I’ve been doing the freelance consulting thing for a little over three years. It’s been an amazing three years, and I’ve had plenty of time to write, create Pluralsight courses, co-lead the PASS Women in Tech Virtual Group, and teach at a nonprofit. My plan was to increase content creation, be that books or courses, and teaching while decreasing consulting over the next few years. However, my path has taken an unexpected turn: The freelancing will end on October 16^th as I head back to the world of full time employment.

I decided earlier this year that it was time to look for a real job, but I wanted it to be great, one that would make up for losing some of the freedom I have enjoyed. A friend told me about the perfect opportunity, and I decided to apply. Of course, Imposter Syndrome kicked in, and I wasn’t sure that I would be good enough. Eventually, I realized that this position was the most perfect fit. I was not surprised that I made it through a “get to know you” call and was invited to a Skype interview. A couple of days after the interview, the company asked if I could fly to the UK for a two-day in person interview. At this point, I knew that I had a shot at joining this amazing company.

When I look over the events of the past 13 years, I can connect the dots to this moment. I am always looking for patterns, and how one event leads to the next is one of those silly patterns I enjoy figuring out.

In 2004, I had to write a thesis for my Master’s degree. That gave me the confidence to begin writing articles for SQL Server Central. Within a year, I was asked by Brian Knight to help write a book. In 2009, I wrote my own book, then another, and another. During that time, I have also tech reviewed books for Wrox and Apress and have written articles for Simple-Talk. I’m finally at the point where I must turn down writing opportunities more often than take them on.

At PASS Summit 2007, I remember sitting with friends at a bar in Denver. There may or may not have been some Karaoke involved. The person across from me, I think it was Tom LaRock, looked up and said “Redgate just bought SQL Server Central!” We were stunned! SQL Server Central was my number one site for all things SQL Server. I wondered if it would change, but I also knew that Redgate was a good company and hoped for the best. Over time, Redgate has allowed SQL Server Central to remain a wonderful educational community site. Steve Jones was the editor of SQL Server Central before the sale and continues in that capacity to this day. Steve will probably not remember this, but I told him that I wanted his job if he ever grew tired of it.

Fast forward to September 2017, and I found myself on a flight to England, headed to the two-day interview. At this point, you might be able to guess the company. I am so pleased to announce that I am joining Redgate as the editor of Simple-Talk. (Don’t worry, Steve is not leaving; I didn’t take his job.) Words cannot convey how excited I am. I will be able to devote my career to writing, editing, and developing authors. It’s just perfect.

Being greeted at the airport like this was a bucket list item for me. Achievement unlocked!

You’ll continue to see me at events such as PASS Summit and SQL Saturdays as I remain involved with the SQL Server community. If you attend PASS Summit, be sure to stop by the Redgate booth to say hello. And, if you have ever thought about writing technical articles, we need to talk!