After I had been self-employed a few years, I found some contract work that allowed me to work within a team environment again. It was exactly what I needed after working alone. Do you have a similar reason?

All your projects and activities shows the wide range of skills you possess. If you are interested in a position that requires you to wear several hats, your past should serve you well

I'm looking for just such an opportunity. In many ways, that reasoning is why I began connecting within the social network space. I have yet to find the right connection but I continue to look.

I've even, and continue, to work on projects where collaboration is at its essence. So if you run across an opportunity like this in your travels - give me a heads up.

"I want a new challenge" or "I wanted a new challenge" or "They offered me a position and an opportunity I couldn't refuse." Bullsh@t your way through such things like that. And, Recruiters love, "I like challenges."

Simply stated: I am looking for a new challenge that allows me to use the accumulated skills from the first half of my career! I'm ready for a new venture where I can still learn but I can also teach others and use what I know as part of a team.

I tried to sum up what you expressed in your original question. Hope I did it to your satisfaction.

And to the most recent posting person ahead of me: Bull***t is never an asset in a marketplace where real skills are essential. Perhaps it is a lesson you need to take for yourself.

In my case, I won't say what I really think, which is....

ah, I'm looking for a job that will be challenging, yet rewarding/enjoyable, and not drain the life out of me with each passing day (as my current job does)...

I can certainly relate to the "drain the life out of me" statement.

And you know, life is too short for that feeling of dread on Sunday afternoon, when you know Monday is coming. I can't shake the feeling that I should actually LIKE my job!

Another good way to handle this is to have a "working draft" of your ideal next job that you can talk about when you are networking. You can adapt slightly to fit each person you are meeting with, or opportunity that you consider.

It doesn't have to be perfect, and it is fine for it to change. But having the ability to articulate this helps others help you, and gives them the (correct) impression that you are a strategic, proactive person.

Another benefit of working on this is that it gives you a chance to think through what you really want to keep and to change when you get a new role. This is a helpful filter when considering new opportunities.