I thought I was leaving for more

When I started at Paylocity in 2017, I was excited. What stood out right away was how often I heard the same thing from everyone I met. People genuinely loved working here. It did not feel scripted or forced. It felt real and consistent in the way people showed up every day.

That impression was reinforced almost immediately. I was struck by how generous people were with their time and how willing they were to collaborate. We are all competitive, but that competitiveness never comes at the expense of each other. I remember a colleague driving from Tennessee to Northwest Arkansas just to help me close a deal in a space I was still learning. He did not ask for credit. He just wanted me to win. That moment stayed with me because it captured what makes this place different.

A few years later, I made a decision to leave for an opportunity that, at the time, felt logical. On paper, the opportunity I was offered elsewhere looked better. More money. More perks. I was transparent with leadership when I left and said this was not goodbye, just see you later. I believed I was making a move that would help me grow.

It did not take long to realize I had underestimated what I was leaving behind. The differences showed up in small moments at first. I was told I should not email a senior leader directly to say thank you because I had not followed the proper chain of command. That stood out to me because at Paylocity, accessibility is normal and respect goes both ways. Not long after, I started hearing that clients needed us more than we needed them. That mindset did not align with how I believe business should be done. I believe in partnership. I believe in relationships that are built on trust and follow-through.

Over time, those differences became harder to ignore. I found myself missing the things I had taken for granted. I missed the collaboration. I missed the trust. I missed being able to tell a client something would get done and knowing it actually would. I also realized how much I valued being in an environment that supported both performance and balance. I believe in work-life harmony, and I could feel the absence of it.

The decision to come back to Paylocity was not one moment. It was a realization that grew over time. When I finally reached out and said I was ready, the response said everything. There was no ego. No hesitation. Just a genuine focus on what was best for me and my family. That kind of response is not something you find everywhere.

Coming back felt natural. Conversations picked up where they left off. The culture I remembered was still there. The collaboration, the accountability, and the support were all exactly as I had experienced before.

Looking back, I learned something I did not fully understand the first time. Paylocity is one of the few places where you do not have to choose between success and values. You can be competitive without being cutthroat. You can grow your career while still showing up for your family. You can build something meaningful alongside people who want to see you succeed.

There are many companies that will pay you to hit a number. Very few will stand behind your word, protect your reputation, and create an environment where people show up for each other every day. That combination is what makes Paylocity special.