Lightning Struck

13 months ago, I walked away from a wonderful, frustrating, engaging, amazing 25 year career in wireless telecommunications where I had the opportunity to work with such fabulous people.

We changed the world, we did.  We ripped networks, implemented new technologies which were obsolete before we finished installing their first generation; we deployed over the air data at rates which beat the landlines; tested satellite communications; did big data before big data was cool... Sheez.  When we started it took 10 people to budget / build / and maintain an entire network we used to figure.  Now, there are nearly as many connections as a human brain.

But yep, I walked away.  The chaos I thrived in was tidied.  There was a process for everything and everything had a process.  I'd helped build those and the standards. I'd seen the network grow and contract, domains split  But we know I suck when it comes to following the rules - even rules I, myself, might have made. 

I spent the next 13 months learning how the world had changed since last I looked for a job. 

I just accepted an offer today.  I'm moving into a data science role as a Senior Consultant with Design Laboratory to work with Microsoft's Shared Services BI group in games.  GAMES!!!!  I still can't freakin' believe it.  Nope.  I can't.  I'm excited/scared.  I start the 21st.  Now I gotta go scrub my mouth out with soap for practice. 

Yep.  I got the industry leap I was hoping for.  Nope.  This consulting gig doesn't fall under an 18 month thing. 

My biggest weakness:  "I left my network of engineers and lab rat friends behind when I walked.  That network was a source of strength."  I can't ever thank you all enough for your help and support over the years.  I love you.  Thank you.  You made me a better person and we did amazing work together.  And thank you for your laughter and support even after I walked.

That said, I had to turn down two other companies which were still interested, but hadn't offered.  When push came to shove, I had 24 hours to make a decision, but honestly, I was really impressed with the one I accepted.  The consulting firm is small, but the job is with a big company again.  It's in Redmond.  Again.  But it's games.  It's building new systems for analytics, it's metric design.  and it's in Games.  It's the industry I wanted and with one of the only divisions I'd cross the water for.  There were only two other companies I was willing to do that for.  All the others, I turned away.

So, remember y'all.  Sing often.  Laugh much.  Compliment each other when you're not cussing each other out.