subject: Scott Laplant Takes a Risk for His Future [print this page] Scott Laplant Takes a Risk for His Future
While we would like our lives to be secure and orderly, there are times when we just have to take a risk to secure our futures, even without a safety net. This was the experience of Scott Laplant last year, when he left his position as IT Manager at Dutchland, Inc. without having another job lined up. He knew it was a big risk, particularly given the dire economic situation the country remains in. However, with the support of a loving wife and family, he took the chance and found himself in a better professional situation.
To give you a bit of background on this story: Scott Laplant started working at Dutchland in 2006. He was able to make his mark there, eventually rising to the position of IT Manager, which entailed considerable responsibility: he reported directly to the company's president. However, he was able to fulfill his duties, and even exceed his mandate: while he was working there, Scott was able to cut Dutchland's communication costs by 300% while significantly improving the efficiency of its IT networks. And he was recognized by his colleagues for his efforts: he was awarded Employee of the Month (Cultural Principals Award) twice.
However, he was not happy with his job. He stresses that it was not the people he was working with; there were no villains that drove him away from Dutchland. He simply wanted to pursue his passions. And so, he took the leap and landed on his feet. Today, he is the Help Desk Manager of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), where he contributes to the organization's goal of contributing to the betterment of the state's social and cultural life by improving the efficiency of their customer services, thus making them more responsive to the needs of clients.
The move has resulted in many benefits for Scott Laplant. Today, his wife reports that he seems happier and less stressed compared to when he was still with his former employer. Scott also reports that he is more stimulated, both by the work he is doing, and the colleagues he is working with. He is learning a lot and, for the first time in many years, is starting to look forward to what the New Year will bring.
The change also allowed Scott Laplant to spend more time with his family and pursue his broad range of interests, which include physical activities such as hiking, biking, hockey and basketball, as well as community outreach work by working with groups such as the Special Olympics, Big Brother Big Sister and Milagro House. And Scott is also able to keep up with the latest developments in computer technology as well as networking with his peers through his membership in the Central Pennsylvania Linux Users Group (CPLUG), as well as making good use of his business degree through an active membership in the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In short, Scott Laplant has succeeded in living up to the admonition of Robert Fulghum (one of his favorite authors) to live a balanced life.
