Tuesday Reflections – My First Day of Unemployment

It’s Tuesday, and it feels strange to say that today is my first day of being between jobs. There’s something unsettling about it. I’ve got four days off between my old position and my new one, and I’m trying to figure out how to make the most of it. The last time I switched jobs, I wrapped up on a Friday and started the new role the following Monday, which left me feeling completely drained. This time, I’ve learned from that mistake and decided to give myself a bit of breathing room (though with two little ones running around, it’s nearly impossible to do absolutely nothing—but I’m going to try!).

I recently picked up an intriguing book called Crucial Conversations, which caught my eye while I was researching the Five Whys technique. Maybe I’ll take refuge in a coffee shop, enjoy endless chai lattes, and dive into it. Who knows ...  I’ll figure it out tomorrow.

On a different note, I reconnected with an old friend today—someone I haven’t spoken to in a while but used to have the most amazing conversations with. He’s the kind of person who tells stories in such an engaging way that they stick with you for years. I still remember a sci-fi story he told me over two decades ago! Our chat today was exactly what I needed—it recharged me in a way I didn’t realize I missed.

September 30th – My Last Day at Three UK (H3G)

Today marked my final day at Three UK. It was a short and reflective day. I didn’t plan a formal farewell – after all, it would have been my second one, and I preferred to keep it simple. My vision for the day was to spend some time with each team member and, of course, enjoy as many chai lattes as possible!  ;-)

However, as life goes, several colleagues were on leave, and others were dealing with family matters. So, only a few of the people I work closely with were around. That said, I received a call on Sunday from one of the team, inviting me to lunch, which was a nice surprise. It ended up being a much better day than I had anticipated – a good note to end on.

It's time for a change

Over the years, I had the privilege of working with some incredible individuals. Having a team that inspires you and pushes you to grow makes all the difference in the world. There were days when I’d go to work thinking, “I can’t believe they’re paying me to do something I would happily do for free!” It was a remarkable feeling. Being part of a team where I could ask, “What do you think about X, Y, or Z?” and receive insights I’d never considered before was invaluable. My colleagues offered perspectives that challenged my thinking and broadened my horizons. Their support and camaraderie turned work into a place of continuous learning and collaboration.

However, circumstances have changed. The supportive environment that once made my job so fulfilling is no longer the same. The dynamics have shifted, and that sense of inspiration and mutual growth has faded. It’s this change that has led me to the difficult decision to seek new opportunities. While I’ll always cherish the experiences and growth I’ve had, I realize it’s time to find a new environment where I can continue to learn, be challenged, and feel inspired.

Packetpushers - Big Rock or Best-in-Breed (heavy strategy)

I recently listened to a conversation on Packet Pushers that really got me thinking. In the past, I’ve seen a similar pattern in large transformations where organizations adopt the “Big Rock” approach—going all in on a single, massive solution to address their needs. Each time, it didn’t deliver the expected results. So why does this approach keep getting chosen? Is it driven by cost-saving measures, the desire for streamlined management, or is there something else at play?

Of course, the best-of-breed approach has its own set of challenges—like managing multiple vendors or integrating different systems—but doesn’t it offer a safer path for better business continuity and outcomes? It allows for flexibility and adaptability, which are crucial in today’s fast-changing landscape. While it’s not without its headaches, it seems like a more reliable bet in the long run.

Link to the talk.