And now for something completely different
I’ve been very lucky in the 9 years that I’ve been working for myself. Lucky in the opportunities to travel and the people that I’ve met. Lucky in I’m doing something I love - playing with and building the latest technologies. Lucky on the financial side of things that it’s given me a wide range of choices.
So, it’s surprised the people I’ve told that I’m now going to be doing something completely different.
Why?
No it’s not the economy. I can see the effects of the slowdown but I’m one of the most ‘low maintenance’ people I know (anybody who lives in Drogheda and drives a ‘98 Toyota isn’t exactly into bling!) I’d be ok. And the uptick (in 18months - 2 years time) is the most profitable bit of the economic cycle.
No , it’s not through lack of clients. One of the most painful parts of the decision have been the 3 prospective projects that I’ve had to turn down. The sort of ideal projects that I’d working to land for the previous 2 years.
No, it’s not through lack of choices. Two other ‘life changing’ choices I had to turn down were to scale inside a well known consultancy, or specialise in one tool and go international (you know who you are guys, thanks for making the final decision so hard
So why then?
The basic reason is that I’m enjoying this now (as in big smile on Monday mornings), but can see that I might not be enjoying it in 3 years time. And chances like this one don’t come along every day. That, and I’m fascinated by the new area and people that these guys are working with.
And what you’re doing is?
This is a big change for me, so a bit nervous about it and will blog about the new job (and it is very much a job, rather than being self-employed) in due course. It will either be the very best, or very worst thing that I’ve done.
Luckily it’s still dealing with People and Technology so no need to change the blog title … and I’m still a techie at heart (in that I’ll play with the stuff even if I’m not paid to) so expect more in that area!

July 8th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Best of luck, looking forward to your post
July 8th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Onwards to new beginnings is it? Nice one Paul, best of luck with the change.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Very brave of you, and I’m very curious about what you’re going to do next!
July 8th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Thanks for the sentiments - must update the LinkedIn page *after* I make some changes to this site (to prevent any confusion!).
Think LinkedIn ‘pings’ you automatically to any changes , so you won’t have to hold your breath for too much longer
July 8th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
The best of luck with the change over Paul.
July 10th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Best of luck Paul
July 21st, 2008 at 8:19 pm
OK, finally got to updating the site and the linked in profile.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrowne