My Path Out of the Corporate World

I have generally followed the path most travelled. Go to school, get a degree, start a career and climb the corporate ladder. I’ve spent over a decade in data science and analytics — an objectively good career by most standards. It pays well, intellectually challenging, and respected (hey, I get to tell people I’m a “scientist”). From an outsider’s perspective, I’m doing great.

Inside, however, there is an ever growing pull away from this corporate work life and towards something new. Something independent. The systems I’ve built my career on no longer align with the systems I want in my life.

This blog—Unbiased Estimator—is my way of documenting this change. A public notebook for how I can possibly engineer a rewarding career outside the corporate world.


Why I’m crazy enough to leave

To be clear: I’m not running from a nightmare job. It’s actually a pretty great one.

I’ve been lucky to work at a great company since I was 20 years old with smart people, many of whom have become close friends. I’ve been able to work on interesting problems and grow professionally. As the years stack up, the longer I’ve been in the corporate world, the more I’ve felt the trade-offs: energy draining Teams meetings, projects in an endless loop, and the feeling my work is no longer rewarding.

More than anything, the person I’m becoming isn’t who I am. I am tired of adhering to a 8-to-5 schedule. I am tired of employees who perform just well enough for a lukewarm review and a 3% raise. If work is what I spend approximately 35% of my waking hours doing, I’d like to actually look forward to some things and not just the weekends.

This realization doesn’t come with a dramatic resignation letter—yet. I’m still in the 8-to-5. But I am setting a goal: by the time I’m 40, I’ll be out. Not only because I’m burned out, but because I’m ready to build something different.


What’s the point of documenting this? 

So Unbiased, why make a big show of this and document it on the internet? I could make this journey privately. In a nice journal. With a fine nib Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen with iroshizuku ink. But here’s why I’m documenting it on this blog:

Accountability

Documenting this path online creates friction—in a good way. When I publish a post, I’m not just thinking aloud or sharing my thoughts. I’m putting a small flag on the ground (the cyber ground, that is) and saying: this matters to me. Otherwise, it’s easy to give up and look back in 18 months regretting that I didn’t follow through with this, yet again.

Thinking with better clarity

You learn best when you have to teach someone the thing. That’s kind of what this is. How can I possibly write about the things I’m thinking about and passionate about in a half assed way? I can’t (my personality won’t let me). I need to get this on a page to clarify my perspective and be able to share where I can bring value into the world. 

Help others who feel like me

If you’re reading this, chances are maybe you feel or felt the same way at some point. Maybe you’re binging Gary Vee YouTube videos on how to be an entrepreneur and leave your passionless job. Maybe you’ve been collecting skills, hobbies, or side projects that don’t fit your day job. Maybe you just want more autonomy for your values and your time.

If so, I hope this blog is for you. Not because I have all the answers (I don’t), but because I’m willing to talk out loud.


What I’m Writing About

This isn’t just a blog about quitting. It’s about thinking differently. Applying helpful systems, teaching yourself vs. status-quo learning, financially FIRE-curious, hobby-loving exploration of what a good life might look like beyond the windows of a corporate tower.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Systems Thinking – I’ll talk about how I apply feedback loops, incentives, and design principles that helped me excel in my work and how to use it in life outside of work.
  • Self-Directed Learning – I didn’t become a Data Science Manager for a large company because I have an advanced degree (I don’t). I did because I taught myself all the technical and soft skills I needed to excel in my career. I’ll show you how I approach learning in fast and attainable ways.
  • Financial Independence (especially CoastFIRE) – I’m not retiring early. I’m trying to buy my independence. I’ll share the tools, strategies, and numbers I used to reach CoastFIRE in my mid-30s.
  • Hobbies – I am OBSESSED with trading card games, fountain pens, excellent coffee, and collecting vinyl records. These help remind me that life isn’t always about the career path. And there is a lot of intrigue to be had in these hobbies to write about. 
  • My Exit Plan – I’ll share honest updates about my path away from corporate life—what’s working, what’s hard, and what’s next. God willing, I’ll reach my goal before I enter the next decade.

I’m too boring to be a hustle bro. Unfortunately, I also don’t know how to “manifest” success. 

But I am a curious, analytical person documenting a scary, but thoughtful transition—one decision at a time.

If you feel the desire to begin to chart your own path—whether that’s toward CoastFIRE or just more freedom and independence —I hope this blog provides you value, either in giving you ah-ha moments, something to relate to, or just entertainment.

If that resonates with you, come along for the journey.

unbiased estimator
unbiased estimator
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