“Sorry I can’t. Next year, though.” This pretty much was my fear-based response when Mark Carlton (@mcarlton1983) asked if I wanted to join the panel of the A-Team Birds of a Feather (BOF) session at NetApp INSIGHT in 2018. Props to Paula Silva (@paula_maria) for being much braver than me.

Fast forward to this year, when Mark asked again, I had to say “yes.” I’m a woman of my word, right?  So, here it is:

However, this year is more terrifying in many more ways. My self-imposed sabbatical has brought challenges like learning to de-couple my identity from a job. Registering for conferences where I need to list my job title and company now conjures dread. What do I list?  Also, networking, never a personal strength, awakens insecurity when I awkwardly explain that I’m doing some freelance writing while I figure out where to go next.

Can I let you in on another secret?  I have no freaking clue about where I want to end up next.

Does anyone know where I can find some clarity? Any chance that there is a session for that?!