Brett Gunlock/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesChief Financial Officer of one of the most important tech companies in the world is a hard position to step away from. But Google CFO Patrick Pichette did just that, and when you read the powerful memo explaining his decision, you'll understand why.
Pichette announced his retirement from the high-ranking position on Tuesday, and he was very candid and honest about what led him to this moment. His letter, which was posted on his Google+ page, is full of inspirational advice about balancing your career self and the person you are outside of your job title.
Pichette's journey to retirement started with a trip to Africa, where his wife suggested they should keep traveling and seeing the world. He initially skirted around the idea of leaving Google, which is when she asked what he called "the killer question."
"So when is it going to be time? Our time? My time?"
After 30 years of non-stop working and with their kids all grown up, Patrick realized it was time to say goodbye to Google and start living the life of a husband:
"But the short answer is simply that I could not find a good argument to tell Tamar we should wait any longer for us to grab our backpacks and hit the road - celebrate our last 25 years together by turning the page and enjoy a perfectly fine mid life crisis full of bliss and beauty, and leave the door open to serendipity for our next leadership opportunities, once our long list of travels and adventures is exhausted.
In the end, life is wonderful, but nonetheless a series of trade offs, especially between business/professional endeavors and family/community. And thankfully, I feel I'm at a point in my life where I no longer have to have to make such tough choices anymore. And for that I am truly grateful. Carpe Diem."
To hear more about his choice to leave the tech giant behind, read Patrick's full memo at his Google+ page.