Here we are, all over again

You might say I’m a bad blogger. I talk about writing everyday. I talk about what it takes to keep improving your craft. And yet, my blog here has languished for about four years.

No new posts

No new podcast episodes

Pretty much no new nuthin’ since March-April 2021.

And why is that?

I was busy.

I was busy writing for Trapeze Group and other Modaxo companies. I was busy editing/producing the Transit Unplugged podcast (which won awards during my tenure there). So of course most of the other stuff I did when I was between jobs, fell by the wayside.

I kept a few clients for a while, but it got to be too much, so I culled down to one additional client at a time, and focused all my time and energy into the job of being a Blog and Podcast Manager (a descriptive, but still very odd title I think).

And I’m really proud of the work I did there. I figured out how to get content out of subject matter experts who were so busy I don’t know how they had the energy to do what they did (the secret is recording podcast-style interviews). I leveled up the Transit Unplugged podcast from using two outside editors to bringing it all in house. I figured out how to improve the audio quality. I used AI to fix issues and give me a starting place for show notes. I brought a focus on telling a story instead of just two people talking. The work I did on Transit Unplugged is probably what I’m most proud of during my tenure. Every year I was able to make incremental improvements. In house production and editing. Using AI tools like Descript to (magically) improve the sound and speed up the whole production process. Increasing the listen through rate in 2024 to over 70% on average. Yeah, that was good work.

I got to take the stage a couple times at the ThinkTransit conference running the keynotes. Beyond even being the emcee, I wrote speeches. I got to lead a discussion on customer-focused development. I even got to interview a lot of customers, ostensibly for marketing and case studies, but honestly I loved hearing how folks helped people get to jobs, school, etc. I really got to learn about public transit. I mean I was a transit nerd before, but this took it to a whole new level.

But, that time is done. Modaxo and I parted ways. It was unexpected and unplanned, but I can only play the hand I’m dealt. I’m sad of course. I’ll miss working with some really great people. Really though, people don’t stay at companies as long as they used to. I think our faster world pushes for faster change.

Or at least that sounds good in my head.

What’s next?

For the first time ever, I don’t have to rush to find a new job with steady income and benefits. Don’t get me wrong, I like a steady income and benefits, but we’ve got that covered now. The last time found myself in a sudden change in employment status, I figured out fast I could get freelance work if I buckled down and sought it out. That’s the nice thing about being a writer (and now let’s add podcast producer to that as well); freelancing is always an option.

I’ve started to pick up some work. I have room on the docket for a few more folks who need writing, editing, or podcast production/editing help. I’m not going to over tax myself, because I also learned I need to make sure I don’t work all the time. And that includes looking for steady, permanent work.

It’s a whole different experience this time

Besides the whole, “oh HR is in our one-on-one today, uh huh” thing that is never pleasant, I’m in a completely different (and positive) mental state. I’m focused on using my severance wisely. Getting freelance work to keep me busy and pay the bills. Applying for jobs that I’m interested in. I’m looking at broader horizons now.

I think there are a lot of things behind this positive mental state, maybe it’s age, but I’m going to brush off and keep going. This is a new chapter that I’m writing. And who knows maybe I’ll get back into education or science or something completely new and different.

Need a hand with some writing or your podcast?

Hit me up and let’s chat. Have a position you think I might be great for? Ping me on LinkedIn and you can check out more of my experience. And as far as this blog/website goes. We’ll just have to see what I feel like writing.