Today was my last day at Aalto University (formerly known as Helsinki University of Technology). I’ve worked there 11 years (and had at least as many fixed-term contracts). Early this Spring, when it started to look like things might come to an end at Aalto, I started writing a blogpost nitpicking the pros and cons of academic work. Today, it all seems quite pointless and I want to focus on the big picture:

• I’ve specified the projects I work on (mostly) myself.
• I’ve constantly learned new technologies and skills.
• I’ve traveled to interesting places (like Lisbon, Macau, Frankfurt, Canterbury, and Beijing in just the past five months).
• I’ve worked with smart and motivated people.

That’s what matters in the end, and that’s why I’ve stayed in the same place for the past 11 years. So a big thank you to all the great people I’ve been allowed to work with! I’m sure I’ll see you someday somewhere!

PS. If you know of an interesting position at a university or a company, let me know :)