It has been approximately 30 days, and I’ve successfully completed around 8 Work Orders. It’s a solid start as I continue to build my reputation and gather client reviews. Each project has presented its own unique challenges, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed overcoming.

I’ve completed three network upgrade projects, involving the replacement of switches, firewalls, and access points. Each site presented its own unique challenges, primarily due to the physical placement of the network equipment. At one location, the MDF was crammed into a tight closet with barely any space to work. Another site had a well-organized MDF, but poor-quality cabling to the IDF caused significant issues. At the third location, the switches were literally suspended by the Ethernet cables, requiring immediate remediation before the upgrade could proceed.

Each of the other sites operated in a different industry, and it’s been fascinating to see how various sectors implement IT solutions to meet their unique operational needs. I'm looking forward to continuing this work and gaining insight into the diverse approaches and challenges across different environments.

Smart Hands, Eyes, and Feet

 Over the years, I’ve worked with remote Field Service Technicians (FSTs), who serve as the on-the-ground hands, eyes, and feet for remote engineering teams. These professionals are critical in bridging the gap between centralized support teams and the physical locations where services are needed.

Through the Field Nation platform — a leading marketplace that connects organizations with skilled, vetted FSTs across the country — I’ve successfully worked on a wide variety of jobs. These include both reactive work (e.g., break/fix incidents) and proactive tasks (e.g., planned upgrades, equipment rollouts, infrastructure installs, and audits).

Field Nation has proven to be an effective clearinghouse, streamlining the logistics of sourcing, vetting, and deploying FSTs. The platform provides transparency, accountability, and flexibility, which is essential when managing field services at scale or across diverse geographic regions.

I have decided this is where I can continue to contribute 

Time for Change

As I have semi-retired, I am looking for ways to contribute using my skills developed over my 25-year  love affair with IT