The Review, 2008

2008 was a tulmultuous year for most everyone. Layoffs, recession, changes in income, how work is done and how we approached opportunities changed in 2008. We were forced to struggle more and finally decided that change was needed.

Here’s what I’m thankful for in 2008:

• A new President here in the United States. If 30% of the agenda is enacted and implemented, there will be significant changes for all of us in how we go about work.
• Being laid off by Washington Mutual. It has provided me the kick I needed to create my own company and focus on changing what I do for work.
• My wife, Kate, being laid off from Washington Mutual. There are challenges to being laid off together and we really found out the strength of our relationship.
• Our trip to Ireland. What a fabulous country. Great people. Great work. They are showing how great Ireland is to the rest of the world.
• Our trips to the Oregon coast. What a fun place to visit. The scenery is stunning and the people are gracious.
• Practicing what I preach. When you write about career management all the time, it is a challenge to live as you advise. Most of it has worked out better than planned.
• My friends. There are many more this year who have shared their lives with us. Plus even more from the online world who I have been able to meet with and share our stories as if we had been seeing each other since the beginning.
• The supporters of Cube Rules. All of this would mean nothing without your support of the site, the advice given, and the building of community that you bring when you share your experiences through the comments on the site.

Thanks for a great year. Kate and I are going to take some time and enjoy the end of the year. I’ll be posting again on January 5, 2009. I have a lot planned for next year and can’t wait to get it going.