I'm excited to finally be able to reveal some big changes that I've been planning for the last few months. A week ago I gave notice to my library and as of January 1st will no longer be Virtual Services Librarian. My director and my boss have generously offered me a part-time position and I've agreed to take it on. I'll still be helping with technology, assisting patrons and working the ref desk, only I'll be doing it a lot less.
Next year was to have been my 10th anniversary and the Glencoe Public Library has done nothing but let me develop this position in the way that I saw fit. That freedom has been important to me and the continued desire for freedom is a large part of the reason that I'm looking to do something on my own.
Next year was to have been my 10th anniversary and the Glencoe Public Library has done nothing but let me develop this position in the way that I saw fit. That freedom has been important to me and the continued desire for freedom is a large part of the reason that I'm looking to do something on my own.
Was thinking about Sabbath, Bowie or Yes but had to go obscure
I've had this germ of idea for a number of years and have lately been reading mid-career shift books that have me thinking very carefully about how to focus on the things that I most enjoy about my job, while giving up the rest. I love teaching and interacting with my older patrons and I am often asked at the reference desk if I can come into their home for personalized training and troubleshooting. Many of these people are being handed iPhones and iPads and they want to be able to use them better. Meanwhile, the technology that they are expected to use in everyday life is constantly changing.
I also have experience in developing classes on technology for my library and would like to find other venues to host similar classes, particularly for an older crowd. I know that there are other libraries that don't necessarily have the time or staffing to come up with these on their own so I am offering my services. I will also be bringing the classes to senior centers, service organizations, retirement homes and anywhere else where people want to learn what I've got to teach!
I've got approximately 23,746 reasons for making this career shift beyond the fact that I see a great opportunity for making money off of doing something that I love. Some of these reasons are as follows:
- Mid-career burnout
- Technology burnout
- A desire to work for myself
- A desire to create my own schedule that's not based on a 9-5 work week
- A disconnect with public library trends
- Midlife crisis
- Overfishing
- I want to touch an Indian
Why isn't there an Albert Brooks Blu-ray box yet?
There are more reasons beyond these and if anyone wants to chat about these, entrepreneurship, or life in general then you know how to find me! I've been doing a lot of talking with people both within and outside of the library field and have been accumulating tons of ideas and encouragement. If you've got an entrepreneurial urge I'd love to give and get advice. Most of my social networking for the last few months has been in person and I'm sure to have more free time available soon, so if you want to grab lunch or a beer let's set something up!
In the meantime, you can help me by hiring my business's services or referring me to clients. I'd also appreciate it if you like my business Facebook page, follow my business on LinkedIn and/or connect with me on LinkedIn. I'll also accept good vibes and will surely send you some in return.
Obviously I'm both nervous and psyched but this is really an ideal time in my life for me to give this a shot. I'm also hoping to be able to volunteer in my community, take some classes and come up with some other ways to explore my interests when not lying on the beach. Between starting this business and building a new master bathroom, 2015 should be an exciting time! Worst case scenario I'll just be enjoying spending a lot of time getting to know the couch a little better...
My life might end up resembling the first couple of McCartney albums as well
