In the last two years I’ve been putting food on the table and paying the rent via freelancing. I’ve done this as a freelance journalist, writer, photographer and speaker. In addition I’ve worked with IT in the form of development, lectures, user training and system analysis. First and foremost with collaborative solutions, but also with other IT solutions, and efficient use of email and calendar. I will still be doing this, but my career as a 100% freelancer will now come to an end.
The reason is simple: I got a new job! December 3rd this year I will start working at iSi in the village of Åndalsnes, in the municipality of Rauma, situated at the end of the Rauma river. I already have a two year experience of commuting between Molde (where I live) and Åndalsnes as I worked on and off for the local newspaper there. So I won’t have to move.
An hour of commute, one way, is less than some people I know have to get to work, so I ‘ll deal with having to spend two hours in my car every day just fine. And during the ten minute ferry ride I can talk to other commuters I know who travel the same route every day. After settling in I will be able to have a home office one to two days a week, so I think this will work out just fine.
My job will be very similar to what I’m already doing within IT and collaboration technologies. But I will be able to do much more development for the web and on Domino than what I’ve been able to do for the past few years. This means I will also catch up again on some web technologies and development tools where I feel I have been a bit on the back burner. I will also do user training, courses, lectures, documentation, customer relations, promotion of iSi’s product line and services and also increase the company’s presence on social media. In short: Things people tell me I’m good at!
And even if IBM Connections is not a part of iSi’s portfolio, I will still be using the platform, so I will keep myself updated there as well. So there’s no reason for any of my customers or partners to burn any bridges with me when it comes to the world of IBM Collaboration Solutions. Let’s keep in touch and see if we can’t continue the cooperation through my new employer. In addition, you will still see me in my role as the leader of the IBM Collaboration Usergroup (ISBG).
So, what about my journalistic and photographic work? I will return to my old ways there: Working with that stuff in weekends and at night, as long as it doesn’t interfere with my day job at iSi, just like I did at my three previous employers. So there’s no need to burn any bridges with me there, either.
I will start in my new job on December 3rd. So I’m looking especially forward to advent this year! Can’t wait to start. This is going to be great!