The Story Behind Caitlin’s Star

I wrote Caitlin’s Star thirty-six years ago. My four-year-old daughter, Caitlin, had just lost her paternal grandmother and was feeling so many emotions—sadness, confusion, and even fear.

At the time, we were driving to visit my parents, who lived about an hour away at the New Jersey shore. We were on busy Route 287 when Caitlin asked from the back seat what had happened to her grandmother, “Grandmother Pearl.” I didn’t have an easy answer, so I began to tell her a story—a story that came straight from my heart as I drove down the highway.

Somewhere between the exits, Caitlin’s Star was born. I remember getting so caught up in the story that I missed our exit ramp entirely!

After I finished telling it, Caitlin looked up and said, “Tell it again, Mommy.” And I did—over and over, all the way to my parents’ house. That night, after she went to bed, I wrote the story down on a yellow legal pad so I wouldn’t forget it.

In the years that followed, our family experienced other losses. Whenever we talked about those loved ones, Caitlin and I would remember what they liked to do and what made them happy. Just as Grandmother Pearl’s heavenly job was to polish the stars, we would imagine what our other loved ones’ jobs might be.

In time, our family grew, I remarried and had a son, who also joined in the tradition. Together, we’d think of “heavenly jobs” for the people and pets we loved—always finding comfort and a bit of joy in imagining how they might still be shining bright above us.

As the years went on, I realized this simple story had become a source of healing and connection for our whole family. I decided to expand it—adding sections that invite families to personalize their own copies. I wrote an Author’s Note to help parents use the story in ways that open conversations about love and loss, and I included journal pages where children can write or draw memories of their loved ones.

Over the years, Caitlin’s Star has remained part of our family’s way of healing—reminding us that love never disappears; it simply shines in new places.

From Recession to Reinvention: What 2009 Taught Us About Job Searching in 2025

 

 Setting the Scene

In August 2009, I was a few months into the evolution of Blackbird Learning Associates, my job search training company. I had developed several programs — Résumé Writing, Interviewing, Networking, and Job Search for the Mature Job Seeker — and was preparing to present them at local libraries, community colleges, and businesses.

At that time, I hadn’t yet begun offering résumé writing services, but I could see the need everywhere.

In August 2009, the U.S. unemployment rate was 9.7%, one of the bleakest moments of the Great Recession.
In August 2025, it’s 4.3% — less than half that level.

At first glance, you might think today’s job seekers have it easier. But those of us who’ve lived and worked through both eras know better.
The 2009 job market was about scarcity.
The 2025 job market is about complexity.

Back then, people struggled to find open positions.
Today, they struggle to get noticed by algorithms.

Different challenges — same need for clarity, adaptability, and connection.

---

Then: Surviving the 2009 Job Market

I remember 2009 vividly. Job seekers came to me discouraged and exhausted. They printed résumés, applied to job boards, mailed applications, and competed with hundreds of other candidates for a single position. Many even wanted to walk into a business and ask the receptionist for an application.

Those who succeeded didn’t rely on luck — they relied on strategy and persistence.

They learned how to network, customize, and stay resilient through uncertainty. And interestingly, those same tactics — though updated for new technology — still work in 2025.

---

What Worked Back Then — and What Works Now

Networking

Then (2009): Most jobs were never posted online — they were shared over coffee, through community groups, or by word of mouth. A personal introduction often mattered more than a résumé. In 2009, an estimated 45%–80% of jobs were found through networking.
Now (2025): Networking still drives results, but the coffee shop has gone digital. Conversations happen on LinkedIn, in virtual meetups, and inside professional groups. People who comment, share ideas, and follow up meaningfully still stand out. In 2025, roughly 60%–85% of jobs are still found through networking.

The takeaway: Connection is still currency — the platform just changed.

---

Customization

Then (2009): Tailored résumés stood out when HR teams were flooded with applications. Generic résumés were ignored.
Now (2025): Customization matters even more. AI-driven hiring systems scan for exact phrases and measurable results. Each résumé needs to reflect the job’s language while maintaining a natural, human voice.

The takeaway: Personalization gets you past both the machine and the recruiter.

---

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Then (2009): Early ATS programs were just emerging. Applicants quickly learned that using key words from job postings improved their chances of being seen.
Now (2025): ATS and AI filters are far more sophisticated — analyzing tone, structure, and even employment gaps. Successful job seekers use clean formatting, results-based language, and industry-specific terminology.

The takeaway: Simplicity wins. Clear, keyword-aligned content is your digital handshake.

---

Resilience

Then (2009): Employers looked for people who could recover from layoffs and keep moving forward. Adaptability and optimism were essential.
Now (2025): The same trait remains crucial — it’s just called agility or growth mindset. Employers now prioritize communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, leadership, and time management.

The takeaway: Technology evolves, but character endures. Resilience will always be in demand.

---

The 2025 Job Search Reality

Today’s job search happens in a fast-moving, tech-driven landscape.
AI résumé screening, remote interviews, and hybrid work environments are now the norm.

Here’s what’s working right now:

• Optimize your online presence. Your LinkedIn profile is your résumé, portfolio, and first impression all in one.
• Show, don’t tell. Replace “responsible for” with “increased,” “created,” or “improved.” As before, quantify your results.
• Stay visible. Comment thoughtfully on posts in your field. Visibility leads to opportunity.
• Keep learning. Take short online courses, earn micro-credentials, and refresh your skills regularly. Lifelong learning is today’s job security.

---

The Emotional Side of the Search

Whether unemployment is 9.7% or 4.3%, job hunting always tests your confidence.
In 2009, fear was about layoffs.
In 2025, fear is about being filtered out before anyone sees your potential.

But one truth hasn’t changed: you can’t control the market — only your message.

Be clear about who you are, what you offer, and how you help. That’s what attracts opportunities, in any economy.

---

The Bottom Line

The language may have changed — “résumé tailoring” became “keyword optimization,” and “staying positive” became “growth mindset” — but the foundation is identical:

• Build authentic relationships.
• Present your value clearly.
• Keep learning, even when the market shifts.

The tools changed — but the mission didn’t.
Show your strengths clearly, keep learning, and connect with purpose.
Opportunity always belongs to the prepared and persistent.

What have you noticed about the 2025 job search scene? 

Growing a Thicker Skin

I once had a manager who told me to “grow a thicker skin.” It happened when I was a Human Resources Consultant responsible for a couple of IT teams. I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely comfortable in that role. I was in my element as a Learning and Development Manager, but as they used to say, I had to wear two hats.

Among many qualities, an HR professional needs to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, be socially responsible, possess a knack for business strategy and performance management, and stay calm in uncomfortable situations. I thrived in those areas. However, being pretty high on the empathy scale, I struggled more with the tougher sides of HR—playing politics, reprimanding poor behavior, or firing people. Give me a team that was infighting, though, and I’d design a training program that had everyone singing “Kum Ba Yah” by the end of the day.

My manager’s comment about having “thick skin” stuck with me for years—and apparently, I’m still thinking about it as I write this. It came back to mind recently after reading some comments about my newest book, Caitlin’s Star. Some artists and creative designers in the children’s book groups I belong to have harshly criticized the artwork. I’ll admit to using AI to create my characters, but I’ve modified them so much that they barely resemble the originals. One comment—“Same generic-looking slop as everything else”—really hurt. That one stung enough to wake me up several times last night.

When I looked up the authors of these fine comments, I saw that they’re graphic designers and artists. I understand that, like many careers, theirs is being challenged by the rise of AI.

My advice to authors is this: you do you  (I even have a tee shirt that says this). And my advice to anyone considering a career in HR—or any field—is to read the job descriptions carefully. Ask yourself if you have the temperament and skill set to truly thrive in that environment. 

Whether you’re managing teams or publishing a book, the challenge is the same: stay true to yourself — and keep growing, skin and all. 

Have you ever had to grow a thicker skin in your own career or creative work? 

Caitlin’s Star Is Now Available on Amazon!

I’m so excited to share that my new children’s book, Caitlin’s Star, is now available on Amazon! 🌙✨

This story began years ago as a way to talk about the death of my daughter's grandmother and to help her understand that love doesn’t end when someone we care about is gone. Over time, it grew into a story meant to bring comfort and hope to other families too.

Caitlin’s Star invites children and parents to read together, reflect, and remember. The book includes interactive journaling pages — spaces where families can write memories, draw pictures, or imagine “Heavenly Jobs” for loved ones who have passed. It’s designed to open gentle conversations and create lasting keepsakes of love. 💛

You can find it here:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWMK6HWV

My First Proof Copy of Caitlin's Star

 A milestone moment — my first proof copy of Caitlin’s Star arrived today!

This children’s story celebrates love, memory, and resilience — helping families talk about loss while finding hope in what remains. 🌟

After months of revisions and learning every detail of the publishing process, holding this book in my hands is both humbling and joyful. The final version is nearly ready — but this proof will always remind me where it all began. 💫

Be Open to Learning New Things: Another Lesson from the Yoga Mat

At the start of yoga class, the instructor often invites us to set an intention. One particular day last week, I chose: “Be open to learning new things.”

That intention came after weeks of frustration with the tools I’ve been using to format my children’s book. Page sizes, bleed lines, text boxes, and images all seemed to have their own rules—and I was tired of feeling stuck and was so discouraged.

Carrying the Intention Off the Mat

For me, on the mat, “being open” means easing into postures I tend to resist and allowing my breath to carry me through the uneasy moments. Later that day, when I sat down at my computer to work on Canva, I reminded myself of the same intention.

Instead of bracing myself for another round of frustration, I approached Canva like I would a challenging yoga pose: with patience, curiosity, and compassion. I didn’t need to master it in a single sitting. I just needed to stay present and be willing to learn one small step at a time.

What the Mat Teaches About Learning

Yoga teaches us that growth doesn’t come from instant mastery—it comes from:

• Curiosity — exploring without judgment.

• Patience — allowing progress to unfold.

• Compassion — forgiving yourself for not getting it right the first time.

Those same qualities can transform how we approach new skills—whether it’s Canva, coding, cooking, or career changes.

The Bigger Picture

My yoga intention reminded me that frustration is often the doorway to growth. If we can set an intention to be open to learning new things, we give ourselves permission to move past the struggle and into possibility.

So the next time you step onto the mat—or into a new challenge—try setting an intention that you can carry with you. It just might change not only your practice, but the way you approach the whole day.

A Note of Progress

As an end to this story, I studied YouTube videos, articles, the Canva tutorial, and other sources. I slowly practiced placements and semi-mastered page sizes, bleed lines, text boxes, and images. I decided not to do anything fancy—although there are two spots in the book’s interactive journal where I added flourishes and a few swirls. And you know what? I’m proud of myself.

Feeling Stuck? Try Learning Something New

Lately, I’ve been wrestling with the challenge of formatting my book. Honestly, it feels like learning a new language — full of unfamiliar concepts, terms, and a fair share of trial and error. Every now and then, a little voice in the back of my mind whispers, “Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

But I’ve learned to quiet that voice and keep moving forward. Instead of giving up, I look for new ways to learn about publishing. I’m a right-brained, creative thinker — I thrive on ideas, storytelling, and design. Numbers, formulas, and technical processes don’t come as easily. Still, I’ve discovered that pushing myself outside of my comfort zone is where real growth happens.

Learning something new is rarely easy, but it’s often exciting and deeply rewarding. My dad who was a teacher, used to tell me, “Never stop learning.” His philosophy was simple: every day, make the choice to learn — whether it’s one new fact or fifty. He lived by those words, rereading classic literature well into his seventies and tinkering with clocks until they worked perfectly again. 

That same mindset applies to your career. If you’re thinking about developing a new skill — whether to advance in your current role or to pivot into a different career — go for it. Start with research:

• Explore exactly what skills are in demand for the job or field you’re interested in.

• Look for learning opportunities. Many local organizations and libraries offer free or low-cost classes.

• Leverage online platforms. There are countless courses, tutorials, and communities ready to help you.

• Network. Social media platforms like LinkedIn can connect you with people in your target field and open unexpected doors.

I’ve worked with many clients who were eager to change careers. The steps are the same every time:

1. Research the field and skills you need.

2. Study and practice until you gain confidence.

3. Design a clear plan to reach your goal.

4. Set measurable milestones and celebrate your progress along the way.

The journey may feel overwhelming at times — just as formatting my book sometimes feels like solving a puzzle with missing pieces — but each small step builds momentum. Learning stretches you, challenges you, and ultimately transforms you.

So, if you feel that nudge to grow, don’t ignore it. Take that first step today. Your future self will thank you.