Back to Work

When I “retired” from Intel in May last year I looked forward to taking some months off, then looking for part time or temporary work opportunities.  We really did enjoy the next 15 months, which included much travel and various projects.  In early summer this year Intel asked if I would be interested in helping out with their upcoming development project.  I said I would and started working in early August.

I’m not a regular full time Intel employee, or “blue badge”, as they call them, but a “green badge” contingent worker.  Technically I work for Kelly Services via a Statement of Work from Intel, and am paid hourly wages.  Intel anticipates the project will go for at least a year, and probably far beyond, if I want to stay with them.  I started out at 3 days per week as the project ramps up, and am at 4 days per week now.  I would like to remain at 4-day work weeks, with rare 5-day weeks during peak times.

I’m working with the same group and people as I did before, so I’m quite at ease in that regard.  However, I’m doing mostly different things than I did during my career, so I’m no longer the confident expert, and it can be a bit stressful and frustrating at times as I learn new things and try to be more productive.  But in general I’m pretty happy with the arrangement and Intel is a great working environment.  I get a lot of satisfaction being paid directly for each hour I work.  The pay rate is very attractive, though counting benefits I did make more money as a regular employee.

Here is a recent photo looking out the 3rd floor windows at Intel.  The fall colors are kicking in, though they will more varied and dramatic later in the month.