It’s been a turbulent week, but in the midst of my fears and doubts, I’ve arrived at a profound realization: sometimes, the best way to win is to step out of the game entirely.
In America’s political upheaval, with forces aligning to deepen division, bigotry, and control, I’m choosing an unconventional strategy. I’m choosing not to play.
I am uprooting the clan and moving to Northern Ireland, something I never considered until last week. I am not advocating anyone else do the same, but let me explain the reasoning.
In marketing and business, we talk about inflection points—a moment when a fundamental shift creates an opportunity/need to pivot. We see it as a turning point, a chance to reset direction and seize new possibilities.
It's Two Nations Now
Right now, we’re at an inflection point both individually and collectively, personally and professionally. How do we best protect those we love? How do we maintain the equilibrium we worked so hard to achieve after the last round of chaos.
It is probably easier to see the threats to our loved ones. The racism, misogyny and antisemitism are a clear and present danger for many of us. But make no mistake, the work we do is just as much at risk.
Going forward we must realize we’re trying to reach two different nations, which often have diametrically opposed sets of values. And the slightest misstep can have devastating repercussion, as we’ve already seen.
Companies like Home Depot are already seeing a hit to their bottom line from boycotts. The company’s offense, it’s founder, who is no longer with the company, was a big Trump supporter.
On the flip side of the coin there are countless companies that have run afoul of MAGA sentiments for either challenging Donald Trump or supporting the rights of marginalized communities. Think about the backlash to Bud Light for daring to court supporters of trans rights, or Nike for it’s support of Colin Kaepernick.
If you thought the whole Starbuck’s holiday cup controversy was bad before…
What Fresh Hell?
As I consider these realities, I realize that a seismic shift has occurred—not just in America, but within me. My work, my life, even my identity as an American feels altered by forces that challenge every value I hold dear.
The political landscape has turned into a minefield where navigating my principles feels nearly impossible. So I am leaving. Sure, I could wait to see if it gets as bad as we think. But why? Do you remember the last time waking up every morning to see what chaos he was stirring up with tweets in the middle of the night?
I do, and I'm not doing it again.
This move to Northern Ireland is my pivot—a decision to embrace a fresh start in a place that has weathered its own turbulent history and emerged with a deep commitment to peace. Here, democracy breathes with resilience, and people live in a society that, while not without scars, understands the value of dialogue and the price of division.
Lessons Learned
In Northern Ireland, the struggle for rights has transformed into a dedication to protecting them, creating a space where my family can thrive without constantly battling for the freedoms others take for granted."
This isn’t a retreat—it’s a strategy grounded in the principles of game theory. When the rules are rigged, when participating means legitimizing a system that no longer represents my values, choosing not to play becomes an empowered decision.
It’s an assertion of agency, a refusal to invest in a game that’s abandoned its moral compass. I am pivoting not out of fear, but with purpose—to shape a life aligned with my values in a place where compassion and justice aren’t just ideals but living practices.
Northern Ireland offers my family a chance to live in a society that, while not without flaws, still upholds basic human decency. In this place, democracy exists as it should—a realm for dialogue, empathy, and growth, not a struggle for survival.
I want my family—and all our friends—to have a refuge where strength isn’t only measured by staying and fighting, but also by recognizing when to pivot and choosing where to invest our energy.
This Is STILL My Home
It’s not an easy choice. My identity is rooted in America—my memories, my hopes, my history all trace back to this country. But there’s also freedom in letting go.
As I witness the rise of hostility, the erosion of rights, and a political landscape where cruelty masquerades as policy, I realize that the most powerful move is not to fight a losing battle but to forge my own path, to pivot toward something better.
The struggles in America won’t disappear and watching them from afar will be difficult. I’m rooting for those who stay and continue to fight for decency, compassion, and a society that values its people.
But my decision to leave is a reminder that we all have choices, and sometimes not playing a rigged game is the wisest choice. It’s a strategy that allows me to focus on what matters: a life where my family can thrive, free from fear and hostility.
To those staying behind: remember that you don’t have to accept the terms set by others. We are all at an inflection point, a chance to reassess and realign with our values. Sometimes, the boldest act is to step back, to pivot, and reclaim your agency on your own terms.
I may be across the Atlantic, but my heart remains with the countless people who refuse to give up on a better America. This isn’t a farewell; it’s simply a choice to live by my own rules, in a world that aligns with my principles.
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