Brad McKay has signed a pre-contract agreement with St Johnstone, committing himself to the Perth club for two seasons.
And the young defender believes the Hearts “rollercoaster” has been the making of him.
The 21-year-old centre-back was flung in the deep-end along with several of his peers as financial problems bit at Tynecastle.
He has found first team appearances harder to come by now that Hearts have sorted out their off-field (and on-field) issues, however.
And he believes the time is right to seek a new challenge.
McKay explained: “It has been a rollercoaster at Hearts, with a lot of highs and lows over the five years. The obvious low point was being relegated last year and being involved in games which didn’t go our way.
“But I have enjoyed my time at Hearts. I just feel for myself it is time to be playing regularly. It is time to move on.
“I played more than 30 games last season for Hearts at a good standard. I learned a lot and there were a few harsh lessons in there for a few of the boys. I thrived off the problems at the club. I got a lot of first team experience.
“Some young lads were ready to be thrown in while others weren’t. It was a tough way to find out if you were ready but it has helped a lot of us this season. It was sink or swim.
“Often young boys go out on loan to the lower leagues but that wasn’t the case at Hearts last season. They couldn’t afford to send them out. We had to play.”
He added: “Boys coming to the end of their contract like to get their futures thrashed out. It is something that has been on my mind for a wee while and now I know I am sorted out for the next couple of years.
“This is a good club to come to. I have heard great things about St Johntone and the manager.
“They have had a few testimonials which shows players are happy to be with the club long term. That speaks volumes for the club. I know the boys here are loving it.
“I know some of the younger lads like Dylan Easton and Gareth Rodger and I have played in Edinburgh derbies against David Wotherspoon when he was at Hibs.
“I still have a part to play at Hearts through to the end of the season.
“I know that if everyone is fit others will be playing ahead of me but I will continue to work hard and be ready to play when I’m needed. My focus now is to get as many games as possible.
“I will get my head down and hopefully come to St Johnstone in the summer with a Championship winners’ medal.
“Hearts and St Johnstone are in different leagues but everyone has been great with me so I don’t think it would have been an issue if we’d been in the same division.
“I don’t think it would have been awkward and I’ll see Hearts next season when I am in a St Johnstone shirt.”
The last time McKay played at McDiarmid Park in a competitive match he was head-butted by Tam Scobbie in the fiery encounter that produced three red cards.
There were no hard feelings afterwards though.
“I didn’t remember Tam had been banned it until it was brought up,” McKay admitted.
“I’m sure Tam and I will have a wee laugh about it.
“I might be travelling up here with him so I’m hoping he’ll give me a lift!”