Sometimes life throws you a curve ball when you were expecting the fast ball. I was given one of these curve balls yesterday.

I am the Microsoft Practice Director at ConsultUSA in Pittsburgh.  It's a great company and I enjoy working for them.  As part of my job I am to be billable to a client so that there are is a ROI on my work.  I was informed yesterday by the client that I wouldn't be back after the new year.  Now, this doesn't mean I'm now unemployed.  If nothing happens in the next few weeks I'll be put on, what we call in the consulting industry, the bench.  While on the bench I will work toward getting certifications as well as getting off of the bench.  However, there is a good chance that I won't be put on the bench, I may end up going to another client for whom I used to work.

Anyway, I have always enjoyed working for this client.  It's been a lot of fun and I've learned a lot.  I went into my managers office to ask for some time off so I could work for an afternoon at the home office and was informed of the contracts end date.  Now, I have many opinions on the timing, the way it was done and all, but I'm not writing to rant.  I am writing to explain how I am feeling and thinking.

First, what am I feeling?  I feel a little betrayed.  Unfortunately, I didn't see this coming and it's not happening on my terms.  I'm also feeling a little depressed.  I gave much of my life the last 2 years to this company and I am feeling a loss at the prospects of not working here.

Second, I have to keep fighting.  The irony, as well as the saving grace, is that this all happened the day of my annual review with ConsultUSA and I had a great review, from both companies.  So, I know it wasn't because of my work, it was truly a part of the changing of the guard within the client.

The nice thing is, I'm marketable.  My employer looks at me as an A-lister and doesn't feel like I'll hit the bench at all.  Actually, the owner of the company is wondering if we can get me out of the client sooner to get me into the other client that I mentioned earlier.  That's cool.  I know that I'l be able to find something either way.  Whether it's pulling in some favors to open a new client, which I've done before or going to our existing client.

More than anything, I have to look at this as an opportunity.  If I hit the bench there will be time for me to get my certifications, whether it be my Microsoft Certifications or the PMP.  If I move on to another client quickly then there is an opportunity for me to get a pay increase and specifically, and more importantly, to not take the manditory bench salary cap, which would be a sizable hit.

Ultimately, this will be an interesting ride.

Now, All that was said to say this:

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me," Says the Lord