A sad good-bye....

Well, I'm about to become "unemployed" again. You see, the funny thing about being self-employed is that every time you lose a client, or have a contract expire, you're technically unemployed. How long it lasts is simply a matter of how quickly you find another client and sign another contract. Sometimes it's a matter of weeks, sometimes a matter of months......either way it's still a stressful time.

This time it's a big one. In 2002 I contracted with a start-up group in Southeast Kansas to provide business assistance to area residents. The intent of this fledgling Non-Profit was to stimulate the local economies by helping local businesses succeed. A great and noble effort it was, but it has now run its course. In other words it has run out of money to continue.

It's a sad day, for in fact, the effort has been highly successful in accomplishing its goal. Over 120 new businesses were started, over 350 new jobs created, and nearly 700 clients were served. Think about it, in four of the poorest counties in the state of Kansas, with a population of less than 20,000, we were able to create a glimmer of hope. I am very proud to have been a part of it.

But, now it's time to shift gears and find new challenges. At age 62 it becomes more difficult, however, business consulting is one of the few careers where a few years, and a little gray hair, works to one's advantage. People have more confidence in your knowledge if it appears you've experienced the ups and downs of business cycles a few times. It's too bad that same thing can't be said for jobs in the corporate world where youth is king. The thought of hiring some old fogey like me never crosses the minds of the twenty-somethings working in the HR office.

I've been self-employed in one form or another since 1995. I do a little ranching, own some commercial real estate, and have started a new venture with a colleague which appears to be promising. Yet, I'll truly miss the people, who with a hope and a prayer, created the QUAD Enterprise Facilitation Program. They are fine people, and good friends.....

Life goes on, and no doubt I'll survive until the next contract comes along....sooner than later I hope, but as always, what do I know!