No Black Friday Shopping For Me Today

I love to go shopping and love to go shopping on Black Friday. I love to get good deals. But alas, today I will not be going, as I did not plan to have money to go! Somehow Black Friday escaped me this year, and so it was not budgeted. And of course, that means I can't shop on small business Saturday either. Oh well. I guess the economy can limp along without me this year. But next year--watch out!

Family Issues And PTSD

Sometimes I think I have PTSD. I really do. I haven't been in war or in any measurable stressful situation like that. But I grew up in a dysfunctional family, where my parents were insensitive and arrogant. And it caused a lot of pain. A lot of pain. The problem is that situations got out of hand, and memories of these situations follow me. Then when like situations come up with my parents now, those feelings come flooding back. I try to accept that I just have insensitive and arrogant parents. I do not want memories and new similar situations to cause me stress and therefore health problems. But the feelings of anger and sadness and despair sometimes just flood over me for seemingly trivial reasons. But they are not trivial when they cause this much problem.

Challenges Of Living In A Small Space

I live in a small two-bedroom urban condo. It was too small for me when I lived along, but now that a family member has moved in, it has been a challenge. There is not enough storage space, and you have to be very creative when decorating and storing item. For example, I need more room in my bedroom. I have an old fashioned TV in there, because it is a great TV and won't die. But it is huge and clunky and taking up an inordinate amount of space. I need to get a flat screen but don't really want to do that until the old TV dies. (So I may not get another TV for 20 more years.)

But a flat screen would help with the space in my room. I wouldn't have that clunky box on a table in my room anymore. Rather, I would have a flat TV, either on one of those floor stand mounts or on a mount on the wall. That would save so much room! I may have to give in and do it soon. Love that old TV and appreciate the fine workmanship, but space and decor may win out.

What To Do Next Career Wise?

I am in a dead end job and need to move on. Didn't think it would be a dead end job, but working with my relative has become a dead end. Should have seen it. Not making enough money and not enough challenge. I won't go into all the reasons why this is, but suffice it to say, it really shouldn't be a surprise. But now I have to figure out what to do next.

Go back to journalism? I have an opportunity, but it is not what I am used to and may not be what I am comfortable with. Practice law full time? Hard to hang a shingle when you don't have a good financial cushion. Stay where I am and go one way or the other? Juggle two jobs, until I am self sufficient in an area? That is what I am thinking about doing. I have good skills and can move one way or another. That is some to be grateful for. Watch this space.

Deciding What Kind Of Law You Want To Practice

I have now been a licensed attorney for three years. But I only practice law part time, so building my career has been a slow process. I could go out now and hang a shingle full time, but there is that pesky problem of needing income in the interim while you build clients Also being solo can be tricky. You don't have the other people in the office who can help you.

I have been trying to be honest with myself about my limitations in practicing law. You get flattered when someone wants you to help them, but then you find out you might be in over your head with the case. So, I am realizing the benefits of specialization, and not being everything to everyone.

I like disability law. It is a good fit for me, because I can immediately see I am helping people. I also like collections work--working on both sides of the fence. And I have done a little landlord/tenant law. After talking with a raleigh commercial real estate attorney I have come to understand the range of work you can do as a real estate lawyers. Those three things might keep me busy enough!

First Day At My New Part-Time Job

As you can see from my header, I am a career changer. Never used to be, but now I seem to be changing careers all of the time. And it is a good thing. I am not one of those bad career changers--someone who can't hold a job. I am more of a career adder oner. I add on skills and jobs, which is important in today's world.

In my latest rendition, I am launching a magazine, which requires me to sell ads. I have never sold ads before, so I hope I can do it, and in this economy. I have my first sales call today. Wish me luck.