2025 has been a year of growth, meaning, and new direction in my career. After completing an impactful tenure in analytics leadership and support in late 2024, I transitioned into a chapter dedicated to consulting, continuing education, and personal renewal. (Future of Jobs Report 2025)
Know When To Take A Break
I needed change on all cylinders, and like most with a full-time day job and a full-time role as a personal care provider: a nap was imminent. Add marketplace conditions, the agile / iterative concept of “micro-retirement,” and you’ve got a modern recipe for new career growth. If you’ve monitored markets most of your career, knowing when to step away for a break can be directly tied to being prepared for future opportunities while riding out economic storms.
Embracing Change
This year, I dove deep into freelance and contract work, leveraging my years in analytics, market intelligence, and digital transformation to help organizations chart their strategic paths. The flexible, project-based consultancy model is booming—especially among GenX professionals—who bring adaptability, broad expertise, and strategic maturity to the table. (GenX Freelancers Are Having a Moment) I also doubled down on my technical education, specializing in the latest advancements in AI and data tools; garnering new AI integration skills along the way has been both intellectually stimulating and highly relevant for today’s hiring landscape. (Are AI Courses Worth It?)
“Micro-Retirement”: Agility in Action
This year hasn’t just been about meeting the tech times and taking a break; it was about life alignment. The rising trend of “micro-retirement”—taking intentional, temporary breaks to recharge and refocus—proved invaluable. Rather than simply postponing rest until traditional retirement, I used this time to reconnect with passions, reflect on direction, and invest in my well-being and creativity—an approach supported by new research on work/life fulfillment and longevity. (Micro-Retirement: Forbes Analysis)
Why Experience Matters—Now More Than Ever
Seasoned professionals are having a moment in today’s ever-evolving workplace. Companies increasingly recognize that experience brings efficiency, resilience, mentorship, and a deeply strategic perspective—traits that directly impact organizational results and culture. (Hiring Experienced vs Inexperienced: Which Is Better?) Yet, for me, true fulfillment now comes from having a seat at the decision-making table, where insight is actionable, and analytics directly inform both vision and outcomes. Being part of those conversations is non-negotiable moving forward. (Value of Hiring Seasoned Employees)
Personal Growth, Too
My growth wasn’t only professional. I spent memorable time at the beach with friends, traveled new places, and welcomed a new golden retriever puppy, Hank—who’s fast becoming a star both in looks and charm. These moments reminded me that balance, curiosity, and heart are crucial, no matter where the next opportunity leads. (Why Micro-Retirements Lead to Better Careers)
Looking Ahead: Open for New Opportunities
As I re-enter the full-time workforce, my toolbox is more complete than ever. I offer an up-to-date skill set in analytics and AI, proven abilities in strategy and execution, and a compelling blend of innovation, wisdom, and energy. Whether the path leads to a dynamic employer or a new strategic consulting engagement, I am eager to contribute at the highest level. (Addressing Employment Gaps: Strategies For Explaining Breaks In Your Career)
If your organization is looking for someone who is both well-versed in tomorrow’s technology and grounded in real-world results, or if you value agile thinkers who see career journeys as paths—not pipelines—I’d love to connect.
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