On January 1, 2020, I transitioned from a Policy Research employee to a consultant. January is named for the Roman god Janus, who has two faces—one looking to the past and the other to the future. It seems an apt description of how I’ve experienced this transition.
As I looked at my 20-year career at Policy Research, I felt proud of the many projects I’ve worked on, grateful for wonderful colleagues and supervisors, and glad for the growth these experiences have provided me. I remain excited about the great work that Policy Research does in so many areas, but especially the Analyzing the Relationship Between Disability, Rehabilitation and Work (ARDRAW) project, and its potential to cultivate and shape the next generation of researchers in the area of disability. Of course, there have been frustrations along the way, but these too have provided opportunities to learn and grow. So, there is some nostalgia and a little sadness as this comes to an end.
However, when I feel this way, Janus’ forward-looking side whispers in my ear, “The best is yet to come.” And I know that my relationship with Policy Research, while changed, will continue.