When I started Rumblestrut on May 9, 2004, I had no idea what my life was going to turn out like. All I knew was that I liked this web development thing, and that once I found it I didn't see much of a future for me in journalism.

Basically, I just wanted to make websites. That was my goal. I didn't think much more beyond that.

Over time, what started out as a sidegig led to interesting opportunities for growth and development. Eventually, my entreprenurial experience building websites on the side as Rumblestrut led to a full-time career in web development, one that continues today.

Now, in 2018, I work with amazing people doing difficult work, but still making websites. As my career has developed and matured, my desire for freelancing as Rumblestrut has waned. As such, it's time for a new direction.

As of May 10, 2018, Rumblestrut will cease to exist seeking out or taking freelance web development business. It's been a good run, and the business has had a very good year, but it's no longer something I wish to persue. 

I have reached a point in my life where I want to build something ... different. I have had some ideas floating around in my head for awhile now about what I would like to do, but I haven't taken the steps to take a stab at making them a reality. Today, that changes. I am shifting the focus of my extracirruculr work to try and make an impact on the world in a different way.

Much of this change is prompted by my push to get out of personal and consumer debt. That goal will be achieved very soon, which you can read about as I document that progress. The reality is this: now that I no longer feel the need to make extra money to make payments to someone else. Instead, I am free to pursue the things I want to do, and in the manner I wish to do it.

One of the primary things I hope to achieve is to give back to the Drupal community. The Drupal project has been my lifeblood for many years, but I've been more of a taker than a giver. That will soon change as I transition to working to contributing more to the Drupal ecosystem, both in contributing to the Open Source community, and by creating business tools that can be used by others.

Finally, I am very happy in my regular professional career, and I would like to dig deeper into it. As stated before, I work in an amazing atmosphere and my desire is to grow, develop, and excel.

This truely feels like the right time to try something different, so it's time to give it a go. To my fellow freelancers, keep plugging away and doing the good work. Technology is often a field that isn't fully appreciated, but I know just how hard you work. You are amazing; keep it up.

Thank you to all the clients who have worked with me over the past 14 years. It's been an amazing experience and I am so grateful that you trusted me to code for your service.

With all the gratitude in my heart,

Eric J Gruber,
May 10, 2018