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 Being Retired now, I thought that it was time for a new name to this Blog |
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Talk about perks, my career had one of the best I can think of! I traveled in the course of business, delivering classes for my employer. I am a Senior Training Specialist for Motorola Solutions, and teach classes on a wide variety of subjects centered around 2 way radio communications (for eight more weeks). I knew that when the time arrived that I would retire. That time is now. I've always said that if you can't stand the heat in the kitchen, get out! I can't handle the heat anymore. I was qualified to deliver approximately 32 different classes, but about half of those were 'Legacy' classes, and are not in demand anymore. My students were/are technicians, those who maintained, programmed, calibrated, and repaired large 2-way radio systems. Some of these systems are statewide, and use TCP-IP networking to allow sites to communicate with others. Some are small, traditional type radio sites. The size doesn't matter, in each case the systems must be kept operational at all times, since many of them are Public Safety Systems. So I traveled, sometimes frequently, 3-4 weeks in a row.... where have I been? This probably won't have daily entries, but I will make entries to update you about my life before and during my employment with Motorola Solutions. I also intend to update you all about what I'm doing in retirement. Well, here we go with this new adventure, let's see where it takes us.  Best Cultural And Regional Honorable Mention |
Schaumburg, Illinois Week of 4/14/25 This was my last time delivering a class for Motorola. Everyone felt I should feel 'something', the only thing I felt was relief, coupled with a sense of accomplishment. The class this past week was that basic RF class, the one designed for non-technicians. I will say that it really needs to be updated and re-written. I've pushed for this to be done for years. That statement/thought was always pushed aside by management. I would love to be involved in that rewrite, but it will take months to complete. Plus, that has to come from the Content Developers, not from an instructor, so it's not going to happen. The class itself went well, at least in my opinion. I didn't have the usual training aids though. A co-worker was delivering this class in California, and since they paid to have the training aids there, I didn't have them with me. Once class was done Friday, there were a few touching moments. About half the students stopped to shake my hand, wishing me luck in retirement. The kicker though, was having the support guys, the ones who fix our system when something breaks, stop by and tell me I'll be missed. I know I will be missed, I teach some courses that no one else does, or wants to. Now, they'll have to learn those courses, won't they? One of our Adjunct (Contractor Instructor) also stopped in. That was especially nice because I wouldn't call him a friend. Co-worker would be best, even that stretches it some if you ask me. In the end though, I drove home to Bloomington and will send this week and next getting things wrapped up by May 2nd. The boss is even throwing a farewell luncheon that day, and has invited everyone who is local to attend. We'll see how many instructors show up, few are in town next week. That's it for now. Until my next entry, write all you can, and love everyone, especially those special people who fill your life!  Jim Dorrell |
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) recall my last day. Like you, I had no idea what was going to happen. It all turned out in spite of my plans. 
I'm sure whatever tomorrow will bring, you'll embrace it. Not to be a downer, but I'm pretty sure we all know the final destination. Enjoy the journey, my friend. I promise you it will be a lot of what you don't expect.
