In the computer world there is the phrase "Perpetual Beta." It means something that's never quite finished, always changing, that can still be improved.
Back when I was much younger, my goal was to graduate from college, get a good job, and live happily ever after. During my undergrad years, I began working at the Goodell Library at UMass/Amherst, decided I liked the work and added getting a Masters in Library Science to my goal. Since I was going to school part time, it took many years to complete the goal.
Soon after beginning my professional career, I realized that finishing my MSLS and getting a job as a librarian was only the beginning, not the end. Somehow, though, I kept waiting for that plateau where I'd achieve what I wanted and live happily ever after. I thought I'd found it many times at different jobs, but after a few years I'd become restless in that position and move on to something else. When I began work at CMRLS, I figured I had a good job (regardless of the long daily commute) and would stay there until retirement which wasn't all that many years away.
Surpri-ise! Even though I was still happy with the job, the Universe decided I was ready for a change and here I am becoming an Independent Consultant. I'm finally becoming comfortable with that status and thinking about ways I can market myself and my skills. I have a couple of new projects starting soon that will likely continue for a while and a few others in the works.
Still, after all these years, way down deep, I can't quite rid myself of the feeling that there is a plateau not too far away even though intellectually I know that life is Perpetual Beta.
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