The Price of a Paycheck

With the Cellular One project behind me and the daily routine growing stale, my next move was an unexpected one. Looking back, it was a decision driven purely by economics. I’d heard that the world of independent contracting was lucrative, so I followed the trail of breadcrumbs and signed on with a company called Kenda Systems.

In a strange twist of fate, they placed me right back at DEC. The money was unlike anything I had ever seen—the hourly rate had more than doubled. Even after accounting for the cost of buying my own benefits, the financial gain was undeniable. But the windfall came with a heavy realization: I was a passenger on a sinking ship. By then, the founder, Ken Olsen, had been ousted, and under new leadership, the dismantling of the company had begun. It was clear that these contract roles were a strategic way for a dying giant to shed long-term obligations while still keeping the gears turning.

A Lesson in Value

This was my first real evidence that chasing a salary in a vacuum is ultimately hollow. While my bank account grew, my professional growth stalled. I wasn’t being challenged, and I wasn’t learning. I stayed for several months, pocketing the cash but knowing in my gut that my skills were meant for a more meaningful path.

The Turning Point

I took a hard look at my resume. It finally had real “weight” to it: a comprehensive training program, systems management, build and release engineering, and project coordination. I was twelve years into my career, and for the first time, I knew exactly what I was worth—and it wasn’t just a dollar amount.

The subsequent job hunt was brief and drew me toward the energy of the big city. I didn’t know it then, but that move would define the next thirty years of my life. From

that point on, I never had to “chase” an opportunity again. As you’ll see, a blend of preparation and a bit of luck was about to lead me into the best working years anyone could ask for.