There have been a few people who have figured out why I am in Salt Lake City for two weeks.
I am now part of the Ancestry ProGenealogists team!
This decision did not come easy. After one of my presentations at #RootsTechfour years ago, I was approached by one of the founders, who gave me his card, telling me to contact him if I ever wanted work.
But, it would have meant moving to Utah.
So, time kept moving forward. I saw on their FB page they were looking for specialists in southern research. I clicked, filled out a couple of lines, decided no, and backed out of it.
Then, I received an email. Then, a phone call.
After about 2 1/2 months, I decided this would be a very good thing. And, I said yes. And, it's all because I can do it remotely from Ohio.
My first day was Monday at the headquarters in Lehi. That whole area is undergoing tremendous technology growth. It is lovingly called "The Silicon Slopes".
The moment I walked in, I was greeted by people calling out "Hello, Peggy!" How in the world did they know me. Even the man grilling chicken in the cafeteria knew me.
Today, my training was in SLC, and it continued to be wonderful and thorough. Again, people were calling out their greetings to me like they knew me. I met many friends I hadn''t seen in awhile, and some I only knew from FB.
And, Mr. Kerry has totally supported me in every move I have made. He made it clear this was my decision to make, and that no matter what I decided, he was behind me all the way.
Now, will I still continue to do presentations at conferences and teach at institutes? Yes. I will still do webinars. It will come down some. For instance, I did 73 last year. This year I will do 53, and am not apt to accept any more for this current year...unless you beg. I don't think I have to worry about that.
The people here are wonderful, and they treat each other well. As a new employee, they have made me feel welcome and valued.
I happened to ask why in the world they would ever want someone like me at my age. He said, "You are exactly what we want. Many people today only know how to research using technology. But, you have been in the trenches of cemeteries, courthouses, libraries, and archives."
So, I am beginning a new chapter in my life. It took me awhile to make the decision, and I dragged my feet a bit.
But for now, it's the right thing.
Ancestry Headquarters, Lehi, UT
Ancestry ProGenealogists Headquarters, SLC, UT
Ancestry ProGenealogists Front Desk, SLC, UT
New Employee Strategic Training, SLC, UT
NEST, SLC, UT
Our Mascot, SLC, UT
