Now that it’s a reality and not just a possibility, I can finally share some exciting news: I started work yesterday as the Design Director at IDfive, a web design and communications firm in Baltimore. I am stepping into some very large and very talented shoes, and now I will try to run in them as fast as I can without falling on my face. All of this actually got decided over two months ago, and I’ve been keeping the secret as quietly as I can ever since.

To date, 2008 has been a fantastic year for my business, and I’ve had tremendous luck and success working as a sole proprietor since being laid off three years ago. Given the uncertainties of the market toward the second half of this year, our new family addition, and a growing feeling of isolation within my discipline, though, I started quietly looking around for a full-time position in the middle of the summer. Several opportunities arose and were considered, but did not feel right. In July, out of the blue, we got an email from some friends who were looking to fill a position, and did we know anyone who might be interested? Three interviews and two months later, after a very careful selection process, they offered me an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

I spent some time onsite the week before Finley was born, trying to feel my way into things and get acclimated. Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I immediately had a good feeling, like this was supposed to happen. Since then, I’ve done a little freelancing for them while we’ve all been patiently waiting for the baby to get on a regular sleeping schedule. During that time, they let me post some articles on their weblog, and they kept sending me friendly email, which meant they hadn’t changed their minds. Yesterday I spent my first full day onsite learning as much as I could as quickly as possible, getting to know everyone, and trying to stay out of their way. Most importantly, leaving the office Monday evening, I still had that good feeling.