Chad Mowery

The question says it's network security R&D. Other great answers, but I'd also suggest looking at the managed security marketplace. There are a huge number of solutions available out there. If you don't work with a Technology Advisor to help navigate them, start... it will save time and money.

1. Slow down and understand your boss 2. Slow down and understand yourself 3. Go after what you want in your heart (not to be confused with your pocketbook)

Listen to your heart. If you don't love what you are doing, a promotion isn't going to change that. Most things are out of our control. Look hard at what is in your control and focus there. Happiness is our own responsibility and not external. Society primarily seems to believe that first you do, then you have, and then you be (become fulfilled). That's the wrong order. First, we need to learn to be, then we can do and have. Once we learn the lesson of being, the doing is in our control and the having we can take or leave.