Part III: Thinking About A Mid-Career Change? (I am)

The gestation period for this post was slightly longer than that of a small elephant.

When Rowan Manahan decided to start a group writing project on the Definitive Job Hunt, I figured that I'd follow up Part I and Part II with a fully narrated, multi-media Part III.

What a great idea (in theory).

The result: A new rung on the Ladder of Learning Mastery:

The Unconscious time line:

Wednesday, 15 August

• Although I own many microphones, I discover that none fits the computer input and I can't seem to come up with an adapter in a reasonable period of time.
  
  Fine. Lots of people enjoyed moving pictures before "talkies" in 1927. Suck it up.
  

• I want to use the Apple Keynote  software because it's really elegant. I have used it once before (see where this is going?).
  
  But today I'm lucky. When I open Keynote I get the announcement that there is a new version available for download. God forbid I should use a perfectly good older version with which I have some familiarity.
  

• Naturally I download the new version. I am immediately Consciously Incompetent and feeling smug about my advanced state of Consciousness.

• I spend the rest of the day and evening finding the Toolbar.

Thursday, 16 August

• Clients who pay me actual money begin to call and annoy me in the midst of my learning curve. I discover that my only reason for being has turned into conquering the new software. As a result, I will soon be living in a cardboard box at the Port Authority bus terminal in NYC.

• Suddenly, it doesn't matter. Now I will be able to give Keynote formatting advice to executives who are  tossing me loose change on their way to work. I feel vindicated regarding my decision and am considering an eBook.

• The postal carrier delivers a package. Wow. CB has sent along Curious George on his Age of Conversation worldwide book tour.
  
  It's my job to have George delivered to Greg Verdino.
  
  But first, I have to take some photos of CG, the fam, the neighbors, etc., to pump up the AoC buzz.
  
  Uh...

• My daughter has borrowed my digital camera. It is not in the state of New Jersey. I am.

• It now occurs to me that there is still no Part III, I'm sitting in my office alone with a stuffed animal, and am probably about to spend +/- $300 at the camera shop.

Friday, 17 August

• Up at the crack of dawn to complete and publish Part III

• Need to edit photos. Open Photoshop Elements 4.0. Realize that I haven't actually used it before.
  No problem finding Toolbar(s). They cover the entire screen on every side.

• Phone starts ringing. Clients again.

• 11 am. Scheduled phone call with Wally Bock. We find much in common, have 90 minutes worth of good laughs, and agree that we should connect again. Since that time our electricity has been interrupted by an automobile/transformer love fest. The portable phone doesn't ring.

• I also agree to add a post to the Carnival of Human Resources that Wally is hosting on August 22. I'm thinking about something I'm really good at, like "How to manage your time and your life."

• More client calls. Less online productivity.

Saturday, 18 August

Cell phone starts beeping with the text message: *Congratulations. You are a great uncle.*

• I think it's my nephew finally realizing what a terrific uncle I really am.

• Nope. My niece delivered a beautiful baby girl (as yet unnamed). Madeline Clare

Please note that she is the first baby in the world who does not look exactly like Winston Churchill.

• We spend the rest of the day at the hospital making baby sounds and arguing about which  side of the family she resembles most.

           The conclusion: Winston Churchill's side.

Sunday, 19 August

• Headed out the door to spend the afternoon with a client/good friend and his wife.

• He is one of the people who called on Friday.

• I will take his picture with Curious George, post it here, then send a copy to his boss and the company psychologist.   

Please note that you have not yet seen the actual Mid-Career Keynote presentation.

You think I don't know that?!

Before Rowan launches the Dublin Admiralty and begins the siege of New Jersey, I will be posting the expected installment this evening Eastern Time as soon as Slideshare finishes the upload.

It will be Part IV of III.

Comments

[C.B. Whittemore]

Steve, George will provide you with all kinds of inspiration for part IV! Congratulations and good luck.

[Holger Nauheimer]

Steve, I have posted about your blog in a summary of what other blogs have written today or recently:
http://www.change-management-blog.com/2007/08/tody-in-other-blogs.html

[Kent Blumberg]

Beautiful!!!

Sounds like you might need a great coach to help you find your way through the shoals of life! ;-)

Have an excellent weekend.

Kent

[Steve Roesler]

Kent,

Gee, thanks for noticing.

I'm hoping your Saturday photo will be something warm, fuzzy, and relaxing.

No alligators this week!