How to be an entomologist when your affiliation is "None"

There are many reasons that the rate or path of one’s career may change: moving to a new location, managing a health issue, losing a job, or perhaps just doing some soul searching. In my own life, I have chosen to be the primary caregiver for my kids in their early years, but do not think this precludes a fruitful entomological career. I will give an honest account of my career path, including its current pause and the uncertainty involved. In such times, serendipitous encounters with colleagues can result in opportunities that sustain involvement in entomology.