Here comes the next chapter

Happy St Patrick's Day to me. No, I am not celebrating early, or sitting here dreaming of green beer. St Patrick's Day will be a different type of celebration for me this year. I will spend it in Plano, Texas. Marking the start of the next chapter in my professional career, as I attend the new employee orientation at my new employer, Alcatel-Lucent.


For those that have been following along, you are well aware that the last few months at my CURRENT employer have been less than stable, and less than enjoyable. The constant stress of wondering, hoping, and positioning were taking their toll on me and the family. The close call with the most recent round of layoffs was the last straw, and I am very thankful that my reputation, and network of professional friends, was able to point the key people in my direction.

A very good career consultant (thanks Mol!) told me not too long ago that I should be able to do what I want to do, from where I want to do it. I am very happy to say that one of the most exciting things about this opportunity is that I get to do just that. I get to take all that I have spent the last 10 years learning and doing(comfort), apply it to a different part of the industry (learning curve), be accountable for my own success and failures (drive and independence), work as part of the fastest growing segment of the worlds largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer (stability), and do it out of my home office (where I want to be!).

So, thank you to the last 10 years of growth, knowledge, and professionalism that have brought me to this point. I couldn't do this without ya. Good-bye to the months of wondering and fence sitting about my professional and personal future, I won't miss you. Hello big, new opportunities, life change, and professional and personal growth. Bring em' on!!

And, in a little more than a week, from Plano, Tx, Happy St Patrick's Day! I am feeling pretty damn lucky.