It’s okay if you want to quit.
If it’s early on and it’d be easy, don’t. Resist the temptation.
Quitting now could be the worst thing you ever do.
If it’s been a while, and it’d be difficult, do. Find the courage.
Quitting now could be the best thing you ever do.
So, do wait.
But then, what are you waiting for?
Your people.
They may be asking for a budget or an update or a recommendation or an exchange or an explanation or an opinion or a demonstration or a whatever.
They don’t actually want what they’re asking for.
They just want to stop worrying.
Make it your job to put them at ease.
It may feel like you have a ton of experience.
You’ve been doing good work your entire career!
But if you’ve only been out of college for three years, your entire career is only three years.
It’s like a toddler saying they’re great at walking.
They might be. But drop them in an intersection in Midtown Manhattan and they’re gonna get crushed.
Point is this: enjoy your time as a toddler. You’ll be an adult dealing with toddlers before you know it.
Generally not outright.
Probably in the form of positioning or messaging or just by supporting work you know isn’t in your client’s best interest.
Definitely to yourself.
So be ready for it.
And be sure you’re using your PTO days.
Because dishonesty is exhausting.
There’s gonna be a monkey.
A monkey that bugs you all day.
He doesn’t want to work.
He wants to play.
Play with the monkey during the day, and you’ll be mad at him at night.
Play with him when the important stuff is done and you’ll happily do what he wants.
Monkey will get his attention.
And despite what it seems, he prefers it when you aren’t mad at him.
[HT Wait Buy Why]
Their name on your business card.
It’s the reason your billable rate is 2 – 8x what it would be if you were working independently.
So there’s gonna be some pressure to perform. To live up to that name.
But remember the other name on your business card.
How dedicated are you to that one?
You’re gonna find yourself sitting a lot.
So remember this: nobody said you weren’t allowed to stand at meetings.
Heck, they might even get done faster, if you’re standing, too.
Hard work is like a drug. It’s addicting.
But what makes it really bad is you get paid to do it.
Remember, though, that nobody likes a drug addict.
[from “Knockers” talk]
There’s no such thing as a client emergency. If there’s a real emergency, they can call 911.
[from my “Knockers” talk]
It was supposed to be my last Tuesday with the company.
It turned out to be my last day ever.
My story didn’t help a few; although for most I hope it does.
There is life after consulting.