Millennial Leaves $600K Google Job for Purpose-Driven Life

A Career Change That Led to a Ph.D. in Computer Science

Joslyn Orgill made a bold decision that many would find surprising — she left her six-figure job as a data engineer at Google to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science. Her journey was driven by a desire for more meaningful work and a growing concern about job security in the tech industry.

Orgill had built a successful career in the tech field, starting with internships at ExxonMobil and Adobe. She earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in information systems from Brigham Young University through an integrated program. In 2021, she landed a full-time cloud technical resident role at Google, based in Austin, which she described as a dream job. However, over time, she began to feel "unseen" and questioned whether her work was making a real impact.

The Decision to Leave

The turning point came when Google announced plans to lay off around 12,000 workers in January 2023. This event shook Orgill and made her question her future in the tech industry. At the same time, she found herself drawn back to teaching, a passion she had explored during her time as an adjunct professor at BYU.

She realized that staying in her current role might mean putting off what she truly wanted to do. "If I don’t do it now, I’ll always be wondering: what if I had?" she said. This realization led her to make the difficult decision to leave Google and pursue a Ph.D. in computer science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Financial Considerations and Support

Leaving a high-paying job is no small decision, and Orgill faced financial challenges. She received three years of funding from the university, along with a modest monthly stipend. Her husband’s ability to work remotely and keep his job helped ease the transition. However, selling their home in Austin proved difficult, so they are renting it out while living in an apartment near campus.

Despite the financial sacrifices, Orgill has found the Ph.D. program to be rewarding. She often reflects on her time teaching at BYU, which reminded her of the fulfillment she once felt. "That’s what I go back to when I’m scared," she said. "Getting a Ph.D. is a lot of work, and obviously giving up a salary and all of the benefits that I had was a big deal."

Advice for Others Considering a Career Pivot

Orgill’s experience offers valuable insights for others contemplating a major career change. She emphasized the importance of considering how much you’re willing to give up financially to pursue more meaningful work. Additionally, having a supportive partner can make a significant difference. "My husband was incredibly supportive and wanted me to find something that I was passionate about," she said.

Her larger goal is to help broaden participation in the computer science field, especially among underrepresented groups. "I want other people to feel confident that they can do something with technology," she said.

Final Thoughts

Orgill’s story highlights the complex decisions many professionals face in today’s evolving job market. While the path she chose was not easy, it reflects a growing trend of individuals seeking more agency and fulfillment in their careers. Whether through academic pursuits, entrepreneurship, or other paths, the desire for meaningful work continues to shape the choices of many.