Microsoft: Part of my World Again

I'm baaaaack -- for better or for worse.

I had a meeting at Microsoft yesterday, right back at my ol' stompin' grounds. In fact, it was at my favorite campus commisary, right across from my old office. I even contacted some of my favorite ex-co-workers, asking if they want to get together at the commissary Starbuck's, and it looks like we'll do that in the next week or so.

I have mixed feelings about being back. I've never been a Microsoft employee -- known as a "blue-badge" because the background of their ID card photo is blue. Instead, I was an "a-dash orange-badge CSG" back in 2006 (because my Microsoft e-mail address started with "a-", my ID photo was against an orange background, and the group of Microsoft freelancers I was part of is known as the "contingent staffing group").

I never thought I'd be back. Really, I didn't. And I'm not yet sure how I feel about it. I'm working with a completely different group at Microsoft now, one that has nothing to do with education or health (the focus of my previous career content), but I'm keeping an open mind. I might absolutely love it. For me, it really comes down to the people, the content, and the teams. If those are inspiring and positive, I'll love it. If not, I won't. Simple as that.

I have high hopes and an open mind. That's the best I can do right now. I'll let you know how it goes.