Leaving Happy Cog

2009 Jan 06
Comments 133
Published In Business, Personal, Press
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After nearly five years of working with some of the smartest and most caring people I’ve ever met, I’ve decided to leave Happy Cog.

This was a tough decision for me to make; everyone at Happy Cog is like family to me. I’ve learned a tremendous amount during my time on board, much of it just by watching and listening to how great people work. Jeffrey is one of the most creative guys around, and I’m thankful that he took a chance on me years ago.

Make no mistake, Happy Cog is the best company I’ve ever worked for. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work on a variety of great projects over the years, but it’s time for me to move on and try some new things.

Moving Forward

Luckily, I’m leaving on the best possible terms. I’ll still be working on A List Apart, speaking at An Event Apart from time to time, and maybe working on the occasional Happy Cog project, but from here on out I’m back in the freelance world. I’ve got a few projects in the works, including some interesting writing prospects, and will be taking on a few new consulting gigs.

To all of my friends and coworkers from the New York and Philadelphia Happy Cog offices, best of luck, I’ll miss working and learning with you every day.

133 Comments

Permalink for this comment essl says: January 06, 2009

Congratulations!
Permalink for this comment Chris Harrison says: January 06, 2009

Congrats on the move, Jason. I’m sure it was a tough decision to make, but you’re a talented guy. Good luck in the future!
Permalink for this comment Ethan says: January 06, 2009

Goodness gracious, that’s some news. Best of luck, Jason. (Not that you need it, mind. You talented jerk, you.)
Permalink for this comment Paul Grunt says: January 06, 2009

Wow! & Congratulations! :D
Permalink for this comment Todd Dietrich says: January 06, 2009

Good luck!
Permalink for this comment J. Cornelius says: January 06, 2009

Congratulations Jason – on both a successful stint with Happy Cog, and striking out on your own. Your talent will carry you to great places.
Permalink for this comment Michael Martin says: January 06, 2009

That must have been one difficult decision to make, but I suppose that constant change is what keeps you creative. 5 years is a long time there, and it’s great that you’re leaving on such good terms.

Good luck with your return to freelancing! I’m sure everything you’ve learnt at Happy Cog will continue to be a great boost to it. :)
Permalink for this comment Adam says: January 06, 2009

Mazel Tov!
Permalink for this comment Jason Zimdars says: January 06, 2009

Congratulations on the move. Happy Cog always seemed like a dream job — I’m surprised to see you moving on.

If they need another Jason to take your place, just let me know ;)
Permalink for this comment antoine e butler sr says: January 06, 2009

Wow, congratulations. Any move should be a move forward. I wish you luck and am glad to hear you’ll still be working The Cog and the “Aparts”. So I may have another chance to chat with you at an event in the future.

Good luck, well wishes, and can’t wait to see what you produce as a freelancer once again.

ps. good thing the economy has proven helpful to the independent creative.
Permalink for this comment Jason Armstrong says: January 06, 2009

Congratulations Jason! I bet it was a tough decision as Happy Cog seems like a fantastic company to work for. Best of luck to you in your freelance ventures. I’m looking forward to seeing what new projects you’ve got in the works especially when it comes to a book or books.
Permalink for this comment Jon Dale says: January 06, 2009

Congratulations, all the best for your new venture(s).
Permalink for this comment Dennis Eusebio says: January 06, 2009

Congrats on the new opportunities. Best of luck.
Permalink for this comment Ewan says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck!
Permalink for this comment kat neville says: January 06, 2009

Good luck Jason! I’m sure all your fans will be excited to see what projects you get working on. Does this mean more personal projects as well?
Permalink for this comment Greg Hoy says: January 06, 2009

We have missed your smiley face since you moved to Brooklyn, now we are going to miss you under the Happy Cog umbrella. Change is good, and you don’t need luck.
Permalink for this comment Dan says: January 06, 2009

Wow, two in one day. First Mel Kirk leaves Aardman and then you leave HappyCog. Great to see that people are still putting their all into progressing their careers in the web industry even though the world economy is going to hell in a handbasket.

I wish you the greatest of luck in your freelance career and look forward to seeing great things from you in the future.

Dan
Permalink for this comment David Perel says: January 06, 2009

Good luck with your endeavors Jason. I am sure it is an exciting time for you. Looking forward to seeing more of work!
Permalink for this comment Jason Gaylor says: January 06, 2009

Congratulations. Good luck with everything.
Permalink for this comment Jared says: January 06, 2009

I agree with my bro: that’s some news. Glad you’ve got some great prospects lined up for the future. Best of luck.
Permalink for this comment Paul Kelley says: January 06, 2009

Congratulations Jason, and best of luck. I’m looking forward to seeing you speak again at AEA:Boston 09.
Permalink for this comment Bridget Stewart says: January 06, 2009

Shocking! Best of luck to you as you strike out on your own. You’re incredibly talented, so I trust you will be successful in your endeavors.
Permalink for this comment Ryan Masuga says: January 06, 2009

Congratulations, Jason. You’re an amazing talent. Best of luck to you in this next phase of your life.
Permalink for this comment Nindya says: January 06, 2009

Good luck and best wishes for you :D
Permalink for this comment prisca says: January 06, 2009

Jason,
wow — that must have been truly a hard decision to make…
Good luck to you in your new ventures. Wishing you a fun & successful freelance future, with your talent I’m sure you’ll be working on some amazing new projects! :)
Have a happy & creative 2009!
Permalink for this comment Tanja says: January 06, 2009

Congratulations! Good on you to be moving on and leaving with such great experience with you.
Permalink for this comment rama says: January 06, 2009

wow, so many people are taking the plunge to freelance world. Great decision, and best of luck for you :)
Permalink for this comment Cotton Rohrscheib says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck, you are a talented guy!
Permalink for this comment Dan Mall says: January 06, 2009

Won’t be the same without you. We’ll keep the JSM voodoo doll around, just for old times’ sake.
Permalink for this comment Malarkey says: January 06, 2009

Good luck mate. See you in Boston.
Permalink for this comment Jason Santa Maria says: January 06, 2009

Wow, thank you all for the well wishing! I walked away for a minute to get coffee and came back to much goodness.
Permalink for this comment Jonny Haynes says: January 06, 2009

Hope it works out for you. Good look!
Permalink for this comment Rob Weychert says: January 06, 2009

I know this was a tough decision for you to make, but tough decisions lead to challenges, and challenges lead to rewards. Kudos for not letting yourself get too comfortable. Like everyone else, I look forward to seeing the great things you’ll do!
Permalink for this comment Martin Ringlein says: January 06, 2009

Congratulations Jason! Best of luck with freelancing, never been a better time to be out there.
Permalink for this comment Scott Jehl says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck, Jason.
Permalink for this comment David Sleight says: January 06, 2009

Best wishes to you and much luck with this next big step.
Permalink for this comment Shaun Santa Cruz says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck dude.
Permalink for this comment Ricky Irvine says: January 06, 2009

Ohhh dang!
Permalink for this comment Heather Shaw says: January 06, 2009

Miss you already, Jason! But I know you’ll do very well no matter where you go or what you do. :)
Permalink for this comment Aaron Irizarry says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck in your new adventures.
Permalink for this comment Dan Cederholm says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck for the future, hombre! It goes without saying, we’ll be watching :)
Permalink for this comment Aaron says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck (not that you’ll need any.)
Permalink for this comment Karl says: January 06, 2009

I’m more surprised by how long you’ve been with Happy Cog! Time sure does fly. Good luck with your new ventures.
Permalink for this comment Jeremy James says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck, Jason. Am sure you’ll be greatly missed at Happy Cog.
Permalink for this comment Sean Jordan says: January 06, 2009

All the best. May the grass actually be greener for you.
Permalink for this comment Greg says: January 06, 2009

Take the stapler with you Melvin!
Permalink for this comment Paul Annett says: January 06, 2009

Congratulations and good luck on the big freelancing adventure!
Permalink for this comment Jesse Gardner says: January 06, 2009

May your freelancing be profitable and your writing be prolific.
Permalink for this comment Mandy says: January 06, 2009

Congratulations! When everyone says it’s the worst of times to break out on your own, that usually means it’s the best of times. I’m taking this as a sign that—great depression or no—the new year will be a good (no, great!) one for web designers. Godspeed!
Permalink for this comment Colly says: January 06, 2009

Good luck my friend. A brave decision but an exciting one nonetheless.
Permalink for this comment Garrett Dimon says: January 06, 2009

Wow. Best of luck with everything, and naturally, let me know if there’s ever anything I can do to help.
Permalink for this comment Tory Hobson says: January 06, 2009

Good luck to you, Jason (not that you need it).
Permalink for this comment Amy Stoddard says: January 06, 2009

Can’t wait to see what you’ll design as an independent. Best of luck, Jason.
Permalink for this comment John Niedermeyer says: January 06, 2009

Congrats, Jason!
Permalink for this comment Carolyn Wood says: January 06, 2009

Exciting change for you—congratulations! The hints about those future projects are intriguing. Hmmm.

Glad you are staying on at ALA!
Permalink for this comment Naz Hamid says: January 06, 2009

Godspeed Jason!
Permalink for this comment Ryan Carson says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck bud – I know you’ll kick ass. I’m sure HC are really sad to see you go.
Permalink for this comment Ross Johnson says: January 06, 2009

Sounds like a hard choice to make, but congratz on the new exciting ventures to come.

As we say at the brickyard, hope you enjoy “living the dream” (said with only slight sarcasm)
Permalink for this comment Beth says: January 06, 2009

Wow, Jason, that is exciting news! It is inspiring that you are leaving your comfort zone and steady gig to take on new challenges, something I really need to do myself. I admire your courage to make this change, and I wish you all the best in your new endeavors. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Beth
Permalink for this comment Matt Jacobs says: January 06, 2009

Congrats, sir!
Permalink for this comment Chris J. Davis says: January 06, 2009

I for one welcome our new Freelancing, writing project overlord.

It goes without saying that you are wished much luck and success JSM. I am very much looking forward to your “Writing Projects”.
Permalink for this comment Tom Watson says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck to you sir! It sounds like everything is on good terms, so huzzah!
Permalink for this comment Matt Robin says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck Jason – it’ll be interesting to see what you do next in 2009.
Permalink for this comment Marc Jenkins says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck Jason! I hope you keep us posted on your business endeavors.
Permalink for this comment Marko Mihelcic says: January 06, 2009

Good luck! looking forward to your upcoming work!
Permalink for this comment swissmiss says: January 06, 2009

Welcome to the world of freelancers/consultants! Need a desk space? Come and work from our studio! We’d love to have you!
Permalink for this comment Steve Killen says: January 06, 2009

Wow those are some big shoes to fill at Happy Cog. Here’s hoping that you’re still involved in the next A List Apart design whenever that maybe.

Best of luck to you Jason!
Permalink for this comment Danny Croft says: January 06, 2009

Congrats! Wishing you the very best for the future!
Permalink for this comment Luke Dorny says: January 06, 2009

Wow! Best of luck!
Permalink for this comment Chris Robinson says: January 06, 2009

Congrats, and good luck on all your future endeavors.

Do they already have someone hired or in mind to take your place?
Permalink for this comment David Lesue says: January 06, 2009

Congrats, Jason. Best of luck!
Permalink for this comment matthew Smith says: January 06, 2009

Jason, now that you’re going freelance, what will you wear at home? I remember coming into the office and you had on ripped jeans and a hoody! Maybe just call it even with slippers at home eh? ;)

Congrats! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Permalink for this comment Daniel Carvalho says: January 06, 2009

All the best with your new path in life Jason. Hope it pays off and leads to the much of the freshness. Although this year has just begun, a theme of change seems to resonate in the air.
Permalink for this comment Andrew says: January 06, 2009

Good luck with the new ventures. I’m anxiously awaiting news regarding the potential writing projects…
Permalink for this comment Keith says: January 06, 2009

Good luck Jason! :)
Permalink for this comment KJ says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck.
Permalink for this comment Lydia Mann says: January 06, 2009

Exciting and a little scary, I suspect. I, like so many others, will be keeping eyes open to see what marvelous things you produce next.
Permalink for this comment Travis Schmeisser says: January 06, 2009

Good luck and I can’t wait to see the work to come!
Permalink for this comment Andrew Hedges says: January 06, 2009

Wow, big step. Congrats and good luck, Jason! Oh, and let me know if you need dev help. :-)
Permalink for this comment Varick Rosete says: January 06, 2009

Wow. Congrats dude. Here’s to the new path! CHEERS
Permalink for this comment Jason Beaird says: January 06, 2009

Congrats and best of luck with the new path, Stan!
Permalink for this comment Chris Meeks says: January 06, 2009

I’m sure it was a tough move to make. You always have to balance out the pros and cons. Oftentimes there is no clear answer. But I’ve felt (as I’m guessing you have) that more often than not it leads to better things down the road.

The best thing we can do is try to improve ourself and our situation the best we can. I hope you find that you have done that.

Cheers.
Permalink for this comment Jody says: January 06, 2009

Keep on kickin ass!
Permalink for this comment Lea says: January 06, 2009

Congrats, Jason. :) Freelance welcomes you back with open arms. Does that mean I can ping you for possible collabs in the future? ;)

Can’t wait to see what you have for 2009!
Permalink for this comment Matt Radel says: January 06, 2009

The passing of an era – best wishes there, JSM! :)
Permalink for this comment Jay Robinson says: January 06, 2009

Good luck, Jason!
Permalink for this comment Joey Pfeifer says: January 06, 2009

Good luck Jason! I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Permalink for this comment Derek Featherstone says: January 06, 2009

Wishing you nothing but continued success in all that you do, Jason!
Permalink for this comment Chris Wallace says: January 06, 2009

You’ll do a smashing job on your own, I have no doubt about that.
Permalink for this comment Lori says: January 06, 2009

Best of luck out on your own! Your business card happened to shake itself out of the stack on my desk this morning, which seems like a good sign. :-)
Permalink for this comment Thomas says: January 06, 2009

As an occassional reader and fan of Happy Cog’s and your work. I’d like to wish you the best of luck in your journey forward.
Permalink for this comment Joshua Lane says: January 06, 2009

I would like to officially recommend “Stan’s House of Web Design” as your new freelance business name ;)
Permalink for this comment Craig Burgess says: January 06, 2009

Now that’s some new year news!

Good luck good sir, and make sure you keep up the blogging.

It’ll be interesting to see what comes next.
Permalink for this comment Jim Jeffers says: January 06, 2009

Congrats – the freelance world has been quite good as of late. I’ve found it more rewarding to work this route but do miss the opportunities to really collaborate.
Permalink for this comment todd says: January 06, 2009

Good luck in your future endeavors. Happy Cog is a great company, but they were lucky to have you on there too. Philly rules!
Permalink for this comment Kai Gradert says: January 07, 2009

2009 starts with a Bang. Best of luck for your new ventures. Keep up the great work!
Permalink for this comment Max Weir says: January 07, 2009

Wow! That’s a huge surprise, all I can say is best of luck with your new direction and personal goals. You’ve been a real inspiration and I’m what ever you do you will continue to do great things.
Permalink for this comment Steven Clark says: January 07, 2009

Good luck Jason, no doubt you’ll have a lot of fun freelancing as well.

Regards.
Permalink for this comment Thorvald Neumann says: January 07, 2009

Best of luck, mate!
Permalink for this comment Elliot Jay Stocks says: January 07, 2009

Wow. A decision like this must’ve been a hard one to make. Congratulations on challenging yourself, and best of luck with your new projects! As always, I’m very excited to see what you’ll be coming up with.
Permalink for this comment Tom Carmony says: January 07, 2009

Congrats on the move and best of luck! Looking forward to what’s next for you.
Permalink for this comment MrQwest says: January 07, 2009

Woah, that’s gotta be a tough decision, but one that I’m sure you’ll enjoy! Good luck for the future!
Permalink for this comment Kate says: January 07, 2009

Congratulations and Good Luck to you!
Permalink for this comment Breandán says: January 07, 2009

Well done, Stan. It was indeed a pleasure.
Permalink for this comment Kai says: January 07, 2009

Also from me, best of luck. I’m in a transition period too. Moving myself and my freelance business from Germany to Melbourne Australia. Plane is leaving in 2 weeks…. Good luck w everything! If u ever happen to find urself in Australia, gimme a tweet.
Permalink for this comment Jason Santa Maria says: January 07, 2009

Thank you everyone for the kind words and good wishes! It’s a bit scary to be freelancing again, but I’m excited to shake things up.
Permalink for this comment Daus says: January 07, 2009

Good luck Jason. But please don’t leave this blog ;)
Permalink for this comment Matthew Pennell says: January 07, 2009

Congratulations on the move, but – are you sure you’re not forgetting something? I thought it was kind of required to announce plans for a super-secret web app whenever a respected designer leaves an established agency…
Permalink for this comment Jason Santa Maria says: January 07, 2009

@ Matthew Pennell :

Congratulations on the move, but – are you sure you’re not forgetting something? I thought it was kind of required to announce plans for a super-secret web app whenever a respected designer leaves an established agency…

Sorry man, no web apps for me :)

I do hope to announce the launch of a side project in the very near future (been in the works for years), but it’s a community project and won’t be bringing in money. Ah well.
Permalink for this comment Deanna says: January 07, 2009

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Best of luck in all your future endeavors, my friend.
Permalink for this comment Matt Brown says: January 07, 2009

Congrats Jason! Just make sure to keep active, here and there, on the web — things would be a FAR less interesting without your work and perspective. Best of luck in 09!
Permalink for this comment Greg says: January 07, 2009

Best of luck, Jason. Have fun blazing your own trail in the freeing field of freelancing. Look forward to seeing more creative greatness!
Permalink for this comment Mike says: January 07, 2009

Congratulations Jason! Do you know if Happy Cog intends to fill your vacant position? You sure are going to leave some big shoes behind to fill. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
Permalink for this comment Vasily says: January 07, 2009

Very inspirational, as always. Godspeed indeed!
Permalink for this comment Kirk says: January 08, 2009

Wow – cool for you! Congrats!
Permalink for this comment Ray Drainville says: January 08, 2009

As I stated on Jeffrey’s site, I think it’s great that you’rea ll parting on good terms—it’s rare enough in this (or any) industry. Best of luck to you both.
Permalink for this comment Shane says: January 08, 2009

Congrats! but at the same time it’s kind of sad for Happy Cog to be losing you. I’m sure you have your reasons though, so I wish the best to both you and Happy Cog.
Permalink for this comment Javier Centeno says: January 08, 2009

Good luck on your new adventure! I’ll keep visiting your site to see what you’re up to. I’m sure you’ll enjoy all the good stuff that comes with the freelance lifestyle… No more commuting or 9 to 5 slavery! lol

¡Buena suerte!
Permalink for this comment Shahzad Khan says: January 08, 2009

This comes as a little surprise to me, but any how, congratulations on making the move, I m sure it’s a touch decision.
Permalink for this comment Jason Ogle says: January 08, 2009

Wow, that’s a big deal man. I’m really happy for you! You are a skilled artisan and will be successful in whatever path you take.
Permalink for this comment Patrick Algrim says: January 09, 2009

Congratulations Jason on making the decision. I know it must have been a tough one, especially with our economy! Happy Cog is amazing, and I hope they don’t miss you too much! Can’t wait to hear about your new projects.
Permalink for this comment Bryan Veloso says: January 09, 2009

Talk about being out of the loop. Like Zeldman said, you’ve spread your wings. I’m sure it’s a foreign but awesome feeling after 4+ years. I have no doubts in my mind that you’ll do awesome. As others have said, you’re leaving very big shoes to fill.

I wish you the best in your endeavors, 2009 seems to be looking like a great year for all of us. :D
Permalink for this comment Richard Bateman says: January 10, 2009

Best of luck for the future! Has it been five years? How time flies.
Permalink for this comment MattConn says: January 10, 2009

Congrats on the decision to move on, sure it can’t have been easy. Best of luck with all future projects!
Permalink for this comment miss.shellie says: January 10, 2009

We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves. ~Lynn Hall
Permalink for this comment Matt says: January 12, 2009

Congrats on the decision, Jason. Good luck in the Future!
Permalink for this comment Mike says: January 12, 2009

Congratulations Jason! Keep up the good work.
Permalink for this comment Chikezie Ejiasi says: January 13, 2009

Congratulations on the decision! I can imagine it was a difficult one.
Permalink for this comment Christopher Jack says: January 13, 2009

Good luck to you and your new projects : )

Can’t wait to see your new nice work :D
Permalink for this comment Brad Haynes says: January 13, 2009

Best of work man. I’m sure you’ll have nothing but success in front of you.
Permalink for this comment Michael Ferrari says: January 15, 2009

Cheers to you and best of success from your friends at SmartyPig… Exciting times ahead for you no doubt.
Permalink for this comment vinay says: January 22, 2009

Good luck to you Jason. Always loved your work.
Permalink for this comment Randy J. Hunt says: January 29, 2009

Fist pumps, high-fives, and a handshake sir. You’re going to continue ass-kicking, no doubt.