My Fiscal Cliff

You know that phrase "S%*t or get off the pot" ? Well, this week I did.  I took that leap of faith and decided it was time for me to bet on myself instead of everyone else I've ever worked for.  Time for me to take a chance and see if everything I've learned, everything I've accomplished, and everything I really, really love doing and want to do is possible to do — as an independent contractor.

Beginning in February, I am walking away from the safety net of a job with benefits, direct deposit, the guarantee of a paycheck — and a whole lot else.  It's a scary thing. Terrifying.  But at this point in my life, it's a necessity.  And along with the urgency — having just turned 60 — in another way, it's a birthday present to me.

I know that it seems risky and impractical. 

                 Especially at my age, 
                                especially in this economy, 
                                               especially because when someone asks me what I want to do, I answer: 
                 strategic planning, 
                               organizational development, facilitation, 
                                                                writing and communications, 
                                                                                    program creation and problem-solving, and 

they look worried.   

They shouldn't worry.  I love doing each of those things. I have a wealth of experience doing them — for lots of different people and places.  I want variety.  I crave creativity.

For my tagline I thought of something I thought was really clever:

Have Brain, Will Travel

And what did I find?  Three other consulting entities with that name AND that it was on the business card of Wile E. Coyote — a show I virtually never watched.  Hmmm.  

Remember that key ring "carpe diem"  I got as a birthday present from my friend Thelma?  Before I even announced my move — that gift, that key ring was for a key — to a door, in a building, with a conference room that I can use — as a place to begin this new career.  The universe is speaking.  I'm listening — and I'm receiving — tremendous support.  To all you out there?  melanie mitchell thanks you and hopes you'll hang in there for this ride.