Finding the “opportunity in a crisis” is advice I often heard over the years, but when my last corporate position suddenly vanished into thin air despite our objective success I decided to do exactly as you counsel. Being independent is an absolute grind but I wouldn’t trade the lessons I’ve learned and experiences of the 15 months for any other jn my career. With that said, I do wish people were treated better in the corporate world. Capitalism is challenging enough without the cruelty and lack of compassion from so many jn power. Excellent essay, thank you Julie!
Yes. I could have gone on a rant about mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, greed, exorbitant executive comp - but those things are out of our individual control.
Wonderful, Julie - and I have known you through many of your reinventions - the jobs may have changed but what remained unchanged was your basic kindness and curiosity…and courage and positivity. Susan Bray and I always knew you would be great as a talk show host and like many of us you moved on to better gigs😊
Thank you, Julie. I am reminded of a poem written by Emily Dickinson: "Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all....."(two more stanzas follow. Keep hope! It is precious.
Yes, and yesterday we took him for an interview with a potential border. Figured everyone would be happier if he wasn’t aboard when we had company. She didn’t make eye contact with him, or pet him, or anything nice. He calmly walked to the gate door, turned and looked at us and said, huh uh.
Walk the ancient ruins of Pompeii and you discover that homeowners lived above the business that provided their livelihood. Consistent with this form of livelihood was the birth of artes liberales, the education necessary to make a human a free person - able to adapt to the conditions at hand.
Corporate employment and education in pursuit of a singular job, OTOH, is a vestige of the past 80 years and only provides a false sense of security.
The candle referenced in your message can be snuffed out with a puff of air.
Love this message of finding hope in the face of uncertainty and fear that is born from unexpected circumstances. Yes, change is the one constant in life, it would seem. Acceptance of it being a door to new opportunities and happiness, takes a lot of faith. And, if you’re lucky, the inner peace and courage gifted by nudges from others. Great topic for a world beset by unknown daily events.
The safety nets you note, are often woven by the most unexpected interventions by people, occurrences and almost magical spiritual events you wouldn’t believe possible in a work of fiction. Life has a freaky way of surprising you with coping mechanisms never thought possible.
I should add, I know full well my life has also been stacked with privilege, starting with loving parents. Not all have that invisible intangible, but real, safety net.
I think that is an important privilege to recognize, especially when comparing our lives to lives of others. I grew up with parents Keith and Marian Sayers loving and supporting me through their entire lives. I now recognize the significance of that.
You never cease to amaze me, Julie Gammack. Your art is beautiful. Your words are powerful this morning and your message is strong and clear. Thank you.
Kathi, I always felt a bit of a fraud selling Art on Charts paintings when REAL artists, so much better, were trying to make a living with their work. Sigh.
Your critique of your work and yourself does not surprise me, Julie Gammack. Those feelings do not take away the beauty of what you did and the comfort you found in your painting. Be kind to yourself.
Finding the “opportunity in a crisis” is advice I often heard over the years, but when my last corporate position suddenly vanished into thin air despite our objective success I decided to do exactly as you counsel. Being independent is an absolute grind but I wouldn’t trade the lessons I’ve learned and experiences of the 15 months for any other jn my career. With that said, I do wish people were treated better in the corporate world. Capitalism is challenging enough without the cruelty and lack of compassion from so many jn power. Excellent essay, thank you Julie!
Yes. I could have gone on a rant about mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, greed, exorbitant executive comp - but those things are out of our individual control.
Wonderful, Julie - and I have known you through many of your reinventions - the jobs may have changed but what remained unchanged was your basic kindness and curiosity…and courage and positivity. Susan Bray and I always knew you would be great as a talk show host and like many of us you moved on to better gigs😊
;) ah, didnt we have a blast!?
we sure did! most FUN job ever and pooerest paid😂😂😂
Sounds like you are making some waves, and Dudley is living life to the fullest. I hope he doesn't suffer from any "pier" pressure.
Oh my. You are so clever!
I didn't retire: I refocused, from teaching to preaching.
Thank you, Julie. I am reminded of a poem written by Emily Dickinson: "Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all....."(two more stanzas follow. Keep hope! It is precious.
Indeed, it is. Hope + action.
Your Art on Charts was one of my faves. I still marvel at how wonderful those are. And poor Dudley. Oh Dear!
Yes, and yesterday we took him for an interview with a potential border. Figured everyone would be happier if he wasn’t aboard when we had company. She didn’t make eye contact with him, or pet him, or anything nice. He calmly walked to the gate door, turned and looked at us and said, huh uh.
Walk the ancient ruins of Pompeii and you discover that homeowners lived above the business that provided their livelihood. Consistent with this form of livelihood was the birth of artes liberales, the education necessary to make a human a free person - able to adapt to the conditions at hand.
Corporate employment and education in pursuit of a singular job, OTOH, is a vestige of the past 80 years and only provides a false sense of security.
The candle referenced in your message can be snuffed out with a puff of air.
Love this message of finding hope in the face of uncertainty and fear that is born from unexpected circumstances. Yes, change is the one constant in life, it would seem. Acceptance of it being a door to new opportunities and happiness, takes a lot of faith. And, if you’re lucky, the inner peace and courage gifted by nudges from others. Great topic for a world beset by unknown daily events.
The safety nets you note, are often woven by the most unexpected interventions by people, occurrences and almost magical spiritual events you wouldn’t believe possible in a work of fiction. Life has a freaky way of surprising you with coping mechanisms never thought possible.
I should add, I know full well my life has also been stacked with privilege, starting with loving parents. Not all have that invisible intangible, but real, safety net.
I think that is an important privilege to recognize, especially when comparing our lives to lives of others. I grew up with parents Keith and Marian Sayers loving and supporting me through their entire lives. I now recognize the significance of that.
Experiencing love is a primary source of self confidence.
You never cease to amaze me, Julie Gammack. Your art is beautiful. Your words are powerful this morning and your message is strong and clear. Thank you.
Kathi, I always felt a bit of a fraud selling Art on Charts paintings when REAL artists, so much better, were trying to make a living with their work. Sigh.
Your critique of your work and yourself does not surprise me, Julie Gammack. Those feelings do not take away the beauty of what you did and the comfort you found in your painting. Be kind to yourself.
THANK YOU KATHI!