Full-Time to Retainer: Redefining Work-Life Balance on My Terms

When COVID-19 started winding down, it exposed the financial strains many companies were facing, including SetNet, where I served as the IT manager for six years. In response, we made a tough decision to shut down our Burbank office and move everything to a new office built on the owner's property, equipped with the latest in fiber and redundant microwave connections. Once we stabilized, my role transitioned from full-time to a retainer basis, opening up new avenues for me.

This shift allowed me to take on a handful of other clients, such as FeedRF, Streaming Media Live, and Zavala Law Firm, each with its unique IT needs and challenges. But the most significant change wasn't just in the variety of work or the exciting challenges that came with each client. It was in the newfound flexibility and balance in my life, particularly in spending more quality time with my sons.

Transitioning to a consultancy role on a retainer basis brought an unexpected yet profound benefit: more time with my family. It gave me the flexibility to guide my sons through some of life's most crucial stages—graduating high school and stepping into college. This period was invaluable, as it allowed me to be there for them, offering advice, support, and the occasional IT troubleshooting at home.

The journey from a full-time IT manager to a consultant wasn't just about professional growth or diversifying my client portfolio. It was about finding that elusive work-life balance many of us strive for. For me, it meant being able to be there for my sons when they needed me the most, guiding them into adulthood and setting them up for success in college.

This transition has taught me that sometimes, the most significant career moves aren't just about the work or the title but about the personal growth and opportunities they open up for us and our loved ones.