I learned that I love the freedom, flexibility, and creativity of startup environments.
I learned that having enough money is important, but more money will never motivate me if I lack passion or belief in a company’s larger vision.
I learned that removing myself from my normal environment (in this case, New York) was a great way to reflect on next steps for my career. Even if I did it during a time when I had just made a bit of a career misstep!
I met a bunch of great people (who all moved back to New York, too) that have made a great impact on my life.
When I look at it this way, it doesn’t feel much like a failure. It just feels like a very necessary learning experience.