Today’s different. Really different. Because instead of firing up my computer and working exclusively for a company, today I’m non-exclusive. (In Facebook relationship “non-exclusive” is like being “in an open relationship.”)
Today, instead of being an employee of Brandon Hall Research, I’m a Brandon Hall Research Associate meaning I will continue to do work for Brandon Hall but am free to explore anything else I want to. ANYTHING. This is a very, very good thing for me. As Hannah Montana would say, the best of both worlds.
Here’s what really feels different about today. Throughout my professional career, I’ve always been an employee. So I feel this amazing sense of independence and also this pit in my stomach. My husband went through this transition over ten years ago and has been encouraging me ever since to do the same.
The pit, of course, is a result of kids, mortgages, health insurance, vacations, and all that other shit that makes me wish I was this guy. Not seeing a weekly paycheck in the future is nerve racking and a difficult hurdle to cross when making the transition. I’m sure several of you have felt the same.
I put the word out about my role change to a portion of my online network and YOWSA, what a response I got. I love love love my network. I’m serious. The best network EVER.
This may not be the best economy for making a change, but I really needed it. I’ve got some new projects and look forward to what the future holds. So, if you need skillz that kill and are not afraid of someone who uses words like clusterfuck, I’m your dudette ; )
Meantime…
My work at Brandon Hall Research will take me to the Marcus Evans CLO Summit April 11-13 in Braselton, Georgia. I’ll be presenting on cloud computing. Followed immediately by…
AITD National Conference in Sydney, Australia April 20-22 where I’ll be speaking on the topic of “E-Learning 2010: Innovation & Implementation” and leading a pre-conference workshop on social media tools for trainer’s.
Day 1…wish me luck.
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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Janet – congrats! I look forward to hearing more about what areas you are focusing on in the future and working with you more!
Best,
Susan
@SusanK
-Mzinga
Yea, Janet–Nerve-racking yes, but definitely worth it! Looking forward to having you in the ranks of free agency!
Thanks Susan. Always fun to work with rocker chicks.
Thanks Michele. As long as I follow in your footsteps, I should be OK : )
Congrats on the exciting new transition! I'm sure you will find new ways to be successful.
I like this post very much, but would like to point out your prospects are clearly better than those of Miley Cyrus. Selena Gomez at least, maybe Taylor Swift. People with real talent.
Also, did s**tjanetsays go offline? I haven't seen a post for some time.
Best wishes on the transition – and the future successes!
Good luck, Janet. Courageous and exciting move!
I've really enjoyed learning from you on twitter & here, even though I'm a total slacker of a commenter and retweeter. Too much scanning, not enough engagement. Anyway, keep up the great work.
Simon 'Bad Boy Lurker' Fowler
Thanks Christy
I did get rid of @shitjanetsays. A proper consultant doesn't say shit.
Thanks Guy!
Bad Boy, you're always welcome to lurk here. Congratulations on your comment : )
Congratulations Janet! We've admired your work with BH and we'll look forward to crossing paths with you in the future! Best of luck!!
Richard
Congratulations on your leap — hope you enjoy it here in the pond as I have. I still have people who can't understand why I'd leave a huge company and want to work for them as a simple contractor, with no “security”.
I scoff at security. “Scoff.” “Scoff.”
Awsome news. I'm sure you'll love the freedome and make masses of successes, even if you do say things like clusterfuck
Good luck. And congrats.
i am on a tear tonite and when i saw Hannah Montana i got all defensive! i thought you might be making fun of her! but phew =p
congrats on the new path, the best always come from these forks and that will indeed be the case with you. maybe we'll see you in the lecture circuit! do good!
namaste
Ooo I know that pit in the stomach feeling. Congratulations to your new found freedom its liberating yet … testing yet…. foundational for focused consulting.
Good Luck
Janet: This is awesome!!!! I'd say amazing but I use that for something I wouldn't expect to happen, but this I'm not surprised because you are so talented and to be admired. I want you to know that clusterfuck is one of my favorite words. To be PC I say “it was a big CF”, but doesn't have the same impact. Reminds me of the time my son said he was “pissed off at K-Mart (he was five and they didn't have ninja turtle sneakers in his size). I told him that there were other ways to express his disappointment, like “I'm disappointed” he said yeah, but Mom, it doesn't feel the same. Anyway, you go girl, I'm so thrilled for you and wish I had the talent you do.
Sounds like great news. Join the clan! Maybe now you can come to London
All the best Janet – “Every journey starts with a single step”
Congrats on your newfound freedom, and relax or you wont get to enjoy it!
Best of luck, Janet. I'm sure this is just the beginning of an exciting new adventure for you!