One of the challenges I’ve been thinking about a lot is what comes next in the federal applied natural resources science enterprise. The federal government’s ability to conduct research and make it available to support management has been impacted in the last eighteen months. However, even the grimmest situations can offer opportunities.  

I’ve written previously about the things I miss from working: the people, learning, and sense of purpose. The question for me now is how do I find these things in my new life stage? Read on to hear about my winding career path and what comes next, including starting this blog!

One year ago today, I started my retirement journey. It turns out I wasn’t entirely ready to retire, but given the circumstances I was fortunate to have that opportunity. I was certainly ready for a new challenge. Here I reflect on what I love about retirement, what I miss most about my time at the USGS, and what is next for me through Rooted Waters.