Ask an Expert
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JANUARY 2022 TOPIC: The Courage to Reinvent & Renew
Marisa Moeller, Ph.D.
Owner of The Alternative Therapists Partnership |
OUR EXPERT:
Marisa Moeller, Ph.D., is the owner of The Alternative Therapists Partnership, Inc. which offers a number of specialized holistic healing modalities. Marisa holds master’s degrees in English and psychology and a Ph.D. in psychology. She is a Reiki Master and holistic health therapist and is certified in several areas, including creative and expressive arts therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, and professional and life coaching. Marisa has volunteered in her community for many years. She served as a longtime Girl Scout Leader, a volunteer for Barrett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, NY, and as an Expressive and Creative Arts Critiquer for Fledgling Arts Collective. Marisa resides in Amenia, NY with her husband, daughter and houseful of animals. Find Marisa's advice regarding these previous topics: Looking on the Bright Side while Navigating Difficult Circumstances (2021) Dealing with Grief (2019) Dealing with Life's Transitions (2018) |
My company hasn’t opened yet. I feel closed in and lonely working from home, but my benefits are good, and I don’t really want to look for another job. Now that it’s dark earlier, too, it is really depressing. Any suggestions?” ~ Amy (NY)
Hi Amy,
Your question is truly an important one and something that many people are still grappling with at this time. As we all continue to work together to stay safe and preserve life, we find we are still most cautious of close contact with others.
As a result, many companies have not returned to in-office, full-capacity staff. Therefore, many employees still find they are working alone at home. This continued situation can indeed cause feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression in many individuals.
Fortunately, technology has allowed us to make contact with colleagues, employers, co-workers, friends and family during our time away from others. Nevertheless, many individuals are finding that this may no longer be enough. Though technology has provided us with valuable tools to continue to work and check-in on loved ones and friends, we are still in need of social contact.
Of course, building and maintaining a strong social network are keys to preserving our mental health and well-being. With this in mind, we must find new and interesting ways to connect and stay in touch with others.
Arrange for a "virtual coffee break" with colleagues. Take the time to make yourself a cup of coffee or tea, grab a snack, and chat for 15 minutes with someone you used to take breaks with in the office. You may find that it both breaks up and brightens your day.
Something as simple as making a phone call to a friend or loved one during a work break is also very important right now. If time is a factor, a short text message will do the trick. This gives us a sense of connection and keeps us up to date with the lives of those whom we consider most important.
Another great idea is to plan a "virtual dinner" with a friend or loved one. Take the time to make your meal special. Regardless of your cooking skills, you can still always select one or two of your favorite foods for this "gathering." The point is to relax, chat and enjoy each other's company.
It is worth noting that "virtual connections" are indeed connections. In order for them to be successful, we should be conscious of a number of things:
“I’m retired, and I thought I’d never want to work again. However, I’m realizing that I need to do something. Some of my friends have said that I should sell baked goods. Baking has always been a hobby. Is it crazy to try something like this? I don’t have any business background, but I do make a great chocolate ganache.” ~ Anonymous
Hi Anonymous,
There is no fixed rule which says you need to be young to start a business! The real question is "Do you really want to do this?" If your answer is yes, then forge ahead! Just be aware of what running your own business entails and what you need to do to make it successful.
Selling baked goods is a business that can grow organically. You may start off by taking orders locally in your neighborhood or town. Posting about your business on social media is a great way to get the word out. You may gain ground quickly this way if you provide great service and delicious foods.
You may then want to branch out by selling your baked goods at local farmers’ markets or at local events. You may even want to eventually set up your own small roadside stand. You can work as many or as few hours as you wish.
At some point, you may wish to have your baked goods offered for sale at local area restaurants and local stores. You may also want to take advantage of online sales which can be picked up, delivered or shipped in-state. The sky is the limit, especially with the rising demand for both healthy and organic foods.
I suggest you start by looking into your state's cottage food laws. These laws tell you which food products can be prepared and sold from your home and which food products are prohibited from production and sale from the home. You can also contact your state's agriculture department to find out what steps you need to follow to begin your baked goods business at home.
Happy baking!
How can I reinvent myself professionally at 64? Is it too late? ~ Barbara (FL)
Hello Barbara,
If I understand you correctly, you want to know how one can reinvent oneself professionally at 64 years old. First, let me say that reinvention – professional or personal – can begin at any age.
Yes, it is true that making a major change can be difficult. It takes a lot of work and determination. Nevertheless, the task at hand is just that, a task. It can be achieved following specific steps.
The first step is to acknowledge that you do indeed have time to change. How much change, and to what degree, depends on where you are in your professional career. If you are up for retirement and can financially do so, then you can boldly change in any number of different directions.
However, if you are like many people and still must continue to work for economic stability, you may want to change in more subtle ways. Taking classes to expand your skills, or going back to school, could be something to consider. Remember sharpening and expanding skills in your current field or honing new skills in a new field of your choosing are both options and not mutually exclusive.
Consider a presence on social media platforms. Whether we like it or not, engaging with social media is no longer an option. Employers are increasingly looking for a potential employee's digital footprint. Does the possible employment candidate engage with LinkedIn, Twitter, or even Facebook? Can one be considered professionally current if one takes the time to keep his or her professional social media pages up to date? Many employers think so!
Do not be afraid to reach out at a time like this. We all have professional contacts and can make use of their expertise. Even those professional contacts that may be considered "weak" or "dormant" may yield a fantastic opportunity. We may find that through our professional network of contacts, something may be available that is just the right fit.
A step which many of us overlook, but is just as important, is taking inventory of our marketable skills. Are there skills you have acquired through experience and/or education which you previously had not relied on but can utilized now? A close examination of skills may translate to another field or type of employment.
Though we may not be consciously aware of it, we reinvent ourselves every day. We are constantly in motion. We make decisions which propel us forward or set us back. Habits and routines are put in place or discarded. Many of us start new projects and end others. By recognizing that each day presents itself with the opportunity to reinvent ourselves, the transformation has already begun.
“I have already tried to reinvent myself after being furloughed. I had to take the first job I could find. How do I hold on until I get to the point that I feel good about my new journey?” ~ Christine (CA)
Hi Christine,
I want to first congratulate you on reinventing yourself after being furloughed from your job. Well done! Clearly, the steps you implemented have paid off. However, your question seems to indicate that you are not completely satisfied with this reinvention. If this is indeed the case, remember that we are constantly reinventing ourselves. There is no reason why you cannot begin this process anew. The best time to look for employment is when you are already employed. If this is something you choose to investigate, I wish you much success!
If, on the other hand, you want to stay with this new position, but feel you may not be able to hang on for any number of reasons, there are still ways you can move forward. Certain steps can be taken to ensure you are making the best decision for yourself. Barring any financial difficulties with your current position, the following steps may be of assistance.
Remember all new endeavors take learning, patience, practice and time to be successful. A job is no different. If you ultimately find that your steps do not pay off, plan an exit strategy. There is no shame in moving on or deciding to reinvent yourself once again.
Hi Amy,
Your question is truly an important one and something that many people are still grappling with at this time. As we all continue to work together to stay safe and preserve life, we find we are still most cautious of close contact with others.
As a result, many companies have not returned to in-office, full-capacity staff. Therefore, many employees still find they are working alone at home. This continued situation can indeed cause feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression in many individuals.
Fortunately, technology has allowed us to make contact with colleagues, employers, co-workers, friends and family during our time away from others. Nevertheless, many individuals are finding that this may no longer be enough. Though technology has provided us with valuable tools to continue to work and check-in on loved ones and friends, we are still in need of social contact.
Of course, building and maintaining a strong social network are keys to preserving our mental health and well-being. With this in mind, we must find new and interesting ways to connect and stay in touch with others.
Arrange for a "virtual coffee break" with colleagues. Take the time to make yourself a cup of coffee or tea, grab a snack, and chat for 15 minutes with someone you used to take breaks with in the office. You may find that it both breaks up and brightens your day.
Something as simple as making a phone call to a friend or loved one during a work break is also very important right now. If time is a factor, a short text message will do the trick. This gives us a sense of connection and keeps us up to date with the lives of those whom we consider most important.
Another great idea is to plan a "virtual dinner" with a friend or loved one. Take the time to make your meal special. Regardless of your cooking skills, you can still always select one or two of your favorite foods for this "gathering." The point is to relax, chat and enjoy each other's company.
It is worth noting that "virtual connections" are indeed connections. In order for them to be successful, we should be conscious of a number of things:
- Bonding will occur when we are both emotionally engaged as well as verbally engaged.
- Maintaining a positive attitude while trying any of these activities can reframe an experience into a positive one.
- Recognizing these behaviors allows us to regain our sense of control.
- Most of all, have fun!
“I’m retired, and I thought I’d never want to work again. However, I’m realizing that I need to do something. Some of my friends have said that I should sell baked goods. Baking has always been a hobby. Is it crazy to try something like this? I don’t have any business background, but I do make a great chocolate ganache.” ~ Anonymous
Hi Anonymous,
There is no fixed rule which says you need to be young to start a business! The real question is "Do you really want to do this?" If your answer is yes, then forge ahead! Just be aware of what running your own business entails and what you need to do to make it successful.
Selling baked goods is a business that can grow organically. You may start off by taking orders locally in your neighborhood or town. Posting about your business on social media is a great way to get the word out. You may gain ground quickly this way if you provide great service and delicious foods.
You may then want to branch out by selling your baked goods at local farmers’ markets or at local events. You may even want to eventually set up your own small roadside stand. You can work as many or as few hours as you wish.
At some point, you may wish to have your baked goods offered for sale at local area restaurants and local stores. You may also want to take advantage of online sales which can be picked up, delivered or shipped in-state. The sky is the limit, especially with the rising demand for both healthy and organic foods.
I suggest you start by looking into your state's cottage food laws. These laws tell you which food products can be prepared and sold from your home and which food products are prohibited from production and sale from the home. You can also contact your state's agriculture department to find out what steps you need to follow to begin your baked goods business at home.
Happy baking!
How can I reinvent myself professionally at 64? Is it too late? ~ Barbara (FL)
Hello Barbara,
If I understand you correctly, you want to know how one can reinvent oneself professionally at 64 years old. First, let me say that reinvention – professional or personal – can begin at any age.
Yes, it is true that making a major change can be difficult. It takes a lot of work and determination. Nevertheless, the task at hand is just that, a task. It can be achieved following specific steps.
The first step is to acknowledge that you do indeed have time to change. How much change, and to what degree, depends on where you are in your professional career. If you are up for retirement and can financially do so, then you can boldly change in any number of different directions.
However, if you are like many people and still must continue to work for economic stability, you may want to change in more subtle ways. Taking classes to expand your skills, or going back to school, could be something to consider. Remember sharpening and expanding skills in your current field or honing new skills in a new field of your choosing are both options and not mutually exclusive.
Consider a presence on social media platforms. Whether we like it or not, engaging with social media is no longer an option. Employers are increasingly looking for a potential employee's digital footprint. Does the possible employment candidate engage with LinkedIn, Twitter, or even Facebook? Can one be considered professionally current if one takes the time to keep his or her professional social media pages up to date? Many employers think so!
Do not be afraid to reach out at a time like this. We all have professional contacts and can make use of their expertise. Even those professional contacts that may be considered "weak" or "dormant" may yield a fantastic opportunity. We may find that through our professional network of contacts, something may be available that is just the right fit.
A step which many of us overlook, but is just as important, is taking inventory of our marketable skills. Are there skills you have acquired through experience and/or education which you previously had not relied on but can utilized now? A close examination of skills may translate to another field or type of employment.
Though we may not be consciously aware of it, we reinvent ourselves every day. We are constantly in motion. We make decisions which propel us forward or set us back. Habits and routines are put in place or discarded. Many of us start new projects and end others. By recognizing that each day presents itself with the opportunity to reinvent ourselves, the transformation has already begun.
“I have already tried to reinvent myself after being furloughed. I had to take the first job I could find. How do I hold on until I get to the point that I feel good about my new journey?” ~ Christine (CA)
Hi Christine,
I want to first congratulate you on reinventing yourself after being furloughed from your job. Well done! Clearly, the steps you implemented have paid off. However, your question seems to indicate that you are not completely satisfied with this reinvention. If this is indeed the case, remember that we are constantly reinventing ourselves. There is no reason why you cannot begin this process anew. The best time to look for employment is when you are already employed. If this is something you choose to investigate, I wish you much success!
If, on the other hand, you want to stay with this new position, but feel you may not be able to hang on for any number of reasons, there are still ways you can move forward. Certain steps can be taken to ensure you are making the best decision for yourself. Barring any financial difficulties with your current position, the following steps may be of assistance.
- What do you hope to achieve with this professional reinvention? Once you answer this question you can set manageable goals for yourself.
- How much time it will take you to achieve these goals?
- Prioritize goals in order of importance. By doing so, success comes in the form of achievable milestones. Each time you meet an individual goal, positive feelings will keep you motivated to continue and to focus in on the long term.
- Track all of your achievements. This will allow you to see patterns. You can use this information to see where you can make improvements and where you easily accomplished your objectives. Then, reward yourself for all that you have accomplished. Positive reinforcement fuels motivation.
- Don't be afraid to take on new tasks. As long as your work is done, feel free to ask if anyone needs help. You may find that you enjoy expanded responsibility while you learn new aspects of the business you otherwise would not have known. You might also sharpen professional skills you already possess. Learning and growing are essential for survival.
- Develop a personal network within your company. This is a great way to find out whether there are opportunities in other departments, divisions or branches. It also allows you to hear which current or upcoming openings offer a better fit for your skills and interests. This can be one of the best resources for career development and professional success. Do not be afraid to tap into it.
- Give yourself a time frame, and make it a realistic one. Commit to learning the job and the work processes.
Remember all new endeavors take learning, patience, practice and time to be successful. A job is no different. If you ultimately find that your steps do not pay off, plan an exit strategy. There is no shame in moving on or deciding to reinvent yourself once again.
Disclaimer: The advice posted here is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for seeking medical and/or psychological advice from your personal, licensed healthcare provider.
