Our Founder is a random philosopher. Here's some of her captured thoughts and meager ramblings... we hope you find a tidbit here that makes your chasm leap a little easier.
Please feel free to send comments or questions to us via our contact page.
Being Valued
"It's my belief that we all have to determine for ourselves how we want and need to be valued. When others don't value us in a way that's healthy or supportive, it's up to us to make a change. Griping and blaming won't get us there and trying to change others to get what we need simply never works. We must be our own advocates... creating our own sources for receiving value."
Writing
"The hardest part of having a goal in mind when you begin writing is that the fluidity of words is much like a river current. Sometimes you can write against them to your own end, but more often you must go wherever the strength of the words takes you."
Age
"I have never defined myself by my age. I have always just been me regardless of calendars and clocks. It's others who feel the need to point out my age as if that changes who I am. But I know their perception only changes me if I let it seep into my reality. I don't. My perception is that I am ageless. I was born yesterday. I live today. Tomorrow has yet to come."
A Few Cool Items
USA Today - Jane Pauley Looks at Reinventing Life After 50
Fast Company - These Are The Ages When We Do Our Best Work
The New York Times - Over 50, Female and Jobless Even as Others Return to Work
The Huffington Post - Why 60 Is SOOO Not The New 40!
Ageism and Employee Mix
"The sad truth is that age discrimination laws were written not to protect people, but exist to provide guidelines for organizations when hiring/dismissing. If you read the age discrimination act, you will find that it is chock full of loopholes that allow organizations to get away with things like "youthanization RIFs" and other questionable age-related practices. There are a lot of amazing people who have been unfairly and illegally dismissed without cause. Often due to those loopholes. And unless you are someone who has won the genetic lottery and can hide your age through the interview process, finding work after being unfairly aged out of a career is nearly impossible. The sharpest hardest working employees I know are those that come with experience. And the best employee mix is one that includes older workers side-by-side with younger workers, learning from and inspiring each other. Shame on employers who aren't building toward the best employee mix vs. dumping older workers for no good reason. If you've experienced this, hang in there. I trust and believe that good people who are skilled and experienced employees, regardless of age, will find work with a company committed to appreciating them."
This is Stupendous
Linkedin | Jason Shen, Product Manager at Etsy - An Open Letter To Managers of Women
Job Satisfaction
"Experience has taught me that accepting a job offer is not a permanent decision. If you choose to take the job and you are unhappy, you are free to leave and find another. If you take the job and realize you love it, no harm done. Enjoy yourself."
Creativity
"I don't like hearing people say, "I'm not creative." Everyone is creative. Creativity isn't an artistic expression, it's the process of analysis, application, and outcome. For instance, moving from an empty canvas to paint to framed artwork on a wall. Or taking a flat piece of sheet metal to cutting and welding to an installed balcony railing. Even starting with an empty spreadsheet to adding numbers and formulas to finalizing a YoY budget analysis. Creativity applies to everything and everyone is creative!"
Job Interviews
"Keep in mind that interviewers (typically just the hiring managers) are rarely experts at interviewing. Their expertise lies in finance or marketing or development or engineering... some profession that isn't 'assessing candidates through conversation.' When you have an awkward interview, you may have been sensing the interviewer's own discomfort with the process. As the candidate, it's part of your role to put the interviewer at ease with your casual charm and excellent credentials."
Spirituality
"My beliefs about life and spiritually may morph and change over time… that's ok. The key for me is appreciating and accepting those fluid beliefs as mine and no one else's. No judgment. No apology."
