I SHOULD I STAY I XX I
Should I stay or should I go? The dream of becoming a gründer Signe-Marie Hernes Bjerke, also known as Sigma, left DNV GL in December 2016 and started up on her own in Teambyggerne AS. It was strange to leave DNV GL after 16 years, but she brought the DNV GL values with her and still keeps in touch with former colleagues and friends. In this article she share her story and provides some key learnings and good advice. TEXT: SIGNE-MARIE HERNES BJERKE
General meeting, September 2016. It felt unreal. We had just learned that DNV GL Energy Advisory no longer needed Management Consulting. They would focus on technical advice to help the power industry. Thus, they shut down our department of risk management, process improvement, quality and management experts. After 16 years at Veritas, I had 14 days to find a new job internally or leave DNV GL. THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF CONVERSION I had just worked a year in the HR department, seeing how downsizing affects both those who have to go and those who remain. I had also seen how fast 14 days can go. Several colleagues had their self-esteem tested trying to find a job. Suddenly I realised that it was my turn. I went for a long walk along the beach. My mind struggled with many thoughts. Long ago, I had dreamed of starting my own business, but a busy family life and the need for a secure income had kept me back. In addition, I was so incredibly fond of my workplace. Of the vision, the values, the location and the great colleagues. But, now what? Isn’t it too late to start again when you have turned 50?
Gründer rule number 1: ”Get out there!” As soon as I had decided to venture into the unknown, I got a whole new energy. Now I was just going for it! Fulfil the dream. I knew nothing about starting my own business, but it helped to join the entrepreneur program for AS3. I also learned rule number 1 as a newbie entrepreneur: ”Get out there!” If you have nothing else on the agenda, invite an old friend to lunch or have a coffee with a former colleague. Have a chat, ask questions and find out: What do they need out there? What do they need help with? In this way I learned a lot. Gründer rule number 2: ”Network is all!” I got a lot of energy from contacting friends I had not really talked with for many years. With my family and a full consultancy job, I had spent too little time with
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The dream was still there, along with a real ”now or never” feeling. But my inner voice was merciless: ”Who do you think you are? It will never work! You, an introvert! You, who hate sales! How will you manage to get customers? Why not just apply for the available information security job? You must be mad to leave Veritas! ”
MY BEST ADVICE IF YOU LOSE YOUR JOB If you end up in a similar situation, my best advice is: Find someone to chat with! Yes, find many to chat with! For me, this was absolutely crucial. Those who mattered most in those turbulent days were my HR consultant, my wonderful coach at the corporate health service, a number of good colleagues and, not least, the good support from VEFF. Instead of going around looking for jobs and losing my self-esteem, it was boosted by all the great people who gave me support. To me, this was crucial for daring to step out. Nina at VEFF also advised me on free legal assistance, which would never have occurred to me. This was worth gold, in order to get an overview of the situation.
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