There are places to come from, and places to go...
-- Joni Mitchell

Yes, it's true, dear readers -- I have places to go. After nearly 20 years of leading Working Solo, it's time to move on to a new adventure. I have been invited to join the faculty at Columbia College Chicago, one of the nation's leading art schools (12,000+ students), located downtown in my favorite American city. I'll be teaching business strategy and entrepreneurial thinking, as well as creating innovative partnerships with Chicago-area businesses. I'm delighted at this opportunity to stretch my abilities and to contribute in new ways to the global entrepreneurial community.

Here are some of the reasons behind my decision. If you're on the cusp of making a similar change (or want to), perhaps these will inspire your own reflection.

1. Envision the future.
When I looked ahead to the next decade, I couldn't see myself in the current scenario. I knew it was time for a change, even though it would have been very comfortable to maintain the status quo. Like most entrepreneurs, I've never been a ship that enjoys the harbor -- let us sail the seas, no matter how rough the waters! What do you see in your future?

2. Monitor your enthusiasm.
I remain very passionate about entrepreneurship and helping individuals chart their personal path to success. I recognize that there's so much potential with WorkingSolo.com, but realistically knew that it wasn't going to be me. (Which is why the URL, the site, the registered TM, and other assets are up for sale -- details here.) As a close colleague reminds me: Just because you can do something doesn't mean you need to do it. That's the prime soloist lesson, isn't it? Life's too short to squander it on anything that doesn't fully ignite your enthusiasm.

3. Recognize that everything has its own time.
The person I am today is very different from the trailblazing soloist I was in 1992 when I wrote what turned into the bestselling entrepreneurial startup guide, Working Solo. Over the last year I've realized that the outward manifestations of who we are must change as our inner selves develop over time. A nearly 20-year run is remarkable -- especially so when it has sustained my interest over all these years. For most soloists, I believe, endings arrive from outside forces: a client contract ends, a business goes bankrupt, a market evaporates. However, it's much more powerful -- and satisfying -- to choose to move on.

As part of this transition, I've set up a new mailing list to stay in touch with those who would like to follow my New Adventure. I'll be blogging and tweeting about entrepreneurship, technology, and visual culture -- as well as what it's like to engage with the next generation of creative entrepreneurs. I invite you to join me on this journey by signing up in the column at the right, or here. Or you can reach me directly at terri<at>terrilonier.com (replacing the <at> with @).

Over the next month, I'll be winding down the Working Solo Minute -- three more issues after today. Stay tuned -- I already have outlined some great topics. Most of all, thanks for your company on this journey. It's been fun.

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com