Can I use it to shape a different career for myself or make money somehow? How will it help me develop as a person? Because I have a baby, and we already established that I don’t spend enough time with her, so I really don’t need another special interest that takes up a lot of time. I want to make sure that if I start writing that I’m not just doing it for some extra dopamine.

I’ve been a career counselor for 23 years and currently work with a transitioning veteran organization helping high performing veterans with their post-military plans.

Veterans want to know how to negotiate their civilian salaries, which is a first for almost all of them.  Given that their military salaries are posted publicly I know that they face unique challenges. I’m trying to learn as much as possible to help this population with their specific concerns.

My daughter needs me to respond to her differently now. I don’t know how to help her. She shuts down when we talk. Even when she reaches out. I think she needs more compassion and empathy. My default is to go into fix it mode.