I’m an employee again. It’s not at all what I was expecting at this point in my career, but it’s a good outcome and a happy ending.

This chapter of my career started in April 2020. My employer closed the office due to COVID. Then, just as everyone was getting used to remote work, there was a layoff. Suddenly, I was unemployed.

It was a bit of a shock after 12 years with the company, but I was determined to land on my feet. Within a week, I had a new laptop, a modest home office, and the beginnings of a freelance practice.

I activated my network, got some referrals, and soon I was developing web content and marketing campaigns for a handful of clients. The work was varied, sometimes fun, and sometimes challenging. I built this website. I even designed a logo and printed up some business cards. (Pro tip: Nobody really uses those any more, but they do make good bookmarks.)

After about a year of my newly independent lifestyle, I found that one client was taking up more and more of my time. This client’s work was plentiful and interesting, my new co-workers were smart, talented, and dedicated, and the hourly rate was very satisfactory.

Then I saw an ad on LinkedIn. My client wanted to hire someone to do the same work I was doing, but as an employee. So I checked in with my contact at the company: Would I be a good candidate for the full-time gig?

One thing led to another, and I transitioned to a “contract to hire” status. By September 1st, I was a full-time employee. The company sent me flowers to celebrate. I was touched by the gesture, and by the warm welcome.

Same work, different context

Now I’m doing the same work for the same client, but it’s a different experience. I’m part of the team, which is nice. I haven’t met many of my co-workers outside of teleconferences, which is a little weird, but we’re getting to know each other somehow.

I’m still working from home, but I have to account for my time during business hours. I can’t just sleep late or take the afternoon off whenever the mood strikes me. On the other hand, if I do take a day off — planned in advance — I can still get paid.

In fact, I get a regular paycheck for the same amount every time, as a direct deposit. That’s delightful, if slightly less exciting than finding a check in the mailbox. I do appreciate employer-subsidized health insurance a lot more now that I’ve had 18 months of paying the full premiums myself.

Lessons learned:

1. Expect the unexpected. Sometimes change can be good.

2. Have a plan. Sometimes change can be scary.

3. Know your value, and don’t sell yourself short. Some changes can cause you to doubt yourself.

The most important lesson for all of us, at any age or career stage: It’s never too late to try something new. So, if that rut is not your happy place, find a new path or create one,, and get yourself up and out of the ditch.

In the words of the late Robert Noyce, co-founder of Intel: “Go out and do something wonderful.”