Thursday, March 08, 2012

Karl Palachuk: Writer, Speaker, Blogger

I got us today and, as I have done for every workday since 1992, I put on a newly-pressed work shirt. My home office is just down the hall from my bedroom. But I dress for work every day. I dress exactly the same when working from home as I do when I go to my "real" office.

There are three reasons for this. First, I think it's important to "put on the uniform" for work. When you work from home, you need some habits that keep you in the work mode and away from the kitchen, television, laundry, and other "home" things that want attention. Second, I have long held that you should dress as well as anyone you might meet today. So, if I end up at lunch or on a video call, I'll be ready.

Third, I'm just built that way. There's some indefinable element that simple IS who I am.

A few days ago, I posted My 1,000th Blog Post. When I look at the changes that have taken place in the last six years, I know that I am not the person I used to be. I am not the business person I used to be. Some quirky things are the same, but much has changed.

Early this year I realized that I was referring to myself as an author. And a speaker. And a blogger.

That's hard for me. I've been doing some level of tech support since 1983. I've done it professionally since 1993. I've been to the top of the Microsoft mountain for certifications. I still work as an IT consultant and have client roadmap meetings scheduled every week.

But I no longer define myself as a computer consultant first.

I am a writer, a speaker, and a blogger. Most of my income flows from writing, speaking, and blogging. My competence - my subject matter - is technical. So I have that background and maintain that connection. But my identity has evolved.

None of this may matter to the rest of the world, but I want to acknowledge to myself my identity has changed. Very few people actually make a living writing, speaking, and blogging. I am very lucky. And I love what I do.

:-)

3 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your 1,000 blog! I know exactly what you mean about home office telecommuting work- as I do it myself since Jay stold me away :D Also, I love that you re-invented yourself by keeping true to who you are, but moreover doing what makes you passionate (and by the way, what you are incredibly good at!). Cheers to you on this, and 10,000 more books, blogs, and speeches ( I will be sure to be in the front row, as a constant fan!) -Michelle :)

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  2. Karl - you might have just woken up to that, but the rest of us saw you as a Writer, Speaker and Blogger for a while now. :-)

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