The Hidden Lessons of Self-Publishing: How Caitlin’s Star Helped Me Grow

 I've been working on my children's book, Caitlin's Star and I must say that learning how to format the book and place the illustrations has been a long, arduous process. I will set up a website exclusively for the book but for now, I will remain here.

This task has added skills to my resume. I've learned about page bleeds and cover wraps. I've played with illustration sizes for an "8.5" x "8.5" book. I learned that Amazon requires seven key word sentences which allow customers to find your book. And so much more...

I swear it took me less time to write the story than it has to figure out all the technical details that go into a children's picture book. Formatting my previous book, Job Search for Moms was just text, easy once I got the hang of it.

I also learned about back cover design and the types of messages to announce the book. Here is my first attempt at  an announcement.

Every child’s grief is different, and every memory is special.

Caitlin’s Star is a tender story that helps children cope with loss while celebrating memories of their own loved ones. With simple prompts woven into the story, parents and caregivers can personalize the journey, making each reading meaningful and healing.

This has not been an easy task but I have promised myself that I will not give up. If no one buys the book except my family members, I will still have pride in knowing that I finally pushed myself to the finish line.

As far as job search goes, please use this as an example to learn something new, grow your talents and stretch your wings. Don't allow something overwhelming to stop you. Cut it into smaller pieces and move ahead. If you are unemployed or underemployed, use the time as an opportunity to learn a new skill. There are plenty of free sites where you can learn something new, get a certification  or refresh your current skill set.

As I near the completion of Caitlin’s Star, I’m reminded that every challenge carries its own lessons. What began as a deeply personal story has also become a journey of patience, resilience, and lifelong learning. Whether you are creating a book, seeking a job, or facing any daunting goal, remember that progress is rarely a straight line. Take it one step at a time, celebrate each small victory, and keep moving forward. In the end, it’s not just about the finished product—it’s about the person you become along the way. 

 

 

Dusting Off My Children’s Book: Learning Something New at Any Age

Have you ever taken on something completely new? Something unfamiliar that stretched you—and in the process, taught you something about yourself?

I have.

I wrote a children’s book. Actually, I wrote it 36 years ago, then tucked it away when life, work, and kids filled my days and nights. I wasn’t an artist, so I didn’t know how to bring the book to life. I had a vision for the illustrations but couldn’t afford an illustrator’s fee (these were the days before the internet, and my priorities were orthodontics and summer camp).

About ten years ago, I wrote my job search handbook, Job Search for Moms. I worked with an editor who, sadly, had to step away after a cancer diagnosis. I was determined to finish, so I turned to a self-publisher. The book was successful, and I’m immensely proud of it—but I didn’t have the marketing know-how to push it out into the wider world.

Recently, I dusted off that old children’s manuscript. I’m not sure why—maybe because I was feeling a little adrift, a bit useless and unfocused. Revisiting it reminded me of the days when I worked nonstop, giving 100% to an organization and 100% to my family. I realized I wanted to feel that sense of purpose and accomplishment again.

When I first reached out to self-publishers, I was met with chat windows and four-figure price tags. That’s when I decided to embrace something new—using technology and social media to bring this book to life on my own. I dove into research, connected with writers’ groups, and discovered reputable self-publishing companies that don’t charge upfront fees.

Then came the illustrations. I explored artificial intelligence tools to design my characters and create the artwork. I know what some might say: that using AI takes opportunities away from talented designers. But I’ve also seen AI transform my own field—job search coaching—where it now produces resumes and career tools similar to the ones I’ve shared with clients. For this project, AI allowed me to create a storybook filled with beautiful, fully copyrighted images that are uniquely mine. As I type this, AI is formatting the book into files ready to upload to a self-publishing platform.

It has been an eye-opening experience. I’m not someone who shies away from challenges, nor am I the type to say, “Let someone else do it.” I want to keep learning, keep growing, and keep pushing forward—even into my later years. This children’s book, alongside Job Search for Moms, will be part of my legacy: proof that I didn’t let indecision or “I can’t” stand in my way.

So, what about you? What are you learning that’s new? Have you taken on a fresh challenge lately? I’d love to hear your story.

And since this is my job search blog, here’s one final thought: if you’re unemployed or underemployed, learning something new—whether it’s taking a class, writing a book, or exploring a new skill—not only keeps you engaged, but also strengthens your resume. It shows future employers that you are curious, adaptable, and productive.

 

Holding Close What Matters Most

 Lately—today, yesterday, even last week—we’ve been hit with the news that people we loved, cared about, or admired have passed away. And yet, somehow, we still find ourselves arguing, holding grudges, or pouring energy into outrage over things that, in the end, don’t really matter.

 What does matter? Love. People. Friendships. Family. Life.

And life—fleeting, fragile, unpredictable—becomes more real with every passing year. It's impossible to ignore.

 

So check in on someone. Especially when things seem quiet—reach out. Not to rant about politics (because let’s be honest, most of it is just noise), but to tell someone what they mean to you. Remind them what makes them special.

 

I get it now—why my dad used to call up his old Army buddies just to say how much he appreciated them. They’d swap stories, laugh, and reconnect. That’s what it’s all about.

 

That’s life. That’s what lasts.

Rest in Peace Bob, 

Rest in Peace Cindy 

Before You Change Careers, Do This One Exercise

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Have you ever felt stuck when thinking about a career change?
You want to explore a new path, but you're not sure how to start. You know you have valuable skills, but you're unsure whether they’ll translate to a new role—or if they were only useful in your last job. It can feel overwhelming. Maybe you've even found yourself closing your laptop and thinking, “I’ll deal with it tomorrow.”

So how do you break through that feeling and get motivated?

Try this simple exercise:

1. Draw three columns on a piece of paper or in a document.

2. Find a job posting that interests you.
   In the first column, list the skills, qualifications, and requirements mentioned in that posting.

3. Reflect on your own background.
   In the second column, write down the skills and experience you already have that match what’s in the first column. Think broadly and deeply—review your past 10 years of work. What hard skills did you use? What soft skills did you demonstrate? What were your responsibilities—projects, presentations, team efforts, or specific tasks?

4. Capture your impact.
   In the third column, note the results of your efforts. What were the outcomes? Quantify where you can—how much, how many, what improved because of your work? How did your contributions help your team, department, or company succeed? Think about times you received praise, promotions, or awards. What did you do to earn them?

5. Don’t forget training or education.
   Include any certifications, courses, or relevant education—either in the second column (skills gained) or third (impact of those skills).

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Once you’ve finished, take a moment to acknowledge your progress.

You’ve just taken a significant step toward understanding your value—and you’ve begun building a stronger, more tailored resume.

You've got this.

Thinking About Changing Careers Later in Life? Here's How to Start

Making a career change in your later working years can be exciting and rewarding. Whether you're looking for a new challenge, more flexibility, or to follow a long-held passion, here are several steps to help you successfully navigate the transition:

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1. Research the Skills Required for Your New Career Path

Start by identifying the role or field you're interested in. Then, explore the skills commonly needed. A few ways to begin:

• Visit CareerOneStop for detailed occupation profiles.

• Type the job title into a search engine along with “skills needed.” AI tools can give you a quick overview.

• Look at both hard skills (technical knowledge, certifications) and soft skills (communication, leadership, problem-solving).

Ask yourself:

• a. Do you already have some of these skills?

• b. Can you give examples of how you've used them—successfully—in past roles or through transferable experience?

• c. If you're missing key skills, where can you develop them?

  • Consider options like:

    • Community colleges

    • Online platforms (Coursera, CareerFoundry, edX, LinkedIn Learning)

    • Programs like the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (for age 50+ learners)

• d. Will you need a certification or license to enter this field?

  • Look at job postings to see what employers are asking for.

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2. Tap Into Your Network

Do you know anyone currently working in this field? Reach out to:

• Ask questions about their experience

• Seek advice on entering the industry

• Explore potential mentorship opportunities
  Even casual conversations can open doors or provide valuable insight.

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3. Gain Experience Through Volunteering or Internships

Look for opportunities to:

• Volunteer in a related role

• Take on freelance projects

• Intern or assist with short-term assignments
  This allows you to build experience, expand your resume, and test the waters in your new field.

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4. Explore Contract, Temp, or Entry-Level Opportunities

Start small if needed. Look for:

• Temporary or part-time roles

• Entry-level positions that offer a foot in the door
  Be realistic about the starting salary—it may be lower than you're used to, but it's a stepping stone toward your goal.

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5. Create a Concrete Action Plan

Outline the specific steps you'll take, such as:

• Skills to learn (with target dates)

• Courses to enroll in

• People to contact

• Resume and LinkedIn updates

• Interview preparation
  Put your plan in writing and revisit it regularly to stay on track.

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Final Thought:
Changing careers later in life is entirely possible—and increasingly common. With clarity, planning, and a willingness to learn, you can transition into a role that aligns with your current goals, interests, and lifestyle.

Beach Days and Childhood Memories

Today, a friend and I spent the day at the beach, reminiscing and catching up. Our conversation drifted back to our childhoods and teen years, and we were surprised by how many shared memories we had of growing up at the New Jersey beaches.

I spent my summers at Takanassee Beach Club in Long Branch, while she went to Sands in Sea Bright. Back then neither place was anything fancy. Even though we belonged to different beach clubs, we realized that you don’t need a specific spot to feel connected to those memories.

Here are some of the things we laughed about. Chances are if you grew up on the NJ beaches or went to a public pool and are of a certain age, you'll have similar memories!

Bathing Caps

• Wearing a bathing cap in the pool was mandatory. They had chin straps that snapped at the jaw and they had this weird rubbery smell.
• Our moms wore them too—but theirs were decorated with big, colorful flowers.
• As we got older, we graduated to racer caps. They were definitely cooler.

The Snack Bar

• The snack bar was the heart of the club. I can still smell those burgers and hotdogs. Fries, ice cream cones, paper-wrapped push-up pops, frozen Milky Ways—it was all there.
• Once you were older, you hung out there with friends, played cards, or just waited out rainy days.
• The floor was like a boardwalk, and if you dropped your change, it was gone for good—straight through the cracks. Little kids would crawl underneath to collect coins and buy ice cream.
• When it rained, everyone huddled under the snack bar awning. It was the place to be.

The Hangout Area

• As teens, we drifted away from our parents and stuck with our friend group. We only circled back when we needed snack bar money.
• Our parents didn’t worry about us much—every now and then they’d look up to check, but mostly, they let us be.
• The locker areas became unofficial hangouts too.

 The Pool

• Mornings meant swim lessons in icy water. It was miserable—but we learned to swim.
• During adult swim, all the kids sat impatiently at the edge, waiting for the whistle so we could dive back in.

The Ocean

• We both had blow-up canvas rafts to ride the waves. Hers was blue and yellow and mine was blue and red.
• There were roped-off areas for swimming. I used to sit on the rope and do backflips into the water, dodging clumps of green seaweed.
• As little kids, we stayed in the water so long our lips turned blue—and we didn’t even care.

Biking to the Beach

• Once we got older, we rode our bikes to the beach on our own.
• Every so often, I’d get a ride home on someone’s handlebars—usually a crush. It was terribly uncomfortable, but I never complained.

Whether you grew up going to a beach club, a public beach, or your local pool, these kinds of memories stay with you. They remind us of the freedom of childhood summers—and how much we all really have in common.

Lessons in Learning and Development from a Viking Tour Guide

Reflections Inspired by a Viking River Cruise Experience

 

We recently returned from a Viking River Cruise—the Lyon and Provence itinerary—and while the journey was absolutely amazing (a photo-filled post is coming soon!), I wanted to focus this post on something different: learning and development skills, specifically those demonstrated by our exceptional tour guides. I was deeply impressed by the professionalism and skill of all our tour guides, especially our Avignon guide.

At the end of our tour, a fellow guest asked the guide how she became a tour guide for Viking and what she did to prepare. If you've ever experienced one of these tours, you know how knowledgeable and engaging the guides are. Their expertise doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of serious preparation and practice.

As I listened to her response, I was struck by how closely her process mirrors what we do as Learning & Development (L&D) professionals. Here's are the key steps she shared, in my own words—and how they align with effective L&D principles:

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1. Become a Subject Matter Expert

Immerse yourself in the content. Study it from every angle until you deeply understand it. Anticipate the questions your audience might have, and carefully curate the content you’ll present.

2. Find a Mentor

Shadow an experienced professional. Observe how they present, engage, and manage a group. Ask questions and absorb their methods—but don’t simply copy them. Develop your own voice and style, even while covering the same core material.

3. Create Compelling Content

Make your presentations engaging and memorable by:

• Sharing stories and real-life examples

• Incorporating visuals whenever possible

• Actively engaging your audience

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Rehearse your material multiple times until it flows naturally. Confidence comes from preparation.

5. Seek Constructive Feedback

Ask for feedback on both your content and delivery style. Learn how effectively you’re answering questions and how well your message is being received.

6. Admit When You Don’t Know

If you're unsure about something, be honest. Take the time to research the answer and follow up. Your credibility increases when you show humility and follow-through.

7. Make It Interesting and Fun

Avoid being dry or monotonous. Keep your energy up and your delivery dynamic—your audience will stay engaged and retain more information. Our guide was warm, funny and enthusiastic!

8. Get Certified

In some cases, certification is required. In others, it enhances your credibility and demonstrates commitment to your craft.

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These principles aren’t exclusive to tour guiding or L&D—they're universal and relevant across many professions. What’s key is staying current in your field, being open to new techniques, and sharing what you learn. Whether you’re leading a group of travelers through ancient cities or facilitating a training session, the fundamentals of great content delivery remain the same.

Always be curious. Always be learning. Always be evolving.

The Eagle Pose and Change

Today in yoga, we practiced Eagle Pose—a posture where you wrap your arms and legs around each other while balancing on one leg. It’s a powerful pose that challenges your balance, focus, core strength, and stability. It’s not always easy! After holding it on one side, you unwind and repeat on the other.

Some days I can lift off and stay steady; other days, like today, I couldn’t even get my foot off the ground.

On the drive home, I kept thinking about Eagle Pose—how frustrating it can be, but also how it represents change. It requires moving in a way my body isn’t used to. Then, just as quickly, I return to what feels normal.

That got me thinking: in life and work, we’re often asked to do things differently—to stretch ourselves in unfamiliar ways. And while it can feel uncomfortable or awkward, if we don’t make those changes, we stay exactly where we are. When we stay where we are, we stop learning. Our productivity can stall, and we risk slipping into a rut.

Growth often begins with discomfort. Whether it’s on the yoga mat or in our daily routines, leaning into that challenge is what keeps us moving forward.

Volunteering Yourself Into a New Job

I started helping job seekers in 2009. It was during the height of a great recession when the job market was reeling from job loss and resulted in a sky-high unemployment rate. One of the issues I addressed with clients and in my job search training classes was volunteering – specifically volunteering in an area to sharpen existing skills or work on developing new ones.

Today, I was looking at volunteering activities for me. I wondered if I wanted to continue to help with life skills such as job search or seek something totally different like volunteering in a hospital. As I scanned the opportunities (google “volunteer opportunities near me”), I came upon an organization that has been around for years, SCORE. SCORE helps entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business.

I scanned the volunteer write up and read that the organization looks for people with valuable business skills to help local entrepreneurs.  Here is an example of what one chapter was looking for.

“You might be able to sharpen your email marketing, networking and social media skills while helping your local business community. If you are interested in aiding a local chapter with data and analytics, pulling reports, helping with local events, or serving in other capacities that will make your local chapter more effective, let us know.

Examples of chapter support roles include Community Ambassador, Partnerships & Fundraising, Media Contact for National and Local PR, Marketing, Chapter Administrator, Webmaster, and more.” Learn more at www.score.org/volunteer.

What better way to assist a local organization while developing and refining your own skills. This looks great on your resume as it shows that while on your job search you are giving back to the community and staying current in your field. It also boosts self-confidence, networking, and gratification.

So, check out volunteer opportunities in your field. It may lead to great things.

Navigating the New Job Search Landscape

Have you re-entered the job market and wondered if anything has changed? Have you recently lost your job and don't know how to start your job search?

While some things have changed in the new job search landscape, some things have remained the same.

Let's take a look at both.

Keep Doing This

1. Network with friends, neighbors, community groups, professional groups.

2. Create a job-focused resume that highlights your accomplishments (not a to-do list of job responsibilities.

3. Prepare for an interview by studying the job description and practicing responses to questions that may align with the job responsibilities and skills described. Think STAR (Situation or Task, Actions Taken, and RESULTS). Prepare responses to common interviewing questions, Strengths, Weaknesses, Why Us, Take Me Through A Day. Througherly research the company.

4. Create a thank you email.

5. Create a LinkedIn profile. 

Now Add This

  1. Leverage AI and Automation

• AI Resume Optimization: Tools like Jobscan can help tailor your resume to specific job listings by analyzing job descriptions and suggesting keywords to improve your chances with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
  

• Chatbots & Virtual Assistants: Some companies now use AI-powered virtual assistants in the recruitment process, allowing you to interact, apply, and even schedule interviews directly through AI chat interfaces.

2. Network through Social Media & Professional Platforms

• LinkedIn Networking: LinkedIn continues to be one of the most powerful platforms. New features like LinkedIn Open To Work and LinkedIn Career Pages allow you to connect directly with hiring managers, recruiters, and companies, making networking more active.

• Twitter & TikTok for Job Seekers: Especially for younger generations, platforms like Twitter and TikTok are becoming valuable tools for job search. You can engage with companies, follow industry leaders, and even share your career journey and achievements creatively.

3. Personal Branding

• Build a Personal Website/Portfolio: Having a personal website or portfolio showcasing your work is becoming more common, especially for creatives or tech professionals. It’s a great way to stand out and demonstrate your skills.

• Video Resumes: For roles in media, marketing, or any position that benefits from showing off personality and communication skills, video resumes can help you present yourself in a more engaging way.

4. Direct Outreach

• Instead of solely applying to posted job openings, direct outreach to hiring managers or recruiters via email or LinkedIn messages is becoming a more effective strategy. Crafting a personalized message expressing your interest and how your skills align with their needs can help you get noticed faster.

5. Remote and Hybrid Job Search

• As remote and hybrid work have become the norm, searching specifically for remote-friendly roles or companies with flexible working arrangements is a key strategy. Use websites like Remote.co, We Work Remotely, and FlexJobs to find such positions.

6. Freelancing & Contract Work

• More people are considering freelance or contract work, even in fields traditionally dominated by full-time employees. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal have made it easier for job seekers to land projects without the long-term commitment of a full-time role.

7. Skill Upgrading (Microlearning and Certifications)

• Continuously upgrading your skills is essential. Microlearning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer bite-sized courses and certifications that can boost your employability. Many job seekers are using these platforms to stay competitive and learn emerging skills like AI/ML, data science, or cybersecurity.

8. Targeting Companies Instead of Roles

• Instead of just searching for specific roles, focusing on target companies can help you tailor your approach. Researching companies you're passionate about and finding roles that align with your career path can give you an edge. This strategy allows you to align your job search with a company's mission and culture, leading to a stronger fit.

9. Job Search Communities and Groups

• Joining online job search communities on LinkedIn, Slack, Discord, or Facebook can provide support, job leads, and advice. These groups often share job openings not posted elsewhere and can be a great way to network with others in similar fields.

10. Video Interview Preparation

• As virtual hiring becomes the norm, preparing for video interviews is essential. Practicing with video tools like Zoom or Google Meet and making sure your setup (lighting, camera position, sound) is professional can give you an edge over other candidates.

By staying up to date on these new strategies and leveraging the right tools, you can enhance your job search and increase your chances of finding a great opportunity.

 

Grace Under Fire

 Yesterday watching Carrie Underwood calmly and professionally manage a difficult situation brought me back to my own uncomfortable moments at work. If you didn’t watch the Inauguration of President Trump, you missed the part where Underwood was to sing America the Beautiful accompanied by piped in music. Something went wrong and the music wouldn’t play. After a few uncomfortable moments, Carrie Underwood asked the audience to join her as she sang the song a cappella. Talk about pressure under fire.

If you’ve been in a similar situation (not that you are called to sing in front of millions of people), you totally understand the stress of the situation.  Seconds can feel like hours.
Carrie’s situation reminded me of something that happened to me many years ago when I was a young, junior Learning & Development Specialist with the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. 

I was asked to make remarks to a class of students who were graduating from our computer studies school. It was an outdoor late afternoon ceremony with over three hundred invited guests including family, instructors, and members of the Chubb executive board. It was a big deal. My job was to explain the program to the audience and introduce our company CEO.
All day long we were outside testing the equipment. Our administrative staff had extra batteries for the microphone although we didn’t think that we would need them. We shifted chairs, arranged the dais, and did everything according to plan.

Four O’clock rolled around and the guests and graduates started to arrive. I was especially nervous because I’d never addressed this many people before, and I wanted to make a good impression. In addition, one of my peers was recently promoted and my manager explained to me that I needed more polish and experience before I was promoted. 

As soon as I kicked off the ceremony, my microphone died. I thought it was because we used it so much to practice but I later found out that our Admin forgot to use fresh batteries. I froze and here again, the seconds felt like hours. Everyone was watching to see what I would do. I finally realized what was happening and knew that I had to do something. I passed the microphone to the admin who ran up to the stage and I stepped down into the audience. I walked down the middle aisle loudly saying my remarks. As I walked back towards the dais, I was handed the working mic, and I was able to end my presentation and introduce the CEO. Thank goodness, the mic worked properly for him. Overall, the rest of the ceremony went well, and the world and my job didn’t end.

I learned so much from that day, especially to always double check the equipment. I learned that a sense of humor can sometimes break an uncomfortable situation and that it’s critical to have a back up plan and to think on my feet. 

Since that day, I’ve had other mishaps but got through them with humor and what I’d like to think of as grace. So, bravo Carrie Underwood. Those of us who have had mishaps at work truly understand and applaud your professionalism.