Today I had a conversation with a colleague of mine who was amazed when she realized that for the past 7 years I’ve been working on several consulting contracts, while running MetroActive (a business networking and training organization with 9,000 members). 

“How do you do it?” she asked. 

It wasn’t the first time I heard this question.  “It’s not that as impossible as you think”, I replied. 

Then I pointed out that the average person watches as much as 2 hours of television a day.  I simply choose to take that passive time and make it active.

However, this time in hearing the question and with everything that has happened in my life in the last while, I realized that I’m a little emotionally tired.  I’ve been the lead goose in the flock for 7 years and I think its time for me to take a rest, watch a little television.  Well, maybe not the television, but perhaps spend more recreational time with my friends and start dating again. 

Being a consultant and entrepreneur can be very tiring.  In fact, many consultants go back to work after a year or two.  I’ve been able to keep at it for years and have not only learned all kinds of things and expanded my skills, but also enjoyed it quite thoroughly.  But, now it’s time for me to make a change, yes you heard me make a change. 

So, what’s next?  Well, that’s the big question, isn’t it?

What do I do with all the experience, skills and wisdom that I’ve acquired?  They say once you’re a leader, even when you follow within the flock, you still lead the flock from the rear.  That’s one of the lessons I’ve learned in the last few years.  Being a silent, discrete leader has forged true, well-grounded leadership spirit within me.  This I will enjoy practicing more often.