Fall Reflections - 2021

Over four years ago, I was in a position to retire early. After some thought, the idea didn't suit me. I was, in the arc of my life, in an entirely novel position. I could be much more selective about where I chose to exchange my time for money. With nothing to lose and a lot to gain, I sought work with a company that would put Agile principles and my coaching skills to a rigorous test. Did I have what it takes to guide a global legacy corporation into an Agile learning organization? I ran this experiment within the software divisions of two different medical device manufacturers. The first was a 6 month engagement that ended when a better option opened up at a much larger manufacturer with more pay and less commute. I was there for three years until a layoff in the spring.

So it is I've come to wrapping up an extremely active spring and summer after having tripped a wire that launched me into a career shift about six months earlier than planned - a span of time I'm affectionately calling an unplanned sabbatical. I'm still not ready to retire, but I'm in an even stronger position then I was four years ago - the silent advantage of a Stoic minimalist lifestyle. Shedding the corporate baggage has opened up a universe of space and time for unfettered thought and exploration. Sabbaticals should be integrated into the work lives of every employee who demonstrates integrity and a strong work ethic.