Today, I start my life as an independent/freelance consultant. This was one of the most difficult decisions of my life as I had to leave the best bunch of people to work with at Xtravirt. I know this is sudden and also came as a shock to many at Xtravirt but evaluating my priorities over the holiday period made me realise that I need to make a change to my working pattern. This is mainly due to my father’s health who lives a few hours away and hasn’t been well lately. The idea is to become independent and hopefully, get enough work to allow myself time off when I need it. This avoids becoming a burden on my employer and I think the ethical thing to do.
I joined Xtravirt almost three years ago when it was growing as a business but wasn’t as big. At that time, I already knew about and respected the work done by them as a knowledge portal. That was an opportunity for me to work with the best in business and that’s exactly what I got during my stay there. Since then, many others have joined and Xtravirt has grown even more in respect and stature. There is no doubt in my mind that their upward climb will continue for years to come. Leaving such people is very difficult but family comes first. Xtravirt is very dear to me and I am sure that relationship will remain even after my departure.
All that said, apart from my working pattern/style, nothing else changes in that I’ll be doing the same work as I do now. I’ll be working on the same and upcoming products and in my “free” time, I’ll be playing with technology more. As a result (and hinted in my year end review), my blogging will hopefully increase. My hope is to make this a success so wish me luck! 🙂
I find your blog on LinkedIn in a post related the building of an home lab: I found the articles so interesting!!! So I wishes you a good luck for your new career.
Marco
Thank you Marco for your kind comments.
Hi Ather,
It would not be prudent for me to say well done as I am a Freelance Contractor myself as I except Xtravirt are a great company to work for and are well praised in the virtualisation arena, but good luck in your new venture. You may remember i did a short contract alongside yourself at Xtravirt/Avis and had to cut it short for health reasons ( partial knee replacement followed in 2012 ). Well in a few weeks I am having a full knee replacement on the other one ( missing London VMUG). Oh well bionic Rob will be ready to go and get fit again with two new knees 🙂
A good decision to rethink the home/work balance considering family matters. again good luck for the future.
Regards
Rob Hagan
I do remember you Rob 🙂
Thanks for the wishes and good luck for your knee operation!
Ather
[…] the beginning of last year, I decided to become an independent contractor, so that I could be available for my parents whenever they needed me. That worked out quite well […]