The departure of Lionel Richie from the Commodores stemmed from a confluence of factors related to creative control, artistic ambitions, and evolving career aspirations. While initially a collaborative effort, the Commodores gradually saw Richie’s songwriting and vocal contributions rise to prominence, shaping the band’s trajectory toward more ballad-oriented and commercially successful material. This shift, coupled with Richie’s growing interest in exploring solo avenues, ultimately led to his exit.
Understanding this departure is significant because it highlights the dynamic tensions that can arise within successful groups when individual members possess strong creative visions. It also illustrates the natural progression of artists seeking to broaden their scope and experiment beyond established boundaries. The Commodores’ initial success, largely fueled by funk and soul grooves, provided a solid foundation, but Richie’s aspirations extended beyond this genre, leading him to pursue opportunities that were not fully realizable within the group’s existing framework. The band’s legacy as a tight-knit unit producing high-energy performances gradually gave way to recognizing Richie’s undeniable talent and his need for independence to fully realize his individual potential.
The following points will elaborate on the specific events and motivations surrounding Richie’s decision to embark on a solo career, examining the artistic differences, contractual agreements, and personal ambitions that played a crucial role in his leaving the Commodores.
1. Solo Aspirations
Lionel Richie’s burgeoning solo aspirations represented a significant catalyst in his departure from the Commodores. This factor encompassed a desire for greater artistic freedom, the pursuit of individual recognition, and the exploration of musical avenues beyond the band’s established sound. These aspirations, developing alongside his Commodores career, ultimately necessitated a separation to allow for full realization.
-
Creative Control and Experimentation
As Richie’s songwriting contributions increased within the Commodores, so did his yearning to fully control his artistic vision. A solo career offered the opportunity to experiment with diverse musical styles, arrangements, and lyrical themes without the constraints of a group dynamic. This need for creative autonomy directly fueled his desire to branch out and explore musical territories beyond the established boundaries of the Commodores’ funk and soul foundation.
-
Personal Branding and Recognition
Within the Commodores, Richie was a prominent frontman, yet the band’s identity remained collective. A solo career presented the chance to establish a distinct personal brand and cultivate individual recognition. This was not merely about fame; it was about solidifying his legacy as a unique artist with a separate identity, distinct from his role within the band. The pursuit of individual acclaim played a significant role in motivating his decision.
-
Financial Independence and Opportunity
While the Commodores achieved considerable commercial success, a solo career presented potentially greater financial rewards. Individual contracts and royalties offered the opportunity to directly benefit from his growing popularity and songwriting prowess. This financial incentive, while not the sole motivator, certainly contributed to the allure of striking out on his own and capitalizing on his rising star power.
-
Genre Diversification and Market Appeal
The Commodores were primarily associated with funk and soul. Richie’s solo aspirations included a desire to broaden his appeal by incorporating pop and adult contemporary elements into his music. This desire to reach a wider audience, and to engage with different musical genres, proved difficult to achieve within the band’s existing framework, ultimately pushing him towards a solo path.
These multifaceted solo aspirations, encompassing creative control, personal recognition, financial opportunities, and genre diversification, collectively propelled Lionel Richie’s decision to leave the Commodores. The band served as a vital launchpad, but his ambition and vision extended beyond its confines, making a solo career the logical next step in his artistic journey.
2. Creative Differences
Creative differences played a pivotal role in Lionel Richie’s departure from the Commodores. As the band evolved, diverging artistic visions between Richie and other members regarding musical direction became increasingly pronounced. This divergence centered primarily on Richie’s inclination towards ballad-oriented, commercially accessible material, contrasting with the band’s earlier emphasis on funk and soul. These conflicting creative preferences formed a fundamental tension that contributed significantly to his eventual solo career.
The importance of understanding these creative differences lies in recognizing the inherent pressures within collaborative artistic endeavors. While initial cohesion may drive a group’s success, individual growth and evolving artistic preferences can generate friction. In the case of the Commodores, Richie’s songwriting talents, particularly his ability to craft commercially successful ballads like “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady,” propelled the band to mainstream recognition. However, this shift towards a softer, more pop-oriented sound alienated some of the other band members, who felt it compromised their original artistic identity. This conflict created an environment where Richie’s creative vision could no longer be fully realized within the constraints of the group.
In summary, creative differences were not merely a superficial disagreement but a fundamental divergence in artistic direction that proved irreconcilable within the Commodores’ structure. This divergence, fueled by Richie’s desire to explore a wider range of musical styles and the band’s established identity, ultimately paved the way for his solo career. Recognizing the significance of these artistic conflicts provides crucial insight into the factors leading to one of music’s most prominent group breakups and highlights the challenges inherent in maintaining creative unity within long-standing musical collaborations.
3. Contractual Obligations
Contractual obligations significantly influenced Lionel Richie’s departure from the Commodores. These agreements, defining the legal and financial relationships between Richie, the band, and their record label, created both constraints and opportunities that factored into his decision to pursue a solo career.
-
Existing Band Contracts
The Commodores, as a band, were bound by pre-existing contracts with Motown Records. These contracts dictated revenue sharing, album commitments, and creative control parameters. While the contracts provided a stable platform, they also restricted individual members’ ability to pursue external projects or renegotiate terms based on personal success. Richie’s growing prominence within the band highlighted the limitations of these collective agreements, creating a tension between his individual market value and the contractual obligations of the group.
-
Solo Project Clauses
As Richie’s songwriting and vocal contributions increased, the potential for solo projects became a point of negotiation. Contractual clauses related to solo ventures, potentially including restrictions or revenue-sharing agreements with the band and the label, would have played a crucial role in his decision. Understanding the financial and legal implications of engaging in outside projects, whether under the existing contract or through renegotiation, directly impacted his choices.
-
Negotiation Leverage
Richie’s increasing popularity granted him significant negotiation leverage with Motown Records. This leverage allowed him to potentially renegotiate his contract terms, either within the Commodores or as a solo artist. The ability to secure a more favorable contract, granting him greater creative control, financial benefits, and artistic freedom, became a key factor influencing his decision to remain with the band or pursue a solo career under different contractual arrangements.
-
Legal and Financial Implications of Departure
Leaving the Commodores involved navigating complex legal and financial considerations. Breaking existing contracts, settling disputes over royalties, and establishing new agreements with Motown or another label required careful planning and legal counsel. The potential for litigation, financial penalties, and reputational damage stemming from breach of contract weighed heavily on his decision. Understanding the legal and financial ramifications of severing ties with the band and Motown was essential in formulating a strategy for his departure.
In conclusion, contractual obligations significantly shaped Lionel Richie’s trajectory. They presented both hurdles and opportunities, forcing him to weigh the benefits of collective stability against the potential gains of individual freedom and control. His ability to navigate these contractual complexities ultimately determined the feasibility and terms of his departure from the Commodores and his subsequent solo career.
4. Financial incentives
Financial incentives represent a crucial aspect of understanding the circumstances surrounding Lionel Richie’s departure from the Commodores. These incentives, encompassing potential earnings, royalty structures, and contractual benefits, significantly influenced his decision to pursue a solo career, offering prospects unattainable within the confines of the group’s existing framework.
-
Enhanced Royalty Potential
As the primary songwriter and lead vocalist for many of the Commodores’ most successful songs, Lionel Richie generated substantial revenue for the band and Motown Records. However, as a member of a group, royalty distribution was divided. A solo career offered the potential to receive a significantly larger share of royalties generated from his songwriting and performances, providing a direct financial benefit proportionate to his individual contributions. This prospect of increased personal earnings served as a powerful motivator.
-
Solo Album Advances and Contractual Bonuses
Record labels typically offer substantial advances and contractual bonuses to established artists embarking on solo careers. These upfront payments, intended to fund album production and provide financial security, represented a considerable financial incentive for Richie. Such offers provided a substantial financial foundation, minimizing the risks associated with leaving a stable group and venturing into the unpredictable world of a solo artist. The allure of these immediate and guaranteed financial rewards proved difficult to resist.
-
Increased Control over Publishing Rights
Publishing rights, representing ownership of the copyrights to songs, are a significant source of long-term income for songwriters. As a solo artist, Richie could exert greater control over his publishing rights, potentially retaining a larger percentage of publishing royalties and making strategic decisions regarding licensing and synchronization. This increased control over his intellectual property provided both financial advantages and artistic autonomy.
-
Endorsement and Sponsorship Opportunities
Solo artists with high visibility and broad appeal attract endorsement and sponsorship opportunities. Lionel Richie’s rising popularity and crossover appeal made him a highly desirable figure for brands seeking to associate with a successful entertainer. The potential to earn substantial income through endorsements and sponsorships, unavailable to him as a member of the Commodores, presented an additional financial incentive to pursue a solo career.
The confluence of these financial incentives enhanced royalty potential, solo album advances, increased control over publishing rights, and lucrative endorsement opportunities collectively contributed to Lionel Richie’s decision to leave the Commodores. These factors, combined with his artistic aspirations, created a compelling argument for pursuing a solo career, promising both financial rewards and greater control over his creative output. The financial gains attainable as a solo artist, contrasted with the limitations of the band’s financial structure, were undeniable and played a pivotal role in shaping his career trajectory.
5. Artistic Control
Artistic control represents a pivotal factor in understanding the rationale behind Lionel Richie’s departure from the Commodores. The desire to independently direct creative output, encompassing songwriting, production, and stylistic choices, significantly influenced his decision to embark on a solo career. This pursuit of autonomy stemmed from a perceived limitation within the band’s collaborative structure and a growing need to express his evolving artistic vision without compromise.
-
Songwriting Autonomy
Within the Commodores, Richie’s songwriting contributions gradually dominated their discography. However, the collaborative nature of the band required compromise and negotiation regarding arrangements, instrumentation, and lyrical themes. A solo career offered complete autonomy over songwriting, allowing Richie to fully realize his creative ideas without external influence. This freedom extended to owning publishing rights and benefiting directly from the success of his compositions, further incentivizing independent control.
-
Production Influence
Production, encompassing the recording process, mixing, and overall sonic direction of a song, is a critical element of artistic expression. While Richie likely had some input into the Commodores’ production, ultimate decisions were often made collectively or by external producers. As a solo artist, he gained complete control over the production process, enabling him to shape the sonic landscape of his music according to his specific artistic preferences. This level of control allowed for experimentation and refinement of his sound, unconstrained by the opinions of other band members or external forces.
-
Stylistic Freedom
The Commodores initially established themselves with a funk and soul sound. As Richie’s songwriting evolved, he began incorporating elements of pop and balladry, leading to commercially successful but stylistically divergent material. A solo career allowed him to explore a wider range of genres and musical styles without being bound by the band’s established identity. This freedom to experiment with different sounds and appeal to a broader audience was a significant motivating factor in his decision to leave.
-
Visual Presentation and Image Control
Artistic control extends beyond the purely musical realm to encompass visual presentation and image management. As a solo artist, Richie had complete authority over his album artwork, music videos, stage performances, and overall public persona. This level of control allowed him to craft a cohesive and consistent artistic identity, reinforcing his brand and resonating with his target audience. The ability to dictate his own image and visual aesthetic was a crucial aspect of realizing his full artistic vision.
In conclusion, the pursuit of artistic control, encompassing songwriting autonomy, production influence, stylistic freedom, and visual presentation, played a central role in Lionel Richie’s departure from the Commodores. The constraints of a collaborative band environment, combined with his growing desire to express his individual artistic vision, led him to seek the freedom and autonomy offered by a solo career. This quest for creative control, enabling him to fully realize his potential as a songwriter, producer, and performer, ultimately shaped his decision to embark on a new and successful chapter in his musical journey.
6. Genre Evolution
Genre evolution serves as a significant determinant in comprehending Lionel Richie’s exit from the Commodores. The band’s initial foundation rested on funk and soul, genres characterized by rhythmic complexity and collective instrumental interplay. However, Richie’s songwriting gradually introduced elements of pop and adult contemporary, shifting the group’s sound toward more melodic and ballad-oriented compositions. This evolution, while commercially successful, created a tension between the band’s original identity and Richie’s burgeoning pop sensibilities. The Commodores’ inability to fully accommodate this genre shift created a divergence that contributed to Richie’s desire for a solo career, where he could explore these evolving musical interests without constraint.
The importance of genre evolution as a component of Richie’s departure lies in understanding the inherent limitations of a collaborative group when individual artistic visions diverge. While the Commodores’ early success was built on a shared foundation, Richie’s songwriting talent propelled them towards a different musical direction. Examples such as “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady” demonstrate this transition, showcasing Richie’s inclination towards pop-infused ballads. This stylistic shift, while commercially lucrative, created a divide within the band, with some members reportedly resistant to abandoning their funk and soul roots. The practical significance of recognizing this genre evolution is that it provides context for the creative friction that ultimately led to Richie’s decision to pursue a solo career where he could fully embrace his evolving musical tastes.
In summary, genre evolution played a critical role in Lionel Richie’s departure from the Commodores. The band’s inability to fully adapt to Richie’s pop-oriented songwriting created a creative conflict that fueled his desire for artistic independence. This understanding highlights the challenges inherent in maintaining a cohesive artistic identity within a group when individual members’ musical preferences evolve in divergent directions. Ultimately, Richie’s pursuit of genre evolution necessitated a solo career, allowing him to fully explore his artistic vision and achieve even greater commercial success.
7. Record label pressure
Record label pressure constituted a significant, though often understated, factor contributing to Lionel Richie’s departure from the Commodores. The demands and strategic objectives of Motown Records, the band’s label, exerted considerable influence on both the band’s overall direction and Richie’s individual career trajectory.
-
Commercial Exploitation of Richie’s Songwriting
Motown recognized Richie’s exceptional songwriting talent and his ability to craft commercially successful songs, particularly ballads. The label exerted pressure to prioritize these compositions, sometimes at the expense of the band’s original funk and soul identity. This emphasis on Richie’s ballads, while boosting sales, created friction within the group and amplified Richie’s desire for greater artistic control, ultimately pushing him closer to a solo career.
-
Encouragement of Solo Projects
Motown likely recognized the potential financial gains from a Lionel Richie solo career and may have subtly or overtly encouraged him to explore solo projects. This could have involved offering more favorable contract terms for solo albums or providing greater promotional support for Richie’s individual endeavors, creating a pathway for him to transition away from the Commodores. The prospect of a more lucrative and strategically advantageous solo career, facilitated by the label’s encouragement, played a role in his decision.
-
Negotiation Tactics and Contractual Leverage
The record label held significant leverage in contract negotiations with both the band and individual members. Motown could have used Richie’s growing popularity as a bargaining chip, potentially offering him more favorable terms to remain with the label as a solo artist than he could secure as part of the Commodores. This tactic, whether explicit or implicit, created a financial incentive for Richie to pursue a solo career, knowing he could command a higher price and retain greater control over his work.
-
Management of Band Dynamics
Record labels often play a role in managing band dynamics, mediating disputes, and influencing individual member roles. Motown’s management of the Commodores, particularly in response to the growing creative differences stemming from Richie’s evolving musical style, likely contributed to the overall atmosphere that led to his departure. If the label failed to adequately address the internal conflicts or favored Richie’s solo aspirations over the band’s collective identity, it would have inadvertently accelerated his decision to leave.
In conclusion, record label pressure, encompassing the commercial exploitation of Richie’s songwriting, encouragement of solo projects, use of negotiation tactics, and management of band dynamics, played a significant role in Lionel Richie’s decision to leave the Commodores. The label’s strategic objectives, combined with Richie’s own artistic ambitions and financial incentives, created a complex web of factors that ultimately led to his successful solo career. Understanding the influence of Motown Records provides a more complete picture of the circumstances surrounding this pivotal moment in music history.
8. Band dynamics
Band dynamics, characterized by the interpersonal relationships, power structures, and creative collaborations within a musical group, represent a critical lens through which to understand Lionel Richie’s departure from the Commodores. The evolving dynamics within the band, particularly as Richie’s influence and individual ambitions grew, created internal pressures and ultimately contributed to the conditions that made his solo career a viable and desirable option. The initial unity and collaborative spirit that defined the Commodores gradually eroded as individual members’ aspirations diverged, leading to tensions surrounding creative control, musical direction, and individual recognition. The shift from a collective identity to a more hierarchical structure, where Richie’s contributions increasingly overshadowed those of other members, fostered resentment and ultimately destabilized the group dynamic.
For example, while the Commodores initially thrived on a collaborative songwriting approach, Richie’s growing dominance in crafting commercially successful ballads like “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady” led to a disproportionate share of the spotlight and financial rewards. This imbalance created friction, as some members felt their contributions were undervalued and that the band was abandoning its original funk and soul roots. Furthermore, differences in opinion regarding touring schedules, marketing strategies, and artistic direction further exacerbated these underlying tensions. The practical significance of understanding these band dynamics lies in recognizing that the internal environment of a group, including factors such as communication, conflict resolution, and shared vision, is crucial for its long-term stability and success. Failure to address these dynamics effectively can lead to fragmentation and ultimately, the departure of key members.
In summary, the evolving band dynamics within the Commodores played a crucial role in Lionel Richie’s decision to pursue a solo career. The shifting power structures, creative differences, and unresolved tensions surrounding individual recognition created an environment where Richie felt his artistic and professional ambitions could no longer be fully realized. While numerous factors contributed to his departure, the breakdown of effective communication and collaboration within the band served as a primary catalyst, highlighting the importance of nurturing healthy and equitable relationships within any collaborative artistic endeavor. The Commodores’ experience serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the challenges of maintaining unity and cohesion when individual aspirations clash with the collective identity of a group.
9. Commercial potential
Commercial potential represents a critical element in understanding the rationale behind Lionel Richie’s departure from the Commodores. This factor encompasses the perceived opportunities for increased financial success and broader market appeal that a solo career offered, exceeding the limitations imposed by the group’s established identity and contractual arrangements. The pursuit of enhanced commercial viability, driven by Richie’s songwriting talent and growing popularity, significantly influenced his decision to pursue independent artistic endeavors.
-
Enhanced Market Reach
The Commodores, while successful, were primarily associated with the funk and soul genres. A solo career provided Richie with the opportunity to transcend these genre boundaries and appeal to a wider audience, including fans of pop, adult contemporary, and R&B. This expanded market reach translated into greater record sales, increased touring revenue, and broader exposure, enhancing his overall commercial potential. His crossover appeal was undeniable, and a solo career allowed him to fully capitalize on this potential.
-
Increased Earning Capacity
As a member of the Commodores, Richie’s earnings were divided among the band members, regardless of his individual contributions. A solo career allowed him to retain a greater share of the revenue generated from his songwriting, performances, and endorsements. This increased earning capacity, driven by his unique talent and marketability, served as a significant financial incentive to pursue a solo career and maximize his personal wealth.
-
Brand Building and Endorsement Opportunities
A solo career enabled Richie to cultivate a distinct personal brand, separate from the collective identity of the Commodores. This enhanced brand recognition attracted lucrative endorsement opportunities with major corporations seeking to associate with a popular and recognizable figure. These endorsements, which would have been more difficult to secure as a member of a band, provided a substantial additional income stream and further boosted his commercial potential.
-
Control over Creative Output and Revenue Streams
As a solo artist, Richie gained complete control over his creative output, including songwriting, production, and marketing. This control allowed him to tailor his music to specific target audiences and maximize its commercial appeal. Furthermore, he gained greater control over revenue streams, including publishing rights, licensing fees, and merchandise sales, allowing him to fully benefit from the success of his artistic endeavors. This holistic control significantly enhanced his commercial prospects.
In conclusion, the pursuit of enhanced commercial potential served as a primary driver behind Lionel Richie’s decision to leave the Commodores. The opportunity to reach a wider audience, increase his earning capacity, build a personal brand, and control his creative output proved irresistible. These factors, combined with his artistic ambitions and financial incentives, created a compelling argument for pursuing a solo career and capitalizing on his unique talent and marketability. Understanding the importance of commercial potential provides crucial insight into the complex factors that led to one of music’s most significant group breakups.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common inquiries regarding the circumstances surrounding Lionel Richie’s decision to leave the Commodores, providing concise and factual answers.
Question 1: Was Lionel Richie forced to leave the Commodores?
Lionel Richie was not forced to leave the Commodores. His departure stemmed from a confluence of factors including creative differences, solo aspirations, and financial incentives, leading him to voluntarily pursue a solo career.
Question 2: Did creative differences play a significant role in his departure?
Creative differences were indeed a significant factor. Richie’s inclination towards pop-oriented ballads diverged from the Commodores’ initial funk and soul sound, creating friction within the band and motivating his desire for artistic independence.
Question 3: Were financial considerations a factor in Richie’s decision?
Financial considerations were undoubtedly a factor. A solo career offered the potential for greater financial rewards through increased royalties, solo album advances, and endorsement opportunities compared to remaining in the Commodores.
Question 4: How did record label pressure influence Richie’s departure?
Record label pressure from Motown Records influenced Richie’s decision. The label recognized his songwriting talent and may have encouraged him to pursue solo projects, offering more favorable contract terms to capitalize on his commercial potential.
Question 5: Did the other members of the Commodores resent Richie’s success?
While difficult to definitively assess, it is plausible that Richie’s growing success created some tension within the band. His increased prominence and the shift in the band’s sound towards his ballad-oriented style may have led to resentment among some members.
Question 6: What impact did Richie’s departure have on the Commodores’ career?
Richie’s departure significantly impacted the Commodores’ career. While they continued to perform and record, they never achieved the same level of commercial success they enjoyed with Richie as their frontman and primary songwriter.
In essence, Lionel Richie’s departure from the Commodores was a multifaceted decision driven by a complex interplay of artistic, financial, and personal factors. It represents a pivotal moment in music history, highlighting the challenges inherent in maintaining creative unity within long-standing musical collaborations.
The subsequent section will explore the long-term impact of Richie’s solo career and the Commodores’ continued legacy.
Insights into Career Trajectory
This section provides key insights gleaned from analyzing Lionel Richie’s departure from The Commodores, offering guidance for navigating similar inflection points in a professional context.
Tip 1: Recognize Diverging Artistic Visions: Early identification of diverging artistic or professional goals is paramount. If individual ambitions significantly deviate from the collective direction, proactively address the disparity to mitigate future conflict.
Tip 2: Assess Contractual Constraints and Opportunities: Thoroughly evaluate existing contractual obligations and potential opportunities before making career-altering decisions. Understand the legal and financial implications of both remaining in a current position and pursuing independent ventures.
Tip 3: Evaluate Commercial Viability: Conduct a realistic assessment of the commercial viability of individual projects versus continued collaboration. Consider market trends, earning potential, and long-term financial stability when weighing options.
Tip 4: Acknowledge Evolving Skill Sets: Recognize the development of individual skill sets and the potential for these skills to be better utilized in a different context. If current roles no longer fully leverage acquired expertise, explore avenues for enhanced application.
Tip 5: Understand the Influence of External Pressures: Acknowledge the impact of external pressures, such as record label expectations or industry trends, on career decisions. Strategically navigate these pressures while remaining true to core values and artistic integrity.
Tip 6: Transparent Communication With Team Members: Openly communicate creative or career aspirations with team members. This promotes an environment of trust and allows for collaborative exploration of alternative solutions or arrangements.
Tip 7: Value Intellectual Property: Appreciate and protect intellectual property rights, especially if you are a songwriter or in other field. If possible seek help from legal specialist.
Tip 8: Take calculated risks: Even if it is not the time to leave a group, band, enterprise or any partnership, prepare financial support for this event. Get a lawyer if you think you need one.
These insights highlight the importance of self-awareness, strategic planning, and effective communication when navigating career transitions. The analysis of Lionel Richie’s departure offers valuable lessons for individuals facing similar crossroads in their professional lives.
The following concludes the examination of Lionel Richie’s departure from the Commodores, summarizing the key takeaways and offering final reflections.
Conclusion
The exploration of “why did lionel richie leave the commodores” reveals a confluence of interconnected factors. Artistic divergence, particularly Richie’s inclination towards pop-oriented ballads versus the band’s funk and soul origins, played a pivotal role. Simultaneously, the allure of a solo career, offering enhanced financial incentives, greater artistic control, and expanded commercial potential, proved compelling. The influence of Motown Records, seeking to capitalize on Richie’s songwriting talent, further shaped the circumstances leading to his departure. Finally, evolving band dynamics, marked by shifting power structures and individual aspirations, contributed to the dissolution of the group’s original collaborative spirit.
Understanding the complexities surrounding this decision provides valuable insight into the challenges inherent in maintaining long-term artistic collaborations. The case of Lionel Richie serves as a reminder that individual growth, evolving artistic visions, and external pressures can significantly influence career trajectories, necessitating strategic navigation and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. The long term-significance of this matter lies in that Richie leaving the Commodores will always be a topic for future and present artist on how to tackle their own individual career.
