Archive for the 'Work & Career' Category

• 8.1.06 "Happiness at work" is posted in Reflections, Work & Career

One of my peers recently left the role of independent consultant (to join a client, that I work with, as well), and another is seriously considering the same thing. They both have been independent for a long time, but who can ignore the prospect of reliable pay, predictable hours & commutes, and the general cushion of a steady job? Then again, I think there was more to it–they felt they’d be fulfilled while joining a company. I’ve been wondering a little about what it is that sold them and what it is that I’d like for myself.

Both of them were offered jobs by their larger clients. While I won’t be leaving SET Consulting (job offer or not), I see why I wouldn’t mind working with my largest client–the people and the challenges. There are a lot of sharp people I get to work with, and the projects not only take thought but make a large impact. It’s always a pleasure to work with them.

It got me thinking about what ultimately makes me happy at work. (more…)

• 7.8.06 "Stumbling Along…" is posted in Reflections, Work & Career

I’m always amazed by the people who can focus so diligently on the goal in front of them. Sure, I make progress at whatever I’m after, but I do it so haphazardly that I’m surprised others don’t beat me to the punch every time. I can say that about work, my writing, dance, whatever… I’m motivated, but I’m not the fastest to act or the most persistent. And I’m frequently disappointed by others–probably unjustifiably.

When I read the blog over at 37signals, I’m just astonished. There’s a group of people who are so bright, so motivated, and so focused on what they do. Some people say it’s unheard of that a company of fewer than ten people can leave such an imprint on the internet community. But I know why they’ve made the mark they have. And I’m beginning to become impressed by the fact that it happened at all. (more…)

• 5.7.06 "Making progress, and a thought on judging people" is posted in Reflections, Work & Career

It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve written here, and a lot has happened. I’m finally taking some steps toward goals I’ve long sought. It feels good to be making progress… Some of the things I’ve been up to lately include:

• Working on refinancing the house
• Restructuring mine and my business’s reporting of finances
• Hiring one new person and getting far into the process of hiring another
• Looking for new tenants (almost done)
• Joining a new book club (and thus reading full books for pleasure again)
• Looking at cars for when all the dust settles in the aforementioned big endeavors

These are just some of the potpourri of big decisions, but overall just a lot has been happening. I feel I’m at stage 3 or 4 of the company (don’t feel solo in any way, have financial stability, expanding into a new market, etc) and that I’m coming to a new comfortable place in the rest of life (figuring out who & what I need around me, or at least getting closer).

In going through a pile of papers today I came across a quote I highlighted a while back from Guy Kawasaki’s blog. It’s one bit of advice that I hope sticks with me as many new people seem to be entering my life. (more…)