Back to Work

I recently decided to go back to work. It’s worth reminding all of my loyal readers out there (hello???) that I took pretty much the whole pandemic off from (for profit) work. I had finished working for a london-based fintech, the company was sold to Visa, I did about 6 months at a startup until it ran out of funding and then decided to just focus on non-profit work. I chair the board of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County (JAGFC) and took up some pro bono consulting for other non-profits in the area, such as the Catholic Diocese and a couple of Community Colleges based in the area.

So, when an old friend called me, I was up in Maine, pandemicking with the family last fall. “What are you doing?” he asked. I was digging holes, planting stuff my wife told me to insert into those holes, hiking with the dogs, and enjoying periodic work episodes with the non-profits I was dealing with. My old friend had just taken a role as CEO of a mid-sized software company and needed a Chief Revenue Officer. It never hurts to talk to people, so I engaged with him and got interested. It took a while, but I was in no rush, and it was good to get to know the people involved….and then I joined!

I have been back at it for a month now – long days, dealing with clients, personnel issues, process issues, teamwork with colleagues, the whole nine yards. Some friends ask me why I went back to work, like it was the craziest thing they could think of.

After reflection, I have to admit – I like working! That’s the simple answer.

Yes, I was relaxed during this past year, able to read the paper each day, go for long walks with the dogs and my wife, read a TON of books (over 60 books last year) which I loved. However, the stimulation of work is a turn on. I like building teams, especially global teams. I like dealing with clients and cutting deals.

So there – that’s the reason; thats the answer. Take it or leave it..for now.