Working For Myself After Years In Corporate IT

The Luck of the Irish: My Journey from Chaos to Code

As I sit here, reflecting on my life’s journey, I’m reminded of the old Irish proverb, "May the road rise up to meet you." And rise up it did, with more twists and turns than a pint of Guinness on a Friday night. Growing up on the rough streets of Capitol Hill in Seattle, Portland, and Santa Cruz, I learned early on to rely on my wits and my faith to get by. Me mam always said, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." But I say, when life gives you a war zone for a home, grab a pint and find a new path.

Me parents’ struggles with infidelity and alcoholism made for a chaotic childhood, but I found solace in the streets and the community. I was a young lad of 12 when I left home, bouncing between family members and eventually hitting the road on me own at 16. Seattle’s Capitol Hill became me second home, and I found me tribe among the misfits and outcasts. But it wasn’t all fun and games, to be sure. Me brother Justin struggled with his own demons, and his passing in 2002 still weighs heavy on me heart.

It was during those tumultuous years that I discovered me faith, thanks to the kindness of street ministries and the words of the Good Book. Romans 12 spoke to me about making amends and finding a new path. I took a chance, spent nine months in jail for old cannabis charges, and used that time to reset me life. I had a chance to reconnect with me family’s religion, but I decided to forge me own way, focusing on me relationship with Jesus. Pastor Gene Short in Orem, Utah, became a mentor, and I was baptized in the Provo River in 2000. It was a new beginning, to be sure.

As I navigated me way through me early 20s, I stumbled into the world of IT, starting with Microsoft through Convergys in Orem, Utah. I worked me way up, taking on roles with MSN, Qwest, and eventually building me own IT service business, Thompson Professional Networks. I met me ex-wife, and we had a wee family of our own. But the road to success was paved with pitfalls, including a near-fatal car accident in 2013 that left me with a body full of titanium and a newfound appreciation for life.

After the accident, I tried me hand at corporate life again, joining Pacific Office Automation as a Technical Account Manager. But the culture was toxic, and I soon found meself at odds with the management. It was a valuable lesson in the importance of finding a workplace that aligns with yer values. I left, and me body (and me sanity) thanked me.

These days, I’m back to me own devices, building software from the comfort of me own sofa. I’ve launched projects like Airwave Automator and Verifact, and I’m passionate about using me skills to make a difference. The AI wave is coming, and I’m excited to see how it will change the world. Me advice to anyone looking to navigate the chaos of life and career? Do what you love, and love what you do. And for the love of all things holy, learn about AI.

As I look back on me journey, I’m reminded that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success. Me experience with corporate life and self-employment has taught me that both paths have their pros and cons. But the key to success lies in taking ownership of yer life, yer skills, and yer time. Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled, and always keep a pint of Guinness on hand for when the road gets rough.

In the end, it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey. And me journey has been a wild one, full of twists and turns, but ultimately leading me to where I am today. So if me story can inspire ye to take control of yer own path, then I’ve done me job. Sláinte, me friends!

The Pros and Cons of Corporate Life vs. Self-Employment

As someone who’s tried both, I can tell ye that there’s no easy answer. But here’s me take:

Self-employment:
- Pros: freedom to pick projects, clients, and hours; direct connection between effort and reward; room to build with family involved; faster learning and more varied skills; control over values and brand.
- Cons: income swings; risk of health and safety; admin tasks never end; fights over control can sink a family business; no built-in benefits during crisis.
Corporate life:
- Pros: steady paycheck and benefits; big systems to learn from; workers’ comp and formal support; clear ladders to climb.
- Cons: culture can be toxic; managers can block growth; long hours without fair overtime; promises at hiring often don’t match reality; life can be rearranged by someone else’s decision.

In the end, it’s about finding what works for ye and taking ownership of yer life and career. Whether ye choose the corporate path or strike out on yer own, remember to always keep learning, stay adaptable, and never lose sight of yer values.

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