Week two post CA

For those of you who read my last blog, you will know what the title abbreviation stands for (Corporate America). I have been consulting for two weeks now. It is very interesting, and I am enjoying every minute. I interviewed sales candidates in Chicago for a technical sales position, and although this position generally needs a solid technical knowledge base, I felt like I was interviewing people I had already worked with. It was very surreal. I imagine that much like starting a new job, it feels a little weird though. I don't feel as connected as I did to my prior company which is to be expected. But, I think that is the point - for me to not feel that way again - to do my job extremely well and move on.

I have had many great interactions with all sorts of new people. This week while I was in Chicago, I ended up having breakfast with a terrific gentleman who has worked with a negotiation seminar company for 17 years ( yes, that one for all you travelers out there).

He was amazing, and I felt like I met a life-long friend. He invited me to an upcoming seminar, which I may just attend. It might be cool to improve my negotiation skills.

I am missing my friends and colleagues at TMP and am a bit under monetized at the moment but I am still happy that I have so much opportunity ahead of me.

Reflections on leaving a great job/great people

Well many of you know that I have recently decided to go on my own after 26 years in corporate america ( I really hate this term - it is too generic, but perhaps I will write about this in a later blog). I am new to blogging, but not new to the world of communications. I have been in the advertising world since 1984. So, why did I decide to leave? It is a good question, and one I don't have a great answer for yet....What I came to realize is that when I did start telling my friends about my choice, I got surprising feedback. Many actually told me I was courageous and that they were envious of my decision. I had clearly touched on a nerve - a general unrest in their current jobs or perhaps a longing like myself to start a new chapter in their lives. I think that perhaps this is tied to age of my circle of friends. I do not think I am courageous, but I do know that I took a leap of faith that there was something else out there for me. I left great people, great company and a sense of security that made me feel very blessed. I have two consulting engagements that I feel very fortunate to be working on. I wake up every day filled both optimism and a healthy sense of fear.