First published September, 2011. I write these every few years—a recommendation letter for myself, but written 3 years in the future. The format forces me to be concrete about what I want to accomplish, leading to better priorities. September 2014 To Whom It May Concern,
Kent, initially, I found this post confusing - not the bit about the 2011 + 3 recommendation, but the bit after the second horizontal rule. After re-reading a few times, I came to the conclusion that this is a statement of your current situation. It might be more effective if that were clearer at the first reading. I can relate to everything you described there. I wish you well in finding that perfect gig. I am sure any organization that could check all those boxes for you would find they would gain far more value than they bargained for.
To be honest, it felt a bit self-pat-in-the-back as first, but as I read it through, it did not feel that way. I like the honesty and specificity. I will try it and brave it out to share publicly.
I identify by your stage in life, as I have a consultant, missed the sense of a team, and started at a permanent position. I have two kids in college too.
Thanks for a great writeup. I do end of year reflections but that is more wider than work.
This is such a great idea, I will try to do this myself too. The last part touched me the most - belongs and predictability, partly because I have similar background as a consultant for a while and I understand how it feels when you have to keep switching contexts, and how it feel when you finally feel comfortable and confident in one team and enjoy it.
Kent, initially, I found this post confusing - not the bit about the 2011 + 3 recommendation, but the bit after the second horizontal rule. After re-reading a few times, I came to the conclusion that this is a statement of your current situation. It might be more effective if that were clearer at the first reading. I can relate to everything you described there. I wish you well in finding that perfect gig. I am sure any organization that could check all those boxes for you would find they would gain far more value than they bargained for.
I clarified the piece. That epilog was original. My current career state & goals are different (as I've been reflecting on in recent posts here).
To be honest, it felt a bit self-pat-in-the-back as first, but as I read it through, it did not feel that way. I like the honesty and specificity. I will try it and brave it out to share publicly.
I identify by your stage in life, as I have a consultant, missed the sense of a team, and started at a permanent position. I have two kids in college too.
Thanks for a great writeup. I do end of year reflections but that is more wider than work.
Wow
Such a brilliant idea
A bit scary to actually try it out though
You don't have to share it. I have 3-4 more of these to post, but a little at a time.
You're right. I'll give it a go. In fact, I'm in between jobs at the moment and it can be an even better time for doing this.
This is such a great idea, I will try to do this myself too. The last part touched me the most - belongs and predictability, partly because I have similar background as a consultant for a while and I understand how it feels when you have to keep switching contexts, and how it feel when you finally feel comfortable and confident in one team and enjoy it.
I love the genuine and honest here too.