As I reflect on my career journey, I’m reminded of the power of embracing the unknown. After over a decade in the commercial training/education area, I made the bold decision to leave my comfort zone and join IBM’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Education division. The thought of entering a new industry, one that was unfamiliar to me, was daunting. But, as I look back, I realize that this leap of faith was the catalyst for my personal and professional growth.

Filling out the questionnaire for my annual checkup, I realized that, fortunately, my stress level is under control. I often see people suffering from burnout, dissatisfied with their quality of life and unwell, without realizing that work is the major culprit. I consider myself lucky not to be among them. But is it really luck?

A few days ago, I read a post on LinkedIn about a positive work culture. The text presented excellent counterpoints between what appears to be a positive work culture, often with shallow effects, and what this culture should truly entail.

I’ve had this site for 3 years now and, unfortunately, haven’t dedicated myself to update it in ages. But it still receives a fair share of visits regularly. By far the most sought-after post is about my experience with my FeLV+ cat Myrtle and her treatment for anemia.

During this transition period, since I was laid off in June 2017, I applied for over 100 jobs. In the beginning, I wasn’t that selective about the companies or segment. I would never apply for a job in the tobacco industry, obviously. But I sometimes applied for jobs in companies I had no interest in. And in about a year I only had one interview, early in my search.

LinkedIn suggested I shared what I wanted to be when I was 15. But, honestly, I didn’t know then what I wanted to be for the rest of my life. I was only 15, how could I?

I’ve already shown some of the kitchen appliances I use. Now it’s time to show other products that help me cook and bake.

If you follow this blog you already know I have pets – 2 dogs and 5 cats. This post is about one of those cats, Myrtle. She’s FeLV+, like her mother Zuri and her sister Bo.

The last few weeks have been hectic. And, therefore, I’ve been absent here. Let’s see what happened: