Losing my edge?

[CodPiece]

For 15 years, I have had a reasonably successful international consultancy. My industry was decimated in 1999 and again in 2004. As a result of a health scare, a mortgage and children, I reluctantly returned to corporate life.

While I am well paid for my position and working at a wonderful company, I really don't know how to play corporate politics from the inside and routinely feel a bit out of place. I feel that this will permanently hold me back. It's as if I had been playing a regional variation of a sport and having to relearn all the rules and strategies.

I have an itch to start something new outside of my job, but can't seem to muster the concentration or will to do so. On the flip side, I'm spending a lot of time with my children and generally being the dad that I never really had.

I'm afraid that my business muscles will atrophy, but at the same time, I'm glad to be with my family even though money is tighter than it was when I could simply gather it by creativity and relentless hard work. I can't tell if I've lost my edge or am just at a season in life that will pass.

Anyone with similar experiences? Any thoughts or advice?

 

[JoelF]

I hear you. I went about 15 years without a regular paycheck, just putting stuff together on my own. Spent the last five working for the the man. That ended recently, and frankly I feel pretty much brain dead. Fortunately retirement is around the corner.