Work-life euphoria: Barbara’s euphoric consulting career
Euphoria
Having left my corporate job of 20 years, I am loving, I mean wallowing in the joy of being on my own. Liberated from performance reviews, freed from building “project decks”, and lifted out of the horrid drag of corporate stress, I am able to dedicate all my energy and whole self to clients and their opportunities and challenges.
When I left my company, I didn’t really know what would become of me. How good could I be on my own? Who would hire me? For what? I over-scheduled myself with activities – weekends away with friends, workshops, trips, anything so I wouldn’t wind up on my couch watching Oprah and Dr. Oz every day, eating bon-bons and not even knowing I was depressed.
My friends laughed at me. Never, they said. They know me so much better than I know myself. My husband says I don’t know how NOT to work.
Some of my work is for my old company. Being able to say yes or no, choosing only those projects I want to do for clients I love, is sheer heaven.
The rest of my work is for non-profits that have asked for my help – everything from talking on transition topics to strategic planning consulting.
I didn’t even have to start my own business. I have no partners, no associates and no bottom line. A vendor I know lets me do a pass-through arrangement for a mutually agreed upon percentage of my take.
Not that I don’t have colleagues – other professionals and friends who represent a wide range of disciplines – with whom I get together, work with and learn from. They are indispensible to my success and well-being.
My fears of becoming a depressed couch-potato are only real to me, and I’m relieved to report, these have receded significantly. Now I get to worry about syncing up calendars on my pc and i-phone (not easy), when to see my grandchildren and when to fit yoga into my life.
I hope this lasts!
