When potential employers look at my resume, most would instantly reject me without so much as a second thought. Why? It is because I have never been “loyal” to any of the companies I have worked for, at least by traditional standards.

In the last 20 years, I have worked for 8 different companies and have never held a job for more than 4 years. 6 out of 8 those times, I left on my own accord for the following reasons:

• Lack of teamwork
• Lack of challenges and hence, opportunities for growth
• Lack of innovation and excellence
• Lack of integrity
• Lack of corporate social responsibility

I passed up salaries, promotions, and benefits that, if I disclose them, would make your jaws drop. I did all this because my values did not align with those of the companies I worked for. I prioritized my happiness and even signed on jobs that paid far less.

While my short tenures may be considered a black mark by many employers, they are a testament to my strong core values that have shaped me into the person I am today. I no longer need the validation of short-sighted employers, because the fact that I now successfully run my own company and have tripled its growth in the 2 years is proof enough that I am damn good at what I do!