Leaving a six-figure position at Google might seem unthinkable for many, but for Joslyn Orgill, it was the step that aligned her career with her passions. As a data engineer at one of the world’s top tech companies, Orgill had achieved a milestone many aspire to, yet she found herself questioning the impact and fulfillment of her work.
Concerns about job security, visibility within a large organization, and a desire for more meaningful engagement prompted her to take a bold turn toward academia.
Building a Strong Foundation
Orgill’s journey began long before Google. She completed both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in information systems through an integrated program at Brigham Young University. During her studies, she gained valuable experience with internships at ExxonMobil and Adobe. These early experiences positioned her as a strong candidate for a full-time role in tech.
Her initial attraction to Google was natural. After a referral from her sister-in-law, Orgill received an offer for a cloud technical resident role in Austin in November 2021. She was drawn to the company’s energy and culture, noting, “I just loved the vibes. I was really excited to work at Google.”
The Reality of Corporate Life
Instagram | a_a_n_kr_ | Joslyn Orgill left a high-paying Google engineering role to pursue more fulfilling work.
Despite the prestige and financial stability, Orgill began to feel overlooked in a massive organization. Her work often seemed disconnected from the impact she hoped to make.
Job security became a growing concern, particularly when Google announced plans to lay off around 12,000 employees just six months into her tenure. Opportunities within the company and across the tech industry were limited, making career growth less certain during a hiring slowdown. Teaching and mentoring, experiences she enjoyed as an adjunct professor at BYU, lingered in her mind as a more fulfilling path.
Her reflections led to a clear realization: “I wanted more out of my career and my life, something that I was more passionate about than what I could achieve at a big company like Google.”
Taking the Leap
Orgill weighed her options carefully. She considered switching roles inside and outside Google but found few positions that excited her. She also recognized that postponing her aspirations could leave lasting regret.
“I felt like there were so many reasons not to — I’m making enough money, we just bought a house — but I realized that if I don’t do it now, I’ll always be wondering: what if I had?”
In August 2023, Orgill resigned from Google to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science with a focus on education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While the program typically takes four to six years, she is exploring a future in academia, aiming to broaden participation in technology and inspire underrepresented groups to pursue careers in computer science.
Balancing Finances and Life Changes
Instagram | illinois1867 | Orgill resigned from Google in August 2023 to pursue doctoral studies at UIUC.
Transitioning from a lucrative tech role to a Ph.D. program involved financial adjustments. Orgill received three years of university funding and a modest monthly stipend. Her husband’s remote job allowed the couple to relocate to Illinois, while their Austin home is rented out to friends, partially offsetting the mortgage.
Adjusting to a new routine and academic demands has been challenging but rewarding. Orgill frequently reflects on her teaching experiences at BYU when doubts arise.
“That’s what I go back to when I’m scared because giving up a salary and all of the benefits that I had was a big deal,” she explained.
Advice for Major Career Shifts
For individuals contemplating a significant career pivot, Orgill emphasizes weighing financial trade-offs and securing support from loved ones. A supportive partner, understanding of the risks and encouraging pursuit of passion, played a key role in her transition.
Her journey highlights an important truth: meaningful work often requires leaving comfort zones behind. Those who take calculated risks can align their careers with purpose and personal fulfillment, even in uncertain times.
Joslyn Orgill’s path demonstrates that career satisfaction extends beyond salary and prestige. By prioritizing impact, teaching, and mentorship, she is crafting a professional life centered on influence, learning, and contribution.
Her story reflects a growing trend of professionals seeking work that resonates with their values and long-term goals, even if it means stepping away from high-paying corporate roles.