What happened, What is now, What Will Happen
Not that any of us are in control of anything anyway.
You know what drives me batty? When people come back to their newsletter, insta account or other social media space and write a long, drawn-out NOVEL about where they’ve been and what they’ve a-ha’d in the interim and how they mostly hope to promise that they won’t go away again, but that life happens and so they may and so we all need to use their novel as a reminder to be kinder to ourselves.
I mean.
It’s. been. done.
And yet, a person like me, an over-apologizer for things not of my control. A person who can’t start a story in the best bit, but has to go back to the footnotes of the background and how we got to the heart of it - it feels like I should give you all the background and all the a-has and what I’ll commit going forward. Because after writing every week for something like 26 weeks, I suddenly whooshed out of your mailboxes or substack feed. And while I know I have about one regular reader (besides me - hi to you who know who you are) I still feel … um…obligated to deliver something about my absences.
My husband had some heart troubles. And the doctors worked hard to fix him up. And there were complications. And we’re finally home.
There. That’s it.
And for the takeaways:
Don’t plan an editorial calendar with high hopes - because the Universe kicks you in the arse and everything goes sideways.
Or do, plan away. Just know that things can go sideways, so work with it.
Savings are so important. Make sure you have some, so YOU can be the driver of your career, and your work and your life choices.
Without health no amount of work (or money or prestige for that matter) will mean a thing. Take care of your body. Get that test. Advocate for yourself is something doesn’t feel right.
With those takeaways I’m committing to making this space more relevant to building a whole work-life that lets you focus on your life-life. And that means bringing you information about getting rid of debt so you can have the freedom to make choices about your career that serve you. Trust me, there’s nothing more satisfying than weighing the information about a potential job against your true needs and telling them “no thanks” when it’s not a fit - even though the pay seems almost too good to be true.
This year you can expect me to host regular events for paying subscribers, including Q&A’s about job hunting, saving money, quitting soul-sucking situations as well as practical stuff like what a resume can and can’t do for you. I’ve worked in everything from manufacturing, hospitality, senior care, behavioral health, home services, retail IT and government consulting, so I expect there should be something for you to be found.
Along the way I plan to grow the community aspect of what we’re doing in this space. I’ve found networking to be the key to friendships, jobs and genuine help when I need it. This space will allow you that opportunity too.
Reflecting on the past month, I don’t wish any of it on anyone. And I know it happens all the time - so it’s not a question of “if” you need to take a month off (or more) to care for someone you love, it’s a question of “when.” Here’s to helping you navigate life so that you’re ready and able when the time comes.
For 2024 here’s what you can expect from ZenCareer (barring the Universe pulling anymore tricks):
An almost weekly letter focused on the whys of your job and the ways that you can get a new job. Some thought-provoking opinions and studies that relate to our work identities and lives.
Paid subscribers will be receiving 25% every private coaching session. Sessions are $150 for everyone else. (Schedule here if you need a walk-through your resume or career change plan)
Paid subscribers will get early access to all podcasts - released only through Substack for paid subscribers.
Paid subscribers will get a complimentary hand analysis session to walk through your unique gifts and talents and hard-wiring and how to apply that to your best work.
Paid subscribers will also get bi-monthly community calls talking about job hunting, hiring managers, the truth about resumes and even highlighting some great voices to listen to when it comes to information about career progression.
In-depth reviews of job postings and how to best target your resume and skills to each of them.
There’s more I’m thinking about (curated job postings and hiring companies; business and life-work balance book reviews) once I have the bandwidth to make it all happen.
Until next time - hug your people today! Tell them you love them and pick one creative activity that lights you up - and do it.
Peg
Peggie! Sending so much love and peace to you and your husband. I love your incredibly thoughtful writings —whenever they come. Remember that you are exactly where you are meant to be at all times. Thank you for your sharing your amazing talents.