Agile Manifesto in Life

After decades of Product Management, I suppose it's not surprising to find that the Agile Manifesto has infiltrated my life. Allow me to explain:

At the end of 2020, after nearly losing my mind and body to stress, I left corporate America and returned to freelancing and consulting. Since then, I’ve thought a lot about my values. While I don't want to bite the hand that feeds me, I recognize a shift in my thinking.

So how does this connect with Agile? For those unfamiliar with the Agile Manifesto, the concept doesn't discredit elements or themes, but views the work being done through another lens. I, too, am looking through another lens.

Lest I lose the plot at some future point, I decided to document my own version of the manifesto for posterity.
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Kerry's Manifesto:

WORKING ON SMALLER PROJECTS over annual roadmaps and quarterly planning

SPENDING MORE FLEXIBLE TIME WITH FAMILY over a structured 9-5 with dictated time off allotments

EXPANDING THE KIND OF WORK I DO (hi, UX, it's so good to see you again!) over specific job titles

SUPPORTING AND COACHING INDIVIDUALS over trying to improve company culture from the inside

ALLOWING MYSELF THE FREEDOM TO EXPLORE over climbing the corporate ladder

That is, while some value in the items on the right, I value the items on the left more.
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This may not be the work style I keep forevermore, but for now I'm digging it. I can focus on the right things, for the right people. Given my past, there is a strong possibility that future me will opt to rejoin the ranks of full timers. After all, full-time work has its place. But for now, I'm happier and feel more internally aligned. I have great clients, I like what I'm doing, and I'm always open to new opportunities.