When I lost my job three years ago, it seemed like a catastrophe. Money wasn’t really the issue. Like most men, my identity is just about entirely tied up in working and producing an income.
Losing the old corporate job, with its package of perks and benefits seemed like a complete disaster. I really enjoyed my work in media, and I wondered if I was too old to get another job. Myrna had died only a year and a half earlier.
Somehow, the outcome of losing that job has been to land in a much better place. Life is often like that. We resist and resist change, and then change is forced upon us. We are dragged kicking and screaming into the new reality, only to find upon arriving there that things aren’t so bad.
I began working as a consultant… a pretty name for self-employed… because I really didn’t have any choice. Companies are increasingly embracing this strategy of employing people as consultants to avoid, among other things, the legal liability of long term employment and the high costs of providing benefits.
My first year as a consultant was very difficult. My clients were companies hanging on by their fingernails. They were really a pain in the ass… cheap and abusive. And then, I began to land big corporate clients. My main client now is an enormous international corporation.
The end result? I make quite a bit more money than I did before and I have incredible freedom. Sure I pay for my own health insurance. And, when I take a vacation, I don’t make any money when I’m gone. My clients only want me in their offices for meetings or to deliver the goods. One of the best perks is tax deductions. My work in multimedia requires me to own the latest computers, cameras, musical equipment and recording gadgets. When I was working as an employee, I bought these things anyway. Now, I can write them off.
This part is great. I work at home two or three days a week. Then, I travel down to Jersey and Manhattan for my office visits and socializing. I don’t have to dress very often in the corporate uniform. While I work I look out my front window at the deer grazing in my yard. When I get tired of working, I pick up my guitar or I play the piano. Mid-afternoon, I often take a walk to the lake.
This is not to say that there aren’t some negatives. I miss being in Manhattan full time. I used to do lunch in a different restaurant with a different friend every day. Woodstock is too damned peaceful and quiet in large doses.
Overall, the change has been a tremendous improvement. I hope I can continue to work in this fashion for another six years or more. Right now, my chances look good. I turn down work every day. My clients keep me so busy that I’m ready to beg for mercy. Who knows whether the gravy train will continue?
I say my prayers every morning. Thanks God. Can you keep it coming? And, while you’re at it, take good care of Myrna. She was incredible.
"While I work I look out my front window at the deer grazing in my yard. When I get tired of working, I pick up my guitar or I play the piano." I love this part. You've got the meaning of life! Your blog just inspired me. Thank you!
John
Posted by: John YDP | Saturday, August 02, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Yes, the deer are a magical part of life.
They aren't hunted in Woodstock, so they are close to tame.
I'm thinking of planting an apple tree for them in the back yard. They love rotten apples.
Posted by: Shouting Thomas | Monday, August 04, 2008 at 07:27 AM
i ashutosh roushan as a yoga instructore do wark last 14 year in our city i want to now
work in aboard as a fllower of swami shivananda and satyanada yoga tradition
can you give me vluable guideline
Posted by: ashutoshroushan | Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 02:10 AM