Being happy

On January 2nd, I wrote this post (which I'll quote directly from):

"I have one, and only one, resolution this year:
I resolve to be happier in my life (work and home)."

While my day job has provided me with a steady income and some great people to work with, it has kept me from my family more than I like. 

As many of you know, I was an independent consultant from 2001 until early 2005.  I was a work-at-home dad from the time my daughter was 4-months old until early last year.  I was home for the first 1 1/2 years (or so) after my
son was born.  Even though I don't travel and I work a pretty steady 8-5 job, I feel like I've missed too much quality time with my family.

Given that, as of today, January 26, 2006, I am re-joining the world of independant consulting and contracting.  I resigned from my full-time position this morning and my employer and I agreed that today would be my last day.  I am leaving on good terms and hope to have an on-going relationship with this company.

My wife, family and friends are fully behind this decision.  In fact, I'm sure they're all relieved that I've finally resigned since I've been mulling this decision over for the past 2 weeks. 

I currently have a decent sub-contracting gig going that is bringing me in contact with some cutting-edge technology and some really great people (most of whom I've worked with in the past).  It's also paying the bills and allowing me
to spend time with my family (all work is done from my home!). 

While there are risks involved in this move, I'd rather take them than miss out on this opportunity.  My plans are to partner with someone for sales and marketing help (two things that I'm not really good at) so I'm not relying on a
single source of income. 

I also have plans to bring at least one product to market this year, possibly two.  My company will go through some changes, some major, some not, which I'll document on this blog.

As for this blog, I've had plans to move it (to a different blog package as well as to a different server) for some time, so that's gonna be pretty high on my list.  I'll also move some of the personal stuff to another blog and try to
focus this one more on technical content (something I've been promising for a long time).

On to a great 2006!

Print | posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 6:17 PM

Feedback

# re: Being happy

left by Iain at 1/27/2006 10:46 AM Gravatar
Wow...I knew it was coming, but I hope you're happy with the decision and all works out for the best.

# re: Being happy

left by Dave Donaldson at 2/4/2006 12:14 PM Gravatar
Congrats on making the move to being an indie! It's definitely one of the better career moves I've made. Good luck.

# re: Being happy

left by Brian at 2/15/2006 1:03 PM Gravatar
Good luck and enjoy your new freedom!

# Update for 3/28/2006

left by the blog of michael eaton at 3/28/2006 6:52 AM Gravatar
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