Evaluating career changes-

In 1927 an American poet, Max Ehrmann, wrote one of the most influencial pieces of prose poetry (for me personally) that has provided guidance and thought-inspiring meanings that walk with me to this day. For those who may not be familiar with it, here is the poem in its entirety-

"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

You will note two lines of the poem that I emboldened. I did so because in the past month, since being laid off from my full time position I've been reflecting on my future. As others in my situation, I've worked to be proactive in locating my next role while, at the same time, asking God to guide me in what He would want me to do. This has been particularly enlightening over the past week and I thought I would share some thoughts/information with you here.

The first bit of information came 3 times in the past week from 3 different sources and it is comes from the Bible--Matthew 25:14-30. Paraphrasing and consolidating it says that to those who have been given much, much is expected. The second thing that happened was an article that I saw here on LinkedIn and shared on Older Workers Making a Comeback which speaks to the knowledge and experience that several organizations are now recognizing in employing “seasoned” workers like myself. Thirdly, in recent discussions with several friends and colleagues I have been presented with the notion that perhaps now as a "seasoned" professional, I should pivot and focus my efforts on consulting vs full-time employment in the traditional employer/employee relationship which, while I have had my LLC for nearly a year, will be a major shift in my previous 38 years of 'work' life. Then this morning in reading my daily devotions I read the following: What does the Bible say about retirement? (Again paraphrasing) The Bible does NOT say that retirement means stopping work and service altogether; rather, it brings a change in how we work and serve. There are few things more important than developing strong leaders. 

All of this recent information has me thinking and praying for my own situation as well as thinking about what organizations need today. Certainly, for me personally and professionally I want to work but, perhaps, it will be in a different manner than I have done for the previous 30 years. I.e. One Employer/One Employee. Seasoned workers like myself have so much to offer and as consultants can offer it to a multitude of companies concurrently. So, I do not quite know what the future holds but most certainly God has been communicating new concepts and possibilities to me which I am quite intrigued with and wanted to share my thoughts with you here.

What are your thoughts? I am interested in your thoughts and experiences as I evaluate my next steps.

Thank You!

Scot