The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

As 2009 draws to a close, I have been reflecting on all I have learned this year about work, about the lack of work, and about finding myself again.

It has certainly been challenging....financially, emotionally, mentally...but, in an odd way, I feel like this...losing a job and looking for ways to make money...has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

There are a whole list of reasons that are important to me. But it has been the support of my family and my friends that has made me realize that a job, any job, is just to make money to buy things.

To those few who read this blog from time to time, I wish you the very best in 2010.

As for me, I will start the New Year on two different ventures simultaneously, working with an HR professional to promote a consulting business, and managing accounts at a search firm and learning the business of search. It will be a very interesting year....

....I will certainly keep you posted!

The Left Hand Turn

Throughout history, the Left Hand has signified evil. Being left-handed branded you as a servant of the Devil during the Middle Ages. The reason I know that little piece of trivia is that I am left-handed. It was quite a shock to find out history does not reward you for being left-handed....along with Sister Mary Silvester, my Fifth grade teacher who gave me a "C" in penmanship.

Connotations aside however, I've always liked making left hand turns. Going against the traffic, the stress of backing up the traffic behind you. Doing something that goes against the flow.

Right now, I am circling around a left hand turn in employment. Could I actually work for myself and make a living of it? How do you start? How do you know when you are doing it right? How do you cover expenses when you're out of work and don't qualify for a small business loan?

Is it the right thing to do....or maybe the "left" thing to do....