What's Next

Apr 1, 2025

Well, it feels like the end of an era. After 5½ incredible years at Aurora, it’s time for the next adventure. I joined when Aurora was just a two-year-old startup, and now they have almost 2000 incredibly talented employees and are on the brink of their Commercial Launch. It may sound like I drank the Kool-Aid, but I truly believe self-driving vehicles will change the world for the better. I couldn’t be prouder of my small contributions to that, but above all, I’ve been lucky to work with some of the smartest, hardest working people I’ve ever met.

As I think about what’s next, I’m both reflective and energized. I plan to take a well-earned break to recharge, pursue side projects, and focus on some personal growth. On the horizon:

• Investing in this website. I want it to be a resource for anyone who wants to keep up on the latest Atlassian related news, as well as a place to share what I’ve learned during my almost decade of experience in this space. From blog posts to full, comprehensive guides. And even expand beyond just the Atlassian tools. I’m generally excited about any technology that makes people more productive and effective. I’m particularly excited about all of the potential that LLM AIs have to offer.
• Focusing on my photography. I am way behind on editing shoots. I recently purchased an entry-level professional photo printer and I am looking forward to printing more of my work. And I am setting up a portrait studio in my loft apartment.
• Travelling. I’ve only been outside of North America once. I’ve just never had the time to really travel, and when I do I always go home to Alaska to visit my family. I want to change that.
• Working some side projects. I have a few ideas for some apps that would not only be really interesting, but even potentially a nice source of side income. I just haven’t had the time to implement them, yet.
• Upskilling. Completing a few Coursera Specializations, earning AWS certifications, tackling the Atlassian Certified Administration Expert credential, and even exploring potentially going to Grad School. All things I’ve wanted to do for a while, just lacked the time.

This break feels like the perfect opportunity to balance creativity, adventure, and learning. I’m not actively job hunting, but I’ve learned that great opportunities have a way of finding you, especially when you’re not looking. If something truly compelling arises, I’ll certainly consider it.

Thank you to everyone at Aurora for making these years so meaningful. Here’s to the next chapter and all the possibilities that lie ahead as this era comes to a close. I wish you all the best, and I have no doubt you’ll continue to change the world.