked into overdrive lately and I find myself working more than I
would like. There is a convergence of several events, so hopefully this is
just a temporary fad and nothing more permanent. I worry about not spending
enough time with Eriko and Jerry.