Liz Alterman's Blog, page 2

12 New Year’s Resolutions for Job Seekers

 

Debby Hudson/Unsplash
Happy 2023! Typically, I try not to say things like "good riddance!" about the outgoing year because it seems ungrateful. Like, hello, I'm alive during a time period when I can DoorDash a McFlurry, I have no right to complain about anything. 
Additionally, bemoaning the prior year always feels a bit like tempting fate—as if you're daring the universe to say, "Oh, you thought that year was bad? Wait 'til you see this one!"
But this year, I'm not going to lie, I'm grateful for a fresh start. It was a long December filled with health issues for my mom and professional disappointments for me (more about this in a separate post).  
While I'm not usually one to make resolutions or allow the flip of a calendar page to dictate my mood, there's no denying there's something energizing about the chance to begin again. 
If you're eager to forge a new path this year, consider these "resolutions," shared by FlexJobs' career experts, which may help kickstart your job search. 
Best of luck, and if you have tips that have worked for you, please share them in the comments!
 
1. Update Your Resume
If it’s been a while since a resume was refreshed, set aside some time to revise it in January. Chances are, job seekers have new skills and experiences to add that may be missing from their current resumes. Once updates are included, ask a trusted friend or a career coach to review the resume for holes, unnecessary lingo, and areas for improvement. Most importantly, don’t forget to customize the resume to align with each job. 
(This one might seem obvious, but I recently skimmed my resume and, yikes, it desperately needs an update. 
To underscore the point above, I spoke with a headhunter friend just before the holidays and she also noted that creating different resumés to highlight the skills that'll make you stand out for the specific job is key. 
Right now my resumé reads like a Cheesecake Factory menu—there's a lot of everything on there.)

2. Clean Up Social Media
It’s easy to post something to social media and think nothing more about it. But when job searching or trying for a promotion, it’s extremely important to keep social media pages clean. Social media can be a powerful job search tool, so it really pays to make sure all profiles are up to date and professional. Plus, recruiters and hiring managers are looking at social media, meaning an applicant’s misstep on social media could cost them the job.
 
3. Solidify Your Professional Brand
To stand out from others and make an impression, job seekers need a solid and consistent personal brand. Workers can start by evaluating their professional goals and aspirations, then building an online presence that shows who they are as a professional and why others should want to employ them. This is a good time to create an elevator pitch that can further solidify a candidate’s brand and expertise. If there are past work samples to showcase, a personal website can also give recruiters insight into a worker’s skills and experience.
(My headhunter pal also mentioned the value of creating a website. I use Wix.com for my author site and I've found it pretty intuitive, and I say this as someone who struggles to locate the flashlight app on her iPhone. When I've needed assistance, the chat bot helped me get back on track.)
 
4. Find a Mentor
A good career mentor is a person who is a few years in a given field and is willing and able to meet on a regular basis to provide guidance on how to handle job search and career-related questions. Ideally, a mentor is someone to count on and be objective in a way that close friends and family cannot be. 
 
5. Grow Your Network
A solid and well-nurtured network is the foundation for continued job search success. It’s also important to continually grow your network to increase job prospects. As a job seeker, explore the different areas to meet and network with new people. Consider attending in-person or virtual career fairs, joining a professional organization, and reaching out to others via social media.
 
6. Spruce Up Key Skills
Professional development can enhance resumes and show potential employers that a candidate has a growth mindset and is willing to continually grow their skills. Search through job descriptions to see what employers in a given field are looking for, and determine if your education and skills are a match. If not, take an online class to stay ahead of the curve and be more hirable in your intended field.
 
7. Organize Your Home Office
A clean and organized workspace can help job seekers think more clearly as they apply for jobs. Make sure office areas are neat, tidy, and free of any clutter. It’s a good idea to clear out the digital clutter as well and delete unimportant files and programs to help your computer run more efficiently. 
 
8. Clearly Define What You Want
Once a job seeker has their application materials and home office in order, it’s time to really define what they want in a job so they can embark on a targeted, effective job search. Start by identifying the targeted fields and career categories and exploring what type of schedule and flexibility is needed in a job. Do you want to work remotely some or all of the time? Are you looking for a fully flexible schedule, or are you okay with set hours? Would you prefer an employee or freelance position? Beginning a job search with answers to these questions in mind can set workers on the right path from the get-go.
( FlexJobs announced  7 Growing Careers for Fully Remote Jobs  just this week. It’s an excellent resource for anyone searching for a remote job.)
 
9. Target Specific Companies
It’s important to target companies that will be a good cultural fit. Using LinkedIn can be a valuable way to seek out compatible companies. Find a company you admire and would like to work for on LinkedIn, then look for the “Similar pages” section on the right side of the page to find related companies. This could help uncover businesses in a given industry that could be a good fit. Then, create a list of companies and check their job postings often, reaching out to any you’re particularly aligned with and “cold emailing” them about employment opportunities. 
 
10. Follow Up with Employers
Some job seekers shy away from following up on a job application. Maybe they don’t want to “bother” the employer, or they assume they’re out of the running. However, checking in is expected, and it could put your resume in front of the hiring manager. After applying for a job, make it a point to follow up with the employer or hiring manager. Reach out after a week or two to ensure that applications were submitted successfully, and see if the employer has any questions. This is also a great opportunity for applicants to reiterate how great a match they’d be for the job and company, from appreciating its culture to feeling that they can be a true asset to the organization.
 
11. Practice Interviewing Skills
Good friends and networking contacts can be invaluable in helping job seekers hone their interviewing skills. This is especially important when they have a conversation scheduled. But even when beginning a job search, it doesn’t hurt to practice what to say in different situations by participating in a mock interview. 
 
12. Prioritize Mental and Physical Health
Job searching can take a toll, and it can be easy to feel down or stressed, leading to poor mental and physical health. Prioritize and focus on your health while job searching in the new year by setting aside time to participate in uplifting activities like getting outdoors––even for a quick walk-–using a meditation app to get in a mindful state, and eating healthy.
Thanks for reading! 
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Thinking of a Second Act? 5 Ways to Ease into Your Dream Career

Photo by Austin Chan on Unsplash

Earlier this year when I was looking for new avenues to talk about writing and promote The Perfect Neighborhood, I joined PodMatch, a platform that connects podcast hosts and guests. 

Since signing up, I've been fortunate to have lots of fun conversations with people across the US and the UK. But one of my absolute favorite chats was hosted by fellow New Jersey native, Shannon Russell, career coach and founder of Second Act Success.  

A former executive producer who's worked for CBS and MTV, Shannon knows first-hand what it's like to pivot to a new career and bravely take on the challenges that enable you to "produce your best life" (Sharon's mantra). 

Shannon went from living in Los Angeles and working in TV to moving back to NJ to be closer to family and start a Snapology franchise, which she grew to one of the top franchises in the country. Empowered by entrepreneurship, the mom of two launched Second Act Success to help women shift to more fulfilling careers and embrace their "second acts" and ultimately achieve greater balance and satisfaction.

I love listening to Shannon's podcast because it's like eavesdropping on really interesting friends who are bold enough to pursue their dreams. Shannon's enthusiasm is infectious but she doesn't sugarcoat all it takes to turn those dreams into realities. She digs deep with her guests, who generously share the behind-the-scenes stories of how they boldly forged new paths for themselves.

Given the abundance of recent layoffs across industries and the new year looming, it felt like the perfect time to ask Shannon to offer her top strategies for cultivating a career you'll love. 

Here are her top five tips for easing into your dream career:

1.  Research, plan, and leap – I love the idea of “learn and leap,” meaning take the time to really think about what you want to do for a second act. Switching careers is not a simple step, so be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Make a list of potential ideas and truly vet them. Learn as much as you can about this new venture through online articles, researching companies, and of course GOOGLE. Make sure you have all the information you can, so that you are making the most informed decision possible, before you leap into this new adventure!

2. Talk to the people who know – Who is better to tell you just how incredible or how awful a role is, than someone who sits in that position every day? Informational interviews are a great way to gather more intel on your dream career from an insider. If you know someone who works in the career you are considering, then this step is easy. Simply ask that friend for his or her true take on the role. If it is a close friend, you may be able to really dig deep, asking everything you want to know about salary, benefits, and the nitty gritty details (good or bad.) If you do not know someone directly, either ask for an introduction from a friend, or feel free to find a person on a company’s website or through your LinkedIn network, and send this person a note asking for a few minutes of his or her time. This informational interview is to learn more about what they do day in and day out. You are not asking for a job; you are not asking for an introduction to the hiring manager; you are only asking for advice. It may surprise you how many people are happy to help.

3. Network and spread the word – Bringing an idea to fruition is sometimes scary, but you can ease into your career change by vocalizing it. It’s like manifesting something into your life, but this time you are not only visualizing what you want, but you are going to tell others about it as well. Begin by making a conscious effort to start telling family and friends that you are going to move into a new direction with your career. Verbalizing this dream makes it feel more real and it can be very empowering. So tell those closest to you, and then slowly start telling others too. When you are making small talk with a woman in the Target checkout line and she asks how your day is, you can say, “It’s great! I’m working on starting a new business and today has been very productive.” If you’re at a party or at an event at your child’s school, and an acquaintance asks you what you have been up to, you can say, “Things are hectic, but good. I’m actually in the process of changing jobs and I have been networking a lot lately.” These small conversations, may lead to someone offering to introduce you to someone they know who can help you. You never know what events will unfold until you start telling the universe you are ready for this change. Just beware of any naysayers who may try and talk you out of this change. Stand strong with your goal. Only you can decide what is truly right for you.

4. Set small goals – Once you make a decision on the path you would like to take, then you can start setting small goals for yourself on how to take action. Start by making a list of all of the things you will need to accomplish to actually make this dream career come to life. Start looking at the months ahead and set mini-milestones. If you decide that you want to quit your current job and transition to your new role in six months, then mark that date on your calendar. Now you can work backwards adding smaller goals or milestones to get you there. Start with something small like giving yourself one month to update your resume, polish your LinkedIn profile, or compile a list of contacts in your new field. If you will need to build out a new website, maybe you give yourself two months for that project. If you will need a new certification or training that will take longer, than factor that into your timeline. Keep this calendar visible and give yourself something to work on each week or each month to keep up your momentum. 

5. Know your why – I always tell my career-coaching clients to focus on the “why.” If you are dreaming about a new career, then spend some time asking yourself why? We all dream about quitting our job after a difficult day, but we do not want to quit and start something new just to find out the new role is not a perfect fit either. It is not always greener on the other side, or in that other field you are thinking about. So do your research on the outside, and on the inside. Will this new role fill you up? Will the hours fit with your lifestyle? Will the salary and benefits work for your family? Is there room for growth in this new role? Will you be excited to wake up every morning and start your day? Are you running away from something? Or are you running towards something greater? Be honest with yourself during this self-assessment, and be truthful with why you want to make this career change and how it will better your life. If all signs lead to yes, then you are on your way!

Love Shannon's advice? I do too! If you're interested in learning more, getting personal coaching from Shannon, or enrolling in her Second Act Accelerator course (new session starting in January!), visit her website. If you're not ready to make the "leap" just yet, check out Shannon's podcast to listen in on inspiring conversations. 

Sometimes just pondering the possibilities can provide a bit of hope.  

As always, thanks for reading!
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10 Ways to Build Career Resilience in a Recession

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

 

With the end of the year looming, I find it's a good time to look back at where I've been and also ahead at where I'm going—or should go. (If anyone has the answer to this, please leave it in the comments! Thank you.) 

As I may have mentioned (probably a dozen times, but who's counting?) I've been staring down a lot of waiting lately. And not that I didn't know that this was part of the writing life, but that hasn't made it any less uncomfortable. 

To keep busy, I've been pitching articles and doing some freelance work. I started a new manuscript and I've taken about four million pictures of my cats.

(One thing you can tell from this photo, I haven't spent much time straightening up my house.)

In a moment of desperation, after speculating that all the things I'd put out there would result in a series of "No..." "No, thank you!" and "Definitely not!"s, I applied for a full-time job. It was a partially-remote writing position at a startup based in NYC. 

I submitted my resumé on a whim, thinking that if I got it, I'd take it as a sign from the universe to quit fiddling around with fictional characters and cat photography and get back to work. 

Side note: I should mention that my husband started a new job in September and things have gotten off to a less-than-stellar start. Weekly layoffs dominated the first month and employees have been told to brace for more this month and next. Happy holidays! 

Of course, precarious work situations are the norm now. Every day we read or hear about thousands of employees who've been dismissed with little to no warning. Things on the hiring side aren't great either—I applied for one position and received an email that an onboarding freeze had been implemented, but they'd hold on to my resumé. (Not too encouraging.) 

Even worse, a reader who reached out to me several months ago after she was let go received an offer for what she hoped would be her dream job only to be told the company could no longer "fund the position." Needless to say, she's reeling. Things are bleak on both ends.

Back to my potential job at the startup: I had a video interview on Halloween and I thought it went well. (I even did some light dusting and removed my martini glasses from the background, so you know I was really trying.) 

After the call ended, I sent a thank you email and links to work samples as requested. But then I got a little nervous. Did I really want to trek to midtown Manhattan several times a week if I got this job? With two teens at home and my husband now back in an office, it's been nice to have the luxury of working from home. Even if I loved the work, could I stand NJ Transit again? I haven't missed the chronic delays, those loud, one-sided cell phone conversations, or sitting beside someone shoveling down a fajita at 7 a.m. 

Well, reader, I didn't need to worry too long because by the end of the week, I was told they wouldn't be "advancing my candidacy"—a phrase that made me laugh as it was so close to election season. Reading that rejection email filled me with relief. I didn't want to commute nor am I totally ready to give up on the projects I've pitched. So now at least I know that—and sometimes knowing what you don't want is just as important as knowing what you do. 

For the moment, I'd rather remain in my unsettling holding pattern than make a wrong move. 

I know I'm not the only one who's weighing her options at this tumultuous time. I received an email this week from Flex Jobs, noting that, according to a recent survey, 39 percent of US workers are worried about their job security and 73 percent are concerned about a recession impacting their career. 

With that, the  FlexJobs’ Career Coaching team offered 10 ways remote and hybrid workers can practice career resilience during a recession. I thought I'd share it here as I've previously included several similar tips when I've given presentations on not getting discouraged while job hunting. I hope you find them helpful! 

 

1. Think Like an Entrepreneur

Professionals are responsible for charting their path and building their personal brand, so leading with an entrepreneurial mindset means knowing that a career is yours alone to manage. Instead of relying on a company or employer for personal and professional success, managing one’s career path like a business gives the power to the individual to set and achieve the goals they set out for themselves. 

 

2. Focus Your Job Search

As hiring still happens in down times, job seekers should identify and narrow their search to companies that are actively recruiting for new employees.

 

FlexJobs also recommends job seekers identify remote opportunities at companies with a history of hiring for remote-friendly jobs by consulting lists such as:

100 Companies to Watch for Remote Jobs25 Companies Embracing Permanent Remote Work30 Companies Hiring For Part-Time, Remote Jobs30 Companies That Hire for Work-From-Anywhere Jobs

 

3. Put Your Financial House in Order

Even though the average person can save up to $6,000 working at home half the time, inflation concerns and recession fears are still fueling a heightened level of concern for many flexible workers, especially around managing day-to-day finances. Alleviate some of this uncertainty by better monitoring daily expenses and getting all household finances in order. Review budgets with a fine-tooth comb, find ways to reduce spending, and focus on increasing "rainy day" savings. Additionally, take time to assess both current financial wellness and long-term financial goals, including retirement savings, protecting investments, and estate planning. 

 

4. Highlight Achievements 

Having a list of accomplishments helps any candidate build confidence, better recognize their strengths, and highlight their greatest attributes for job searching––all incredibly important when navigating an unstable hiring market. If unsure which accolades to include, ask current and former supervisors, bosses, colleagues, and clients to write a recommendation on LinkedIn. In addition to helping professionals identify their skills, these recommendations are particularly helpful for remote workers because it’s like having reference letters out there for everyone to see online before they even ask. Just be sure to let recommenders know the skills and qualities you'd like them to focus on. If it feels uncomfortable asking, start the process by writing a recommendation for someone else first. 

 

5. Get Social  

Social networking sites can be great for helping remote workers find job opportunities and make connections at a distance. But creating a profile is not enough. Especially during a recession, it’s important remote professionals actively manage and update all professional digital profiles on sites like LinkedIn with the latest skills, experience, and education. Creating a dynamic profile can tell a candidate’s professional story and help position them as an expert in their area. This includes highlighting the right keywords that make profiles more searchable by hiring teams, showcasing skills that are highly relevant to a given career industry, and organizing everything to present skills in an impactful way. 

 

6. Seek Out Side Hustles 

Side gigs can help workers insulate themselves from financial instability. They can help build up savings in the present to lean on should hard financial times happen down the road. If a worker loses their full-time job during a recession, side jobs can help keep them afloat until the economy turns around. Plus if history is any indicator, there's a good possibility that remote freelance jobs will increase as seen in past recessions. When economic conditions become uncertain, companies often turn to freelancers when it's not possible for them to take on a full-time or part-time employee. Non-traditional types of work like freelancing and multiple part-time or side gigs don’t have to be a permanent choice, but they are an excellent support line in uncertain times. 

 

7. Make Mental Health a Priority

Beyond financial hardships, recession-related fears of failure and anxiety about the unexpected can take a toll on workers’ mental health. But as highlighted in this Mayo Clinic breakdown, “resilience means being able to adapt to life's misfortunes and setbacks.” Workers who take care of themselves and practice acts that put their mental health first, such as developing work-life boundaries when working from home and engaging in personal activities outside of work, are better able to cope with immediate challenges, build grit, and weather any issues that may arise during difficult times. 

 

8. Stay Strong & Network On

Effective networking is more than gathering up contact information for later use. In addition to knowing where to network, professionals need to know how to ask people to join their network, maintain industry connections, and feel confident when networking. In the event of an economic downturn, candidates should prepare by staying active within their current network and by actively expanding it. While in-person networking is beneficial, remote professionals can utilize the "My Network" tab on LinkedIn, which is highly valuable for connecting with past peers, colleagues, and mentors.

 

9. Give Back

Helping others can alleviate professionals from focusing or dwelling too much on personal circumstances. Additionally, volunteering can help professionals gain experience that many employers want. For example, nonprofits frequently need help with accounting, marketing, event planning, and much more. It provides workers the chance to try out newly developed skills in a professional setting and can be a great way to test out a job before making a permanent career change. Sites like VolunteerMatch and Idealist.org are great places to get started and look for opportunities.

 

10. Expand Your Knowledge 

Committing to lifelong learning allows professionals to take charge of career development and increases their resiliency and self-confidence. Seek out professional development courses, training, and webinars related to any in-demand skills or any that are of interest. Fortunately, many basic courses can easily be found online for free. If employed, consider looking for opportunities or take on more responsibility within current roles to hone new and existing professional skills.

As always, thanks for reading!

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Deals & Events for The Perfect Neighborhood

Hi Everyone!

Hope you had a great Halloween and your autumn has been filled with gorgeous leaves, your favorite candy, and suspenseful reads!

On that note...

While I love to support independent bookshops, if you’re looking for a bargain, Amazon has chosen The Perfect Neighborhood as a Kindle Monthly Deal, which means from November 1-30 you can purchase the ebook for $1.99.

If you’re more of an audiobook fan, The Perfect Neighborhood was also selected for a November Audible Daily Deal and will be priced at $3.99 on Nov. 2. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me gushing about the amazing cast who did a phenomenal job bringing these characters to life.

Over the summer, I started listening to more audiobooks as a way to force myself to step away from my laptop and take a walk. (I’ve been waiting on some publishing news and as my granny used to say, “A watched inbox never dings!” Isn’t that the truth? I’m still waiting, btw.)

A couple of audiobooks that I absolutely loved and inspired me to take another lap around my local park (even in a heatwave) include: Thank You for Listening, written and narrated by Julia Whelan, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, written by Gabrielle Zevin and narrated by Jennifer Kim and Julian Cihi.

While we’re on the subject of audiobooks, my young adult thriller, He’ll Be Waiting, was released on audio last week. Anna Caputo narrates it and I was blown away by her talent as well as her enthusiasm for this project.

The story behind how this novel went from print to audio is a testament to the power of coincidences, luck, and generosity. (Curious? See my last blog post about it.)

Upcoming events…

If you live in New Jersey and are thinking about getting a jump on holiday shopping, 26 authors and I will be at the Chester Library Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We’ll sign books and appear on a variety of panels. (See mine below!) Children’s authors will host story times throughout the day. If you’re in the area, I’d love to see you there!

I’ll also be signing books at The Town Bookstore in Westfield, NJ from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26 (Small Business Saturday). Later that afternoon, two other New Jersey-based authors, Debra Green and Andrea Stein, will stop by to meet readers and sign their novels as well.

If you’d like to give a signed copy of The Perfect Neighborhood as a gift but aren’t local, I’ve partnered with Words Bookstore in Maplewood, NJ, which employs and supports people with autism. If you place an order, I’d be thrilled to run over and personalize it.

As always, thank you so much for your support and for reading my words!

Don't Be Afraid to Embarrass Yourself

Photo by Jane Almon on Unsplash

We always read and hear about the benefits of networking. I know I've recommended it as it's how my husband has found new jobs and I've secured freelance gigs. 

But, if I'm being honest, reaching out to someone you barely know can feel pretty awkward. Even if you're not looking for an immediate or large-scale favor, there's still—at least for me—an inherent sense of dread as I wonder, "Is the person receiving my email rolling their eyes and muttering, 'Who the f— is this and what do they want?'" 

Everyone's time is valuable. Even if you choose to spend half a day scrolling through Twitter, it's still your time, and while it's nice to help others, no one's obliged to do so. 

Once you get past the initial embarrassment associated with sending that text or email, you’re forced to wait and wonder if the response will be a cold, “Nope, can't do it!" (most likely stated in today's corporate jargon, i.e. "Sorry, I don't have the bandwidth ...") Sometimes you don't hear back at all. Either way, it can make you want to crawl beneath your couch, wishing you'd never put yourself out there.

But take heart, there are occasions when it can turn out better than you'd ever expect. 

Here's a story in which I reached out—despite running the risk of looking like a giant weirdo—and it had a great outcome. 

Here we go:

A few years ago, as I was revising The Perfect Neighborhood, I hired Amy Tipton, former literary agent and founder of Feral Girl Books, to give the manuscript a good edit. I wanted feedback from someone with publishing experience—someone who wasn't a friend or family member who'd feel obliged to say nice things lest our relationship implode.

Amy was incredibly helpful and I can't recommend her highly enough. Over time, she's become so much more than an editor. I now think of her as a friend and my West Coast-based cheerleader. She sends emails recommending books, TV shows, and writing opportunities. One morning about a year ago, I awoke to a message she'd forwarded. An editor with Blackstone Publishing was seeking short stories for an anthology. 

"I don't know if you have anything, but I thought of you," she wrote. 

As always, I appreciated it, but I didn't have a short story that fit the bill. Just as I was about to reply thanking her, I did a double-take. The editor’s name on the forwarded email looked familiar. But because it was early and I was only a few sips of coffee into the morning, I couldn't place it. I googled his name and within moments realized we'd gone to the same college. Then I saw a photo of him and a memory came rushing back. I could picture this guy at the front of a classroom (maybe wearing a tan raincoat-maybe not?) delivering a well-written speech with the passion of a young Al Pacino.

We'd been in the same public speaking course—a prerequisite to graduate. While most of us were phoning it in, mumbling our way through a dull three to five minutes about how we missed the pets back home or the horror of cafeteria food with as much enthusiasm as hungover nineteen-year-olds can muster, this guy consistently gave stellar talks. Performances, really. 

In the one that stayed with me over the past thirty years, he included lyrics from Sting's "All This Time” — that whole "Men go crazy in congregations/They only get better one by one," business. (Sting, please don't sue me for copyright infringement.)

I looked at my classmates, slumped in their seats waiting for that fifty-minute period to wrap up, and wondered: Were they not seeing what I was: a one-man theatrical production? I remember thinking at, "Damn, this guy is talented. I bet he'll go somewhere."

Reader, he did. He's written novels, worked for some of the largest publishing houses in the world, and agented deals that saw bestselling novels turned into films. 

And there he was—in my inbox. 

Would he remember me? Of course not! Unless my sad demo about how to make brownies (from a boxed mix no less!) left an impression, the answer was definitely no.

But that morning as I stared at his name and credentials, I knew this was an opportunity that seemed too good to pass up. I mean, what were the odds? 

I didn't need a favor, but I did want to say, "What a small world!" and "What a cool career you've had!"

"Do I tell him I remember his speech after 'all this time?'" I asked my husband, "Or does that make me seem like a crazy lady?" 

"If you want to make an impression, include it," he said. (Note he didn't say "good" or "bad" impression...)

I mulled it and then I thought if I'd written anything that someone remembered thirty years later, I'd want to know. So I sent the email. Much to my surprise, he wrote back that day, and if he was thinking, "Good God, what a freak!" he never mentioned it. We set up a call for later that week. 

"Tell me what you've been up to," he said. When I finished babbling, he generously asked, "How can I help you?"

Wow. Who doesn't love to hear those words? 

He told me his company was always on the lookout for new material for audiobooks, so I sent him my young adult novel He'll Be Waiting. Long story short, Blackstone bought the audio rights, which I'd retained, and that audiobook will be released today. (If you'd consider asking your library to offer it, I'd be incredibly grateful!)

We’ve partnered on another project and, fingers crossed, I'll have some good news to share one of these days.

A few weeks ago, I had coffee with a writer who has incredible connections but is reluctant to use them. I shared the story above as I hoped it might encourage her to reach out. I hope it encourages you too.

It's not always easy and there's no guarantee it'll pay off, but at the end of the day, I'd rather try than wonder, wouldn't you? 

 

If you'd like to stay up-to-date on my publishing news/events, I've buckled and set up a Substack newsletter. Are you thinking, "Geez, Liz, this blog already reads like a ransom note with a dozen different fonts in fifty shades of black!" I know, I know. But I'm giving it a whirl, so why not come along for the ride?

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Going Places & Standing Still

Photo credit: C'est moi

"What else are we going through this for, if not to have the work take us places?" — Manuel Igrejas, playwright and publicist extraordinaire

After spending the past two years hunched over my laptop or sitting on my couch watching nearly everything Netflix has to offer, I did a little (okay, a lot) of traveling this past month, and it was fantastic. 
In early September, I went to London to meet the team at Legend Press, which acquired the UK rights to The Perfect Neighborhood . It was a last-minute trip. One midsummer morning, the publisher's marketing manager sent me an invitation to a garden party celebrating the authors who'd released a book this year. She said she knew it was a long-shot given that I was in the US, but she didn't want me to feel excluded. 
Before I'd even finished reading her email, I was searching for flights. Yes, it seemed self-indulgent to cross the pond for a party and a handful of signing events (two of which were canceled due to Waterstones' computer-related issues) but I thought, "What if this is it? What if I never publish a book (in the US or UK) again and I miss my chance to enjoy it?" 
My mom subscribes to the theory that it's not the things in life we do that we regret, but rather the things we don't do. So I embraced that philosophy and went. And, reader, it was magical. My bookworm heart swelled exponentially talking with writers, editors, and reviewers.

With authors Stela Brinzeanu & Emma Musty

 With author Jemma Wayne (far right) and our editor Cari, (middle) at Ink84Books 

I did a ton of touristy things, too, and returned with new friends, new books, and a newfound confidence that I could navigate a foreign city solo without getting horrifically lost or pickpocketed. 

About eight days later, I traveled to Collioure, France for the Karbohemia writing retreat, which I'd booked back in the spring as a belated 50th birthday gift to myself. (Who knows what you really want for your birthday better than you do, am I right?) 
The setting was spectacular. In addition to a castle and the Mediterranean, I was surrounded by talented writers and their gorgeous words. Authors Karen Karbo and Michele Filgate (with special guest Nashville-based spoken word artist and singer/songwriter Minton Sparks) led the weeklong workshop. I went in with high expectations and they were surpassed. 

Before arriving, attendees had the opportunity to send twelve pages that we'd discuss in one-on-one meetings with Karen and Michele. While I was in London, I wrote (and edited and scowled and rewrote) an essay that I hope could be the beginning of a new, non-fiction project. 
I shared that piece and Karen and Michele offered insightful feedback that was encouraging but also made me think about what was missing and where I can go next with this idea. 
One of my dear writer friends told me her grandmother had a saying: "You can never see your own hunchback." This friend and I rely on one another to point out the other's "hunchback." 
When it comes to writing, there are often blind spots in your work and having someone there to help you see them (preferably before you've written yourself off a cliff) can make all the difference.

All this to say, I'm extremely grateful for these opportunities to see new things both in the world and on the page.

Now I'm back and trying not to shout, "Where's my charcuterie board and rosé??!!" when it hits 6 p.m. and I'm the one responsible for serving up a meal. Instead of reading and listening to fabulous essays, I'm sifting through school emails and getting back to the freelance hustle. As each day passes, my travels feel more like something I imagined.
While I was away, I received a lovely email from my dear friend Manny (quoted above). I'd mentioned that I was in Europe and felt a bit guilty about leaving my family behind to focus on myself and my next projects. He wrote back, "What else are we going through this for, if not to have the work take us places?" 
It was one of those moments when someone says the thing you need to hear at the perfect time. 
The work can provide a sweet escape (when you aren't wracking your brain for punch verbs or a fresh way to open a chapter—or equally hard, end one.) I wrote a lot during the pandemic and having the chance to slip into a fictional world was a lovely diversion. So I'd say the work can absolutely take you places without ever leaving your home, but it's that much sweeter when it brings you to another country where you meet new people and hear their stories and share your own. 
As I've said dozens of times, so much of the writing life is a solitary endeavor. It's you and your laptop (maybe a cat and a cup of coffee if you're lucky). 

Another part I don't talk about as often is the waiting. In July, I turned in a new manuscript to my publishers, who contractually get a "first look," and I've been waiting to hear back. I joke that as a thriller writer, the suspense is killing me. 
I had lunch with a friend last week. He's ghostwritten a memoir in essays for an American artist who has one fascinating tale after another. My friend is in the process of looking for an agent. He's sent out query letters but hasn't heard back. We commiserated about "the waiting." 
I told him that when I first thought about writing a book, I imagined the hard part would be the actual writing—creating characters people cared about, setting up scenes, adding enough tension to keep readers from returning the book to the library unfinished. 
It sounds incredibly naive, but it never occurred to me that the post-writing part would be just as difficult. The waiting (not to mention the rejection) can mess with your mind. And how do you pass the time while you wait? You can check your inbox every three minutes. You can doubt every compliment you've ever received and wonder if your mom is secretly paying people to be nice to you. You can debate looking for full-time openings at the nearby Taco Bell, where you can drown your sorrows in discount chalupas. Or, you can get to work on your next idea and try to block out everything else.
Even better? If you can break up those in-between moments with new adventures, new friends, new stories, you'll remember why you're doing it in the first place. 
Here's a poem I believe sums it up far more eloquently. It's been attributed to both Chilean poet Pablo Neruda and Brazilian writer Martha Medeiros. I can't say with certainty who authored it, but I hope it speaks to you.
"Muere lentamente" (Dying Slowly) You start dying slowly
if you do not travel,
if you do not read,
If you do not listen to the sounds of life,
If you do not appreciate yourself.
You start dying slowly
When you kill your self-esteem;
When you do not let others help you.
You start dying slowly
If you become a slave of your habits,
Walking everyday on the same paths…
If you do not change your routine,
If you do not wear different colours
Or you do not speak to those you don’t know.
You start dying slowly
If you avoid to feel passion
And their turbulent emotions;
Those which make your eyes glisten
And your heart beat fast.
You start dying slowly
If you do not change your life when you are not satisfied with your job, or with your love,
If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain,
If you do not go after a dream,
If you do not allow yourself,
At least once in your lifetime,
To run away from sensible advice…

As always, thanks for reading.

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The Ups & Downs of the Writerly Life

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Hope everyone is well and has had a good summer. I'd say "great," but if you've found this blog, chances are you're at a career crossroads and I know how unsettling that can be. If that's your situation, I'm both glad and sorry you're here.
Speaking of forks in the career road, I've recently been comparing my lifelong dream of becoming an author with the reality of it and wondering if maybe it isn't time to retire my laptop and apply for a gig at a garden center where I could water shrubs, daydream about these chocolate sea salt caramels, and preserve what's left of my peace of mind. 
How did I arrive here? Writing can be a lonely endeavor, and much like any other profession, it's hard not to compare yourself to your peers, especially ones who seem to be enjoying loads more success. (In my case, it's those authors whose novels make every "must-read" list and are quickly optioned by Hulu.)
It doesn't help that plenty of well-meaning (I hope?) people have asked me, "How's it going?" with their mouths turned downward like sad mimes. "Is your book selling?" They frown as if I'm foolishly attempting the impossible. (Picture the face you'd make if I'd just shared plans to summit Mt. Everest in pajamas with only a can of Pringles for sustenance.)
I tell myself they're just curious or trying to be supportive in their own way. Still, their questions are forcing me to take stock and ask myself, How is this going?
The answer is tricky. While of course, I hope my books are selling, I've never viewed writing as a get-rich-quick scheme, or even a quit-your-day-job scheme. In fact, last summer a colleague asked, "When all is said and done, what would you say your hourly rate was for your memoir?" 
"Ballpark?" I'd laughed. "Probably negative eight cents an hour if you consider how I could've spent the time I devote to writing, revising, researching agents and publishers, and willing my tale to make it beyond the iCloud."
For me, writing has always been about my love of words and putting them in an order that helps me figure out how I feel and what comes next. (I guess you could say I'm doing that right now...) 
Don't get me wrong. There have been many wonderful surprises in publishing. So let's start there. 
Just the fact that someone who isn't your long-suffering spouse is willing to read your words feels like a miracle. I've received lovely emails, texts, and photos from friends, family, and former colleagues, and each feels like a gift.

Apollo, Artemis, and I couldn’t get enough of this…ahem…hare-raising tale from suburbia by @LizAlterman. Had us captivated until the very last word. For real. pic.twitter.com/lUgTcCwwDz

— Andrew Knott (@aknott21) August 14, 2022

I'm beyond grateful for every single one and enormously thankful for the generosity of so many people—people who bought the book or the audiobook (THANK YOU!), people who posted about it on social media (THANK YOU!), people who requested copies from their library (THANK YOU!). In a world where there are constant competing demands for our time and attention, I'm truly honored and humbled by the outpouring of support.  Spotted at Bethany Beach Books by my neighbor, who fortunately is nothing like the characters in this fictional neighborhood!
I've also had some fun and unique experiences. I appeared on a panel in Bryant Park's Reading Room and had the opportunity to meet and listen to fellow authors share excerpts from their books.  Photo by my dear friend Alison
Making that afternoon even more special, Gail Shalan, the incredibly-talented narrator who voices one of my characters in the audiobook version of The Perfect Neighborhood, came in from Brooklyn. A lovely man who'd read my memoir attended and purchased a copy. And! I (finally) got to meet my dear friend, fellow writer, and marketing maven Alison Y in person after years of exchanging emails. It was a fantastic afternoon and I felt lucky to be there surrounded by so many interesting people.  
I've also been a guest on a handful of podcasts and I've loved chatting with the hosts who, by the end of our conversations, feel like old friends. 
But there have also been some letdowns and since I've already shared so many career setbacks here, why stop now? Let's begin!
Months ago, I agreed to give a presentation at a nearby library. Rather than offer a reading/signing, the librarian suggested a workshop format. Believing that many readers are also writers, I said I'd be happy to talk about the ins and outs of writing query letters aimed at securing a literary agent. (I'd attended something similar at my local library years ago and found it really helpful and inspiring as did the many others who attended and were eager to learn best practices.) 
The librarian loved the idea and I created a slideshow outlining the query process. I made a handout for attendees so they could jot down notes and then flesh out the rest at home. When I called the library to ask how many copies I should bring, the librarian told me two people had registered. TWO! Ouch. I called my mother who frequents that library and planned to attend my presentation. 
"You're not one of these registrants, are you?" I asked.
No, she assured me. Okay, so at least there'd be three people, plus the librarian, I hoped. When that evening arrived, it was a balmy 99 degrees in New Jersey—even at 7 p.m. Anticipating a terrible turnout, my mom invited two friends (pity attendees), which was lovely, but none of these sweet ladies intends to write more than a grocery list any time soon, so I felt a bit guilty about dragging them out of their air-conditioned homes for a talk that was as useful to them as a how-to video on bull-riding.
Another woman, who I'm fairly certain wandered in hoping to find a ladies room, stayed, no doubt feeling too sorry for me to leave. I appreciated it, especially because the two people who'd actually registered never showed. 
I wanted to crawl under the table like a toddler and pretend none of it was happening, but I went through with my slideshow and fielded questions—mainly from the librarian.  
Before I left, she handed me something, "I thought you might want this," she said.
What I wanted was an IPA with an 11% alcohol content, but I didn't tell her that. 
"This is our newsletter. It has your event in it." She beamed. "It'll be hitting mailboxes later this week."
I bit my tongue not to ask, "Does it come with a time machine?"
Days later, my mom called to tell me she knew why turnout was so low. 
"'Cause no one cares about query letters and I'm an unknown? Oh, and the newsletter advertising it arrives tomorrow?" I was tempted to say, still bitter about wasting everyone's time and gasoline.
"The town was showing a movie in the park that night. I heard there was free popcorn." Her voice was wistful, like she was sorry she'd missed it. "You can't compete with that!"  
Apparently not. But it was good practice, I suppose, as I'll be offering this workshop again at a different library in October. Hopefully, I won't be presenting to a cluster of stuffed animals and errant spiders. If anyone needs tips on writing a query letter, ask away, I'm your gal!
I haven't had great luck with bookstores either. Several years ago when I was the editor of an online news site, I went out of my way to support indie bookstores and their owners. I'd ask them for seasonal recommendations and put together round-ups. I'd advertised their events. I'd profiled their businesses.
One of those owners reached out to me in the spring after she'd received an advance copy of my novel. "I'm really enjoying it," she wrote. It made my day as I've read how a bookseller spreading the word can make a real difference in sales. 
Weeks later, she wrote again, "My sister and I finished your book and really enjoyed it! Nice job! I'm passing it around to my staff."
Encouraged, I took what shouldn't have felt like a leap of faith but did."If you decide to stock copies, I'd be happy to come in and sign them," I offered.
"We'll see," she wrote back. 
Ouch again! Unfortunately, that was actually one of the more heartening reactions.
I was in touch with another bookstore owner. When I said I could stop in and sign copies, she wrote back to say she's trying to "reduce the number of signed copies in the store." Huh. I wanted to respond, "I know, right? If there's one thing readers hate, it's a signed copy! It's right up there with a drunken, unreliable narrator!" 
Then, I was scheduled to have signings at two locations of a bookstore chain that is now having issues with ordering supply—so those have been canceled. 
But these problems are nothing compared to what happened last Sunday when I was supposed to have a signing at a South Jersey book cooperative. 
Long story short, I joined the co-op earlier this year as they claimed to support NJ-based authors. (As a member, you're invited to special events, sales, and they say they will host a signing/reading for you when your book is released.) With my book out in July, I thought a signing in a beach town would be ideal.
After exchanging emails with the events coordinator, we settled on Aug. 7 for a signing as he said that would give him enough time to order copies and have them in stock. 
When I showed up Sunday afternoon, the downtown was bustling. There was a buzz in the air as it was a gorgeous, cloudless summer day. Even my usually-unimpressed 17-year-old suggested I pose beside the sandwich board that bore my name. I was excited... until I stepped inside and the manager, staring at my empty arms, asked, "Did you bring books with you?"
I stood there confused wanting to say, "No, 'cause we're in a bookstore. (Duh!) And also no because I was told you were ordering them!"
Due to what they're calling a "miscommunication," there wasn't a single copy of either of my books in stock. I'd have happily brought some with me if I thought I had to, like I would if I were signing books at say a Waffle House or a Jiffy Lube. 
But when you're signing at a bookstore, one that tells you they're ordering your book and supporting local authors, you don't expect to have to bring your own supplies. 
As I stared at a table buckling under the weight of dozens of copies of Elin Hilderbrand's The Hotel Nantucket, (nothing against Elin but last time I checked she wasn't a local author) I wondered if maybe writing wasn't actually the easy part in this business. 
My family and I attempted to salvage the day by heading to the beach where we promptly got a parking ticket while looking for the parking meter station. Some days are just like that. 
I wonder if these are rites of passage. How many times have I read tweets from authors who shared that they'd driven one hundred miles to an event only to read to the bookstore owner and her cat. 
Years ago, I stumbled upon this eye-opening, brutally-honest essay, Who Will Buy Your Book? by Tom McAllister in The Millions, and it may be time for a re-read.
As I wonder: Do I forge ahead or find a new passion? I remind myself of advice I recently gave to someone else: Look at where you are versus where you used to be and be grateful for all you've accomplished.
I need to focus on the fact that years ago I'd have given my lucky writing bathrobe to have had a failed book signing because it would've meant that somewhere out there was an actual book I'd written. And that would've been enough. 
Whatever path my career takes, I'm grateful for the journey and the lessons learned, and most of all for friends, family, and readers who've come along for the ride.
Be well and, as always, thanks for reading!

Life After Layoff

Matt Duncan @foxxmd at Unsplash
“I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.”― Joan Didion
When I started this blog in 2014, after my husband and I had lost our jobs, I thought of it as an online diary—a place to exorcise those dark thoughts—What happened? How did we end up here? When will it end?—that looped through my mind. 
Writing it all down was therapeutic. (If you're struggling with something, I highly recommend putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. Even if you never share it with another soul or ball it up and toss it to your cat, it may help.)
Another reason I began chronicling our mutual unemployment and the arduous task of finding new jobs was because, despite all the career advice that existed, I couldn't find anything that addressed the "Holy sh!t!"-ness of our situation. 
There were plenty of resume, cover letter, and interview tips out there, but I wanted to hear from someone who'd lived it, someone who could say, "Yes, I'm wide awake at 2 a.m. licking Dorito dust off my fingertips and wondering how it all went south."
So I wrote the thing I wanted to read (hat tip to Toni Morrison). Of course, when I started this eight years ago, I couldn't imagine that I'd be laid off twice more. (Though, let's be real, it has given me oodles of material!) 
Yet sometimes I look back and think, Is this too much? Am I oversharing?

If you're shaking your head and saying, "That horse left the barn a long time ago, Liz! You wrote a whole damn memoir about this, remember?" I'd say, "Point taken. But still...."
Then, a few weeks ago, I received a message from someone who'd lost their job suddenly, and as is often the case these days, it happened in a swift and undignified fashion that left them with zero closure. 
They were distraught, reeling, filled with anxiety and self-doubt. They reached out because they'd read a few of my pieces and wanted to commiserate. They asked how to make peace with what happened and move forward. 
I knew that no matter how much empathy I wanted my words to convey, they wouldn't be enough. Still, I told them the first days are often the hardest, when the wound is still fresh. I encouraged them to seek immediate help if they were considering self-harm. I reminded them that they are so much more than whoever their former job title suggested they were. I told them I'd help any way I could, to stay in touch, to keep the faith that better days lay ahead. 
They thanked me and said it was nice to "talk" to someone who understood. Two weeks later, I reached out to ask how things were going. I received a quick response. They'd just returned from a job interview for a dream position. It had gone so well, they'd been asked to lunch with the company president. They said they'd begun to view the job loss not as an ending but a fresh start. I was thrilled to read it.
I felt the same way after my most recent layoff. (Perhaps the third time really is the charm?) 
Since losing my job in February, I've taken some time to regroup. How have I spent it? I've been finishing up a new manuscript (with mixed results). I've been helping my mom clean out my childhood home as she prepares to sell it. (If you need extra buttons or Cheerios coupons that never expire, hit me up. My mom's got hundreds of each I've learned.) I've been attempting (again with mixed results) to promote my domestic suspense novel, The Perfect Neighborhood , which comes out July 12. I'd be thrilled if you considered pre-ordering it. But books are expensive, and with food and gas prices sprouting up faster than my chin hair, I'd be equally delighted if you asked your library to order a copy. To Alison Y who already did:

What's next for me? I'm not quite sure, and I'm okay with that. I'm taking my own advice, believing better days lay ahead. 
As always, thank you for reading and I hope you are well!

The Perfect Neighborhood Giveaway

Hi Fellow Readers!

Hope you've been well and are excited about a summer filled with great stories.

I'm hosting a giveaway on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lizalterman/). Enter now through midnight on June 13 to win a signed hardcover copy of my soon-to-be released novel, The Perfect Neighborhood.

All the best,
Liz

The Irish Goodbye—the Work Version

 

Photo by Raj Rana on Unsplash

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I'd like to talk about the Irish Goodbye, a slang term for leaving without saying farewell. 
We've probably all experienced it at some point—that moment when you're at a party or a bar and you turn around and say, "Hey, where's so-and-so?" and they're long gone. 


Perhaps you've even been the one to do it—and, let's be honest, it can have its merits. On the occasions when you need to catch a train or you're simply overcome by the desire to take off your shoes and sit on your couch in your underpants, fleeing without having to make the rounds can feel like a little gift you give yourself (even if it seems rude and strange to those you left behind).
Instead of the social scene, I'd like to focus on those disorienting work times when you've sent an email and gotten a bounce back that made you scratch your head and ask, "Wait, what happened to Dave in Marketing?" 
When a coworker suddenly disappears, you can't help but wonder: Was this their decision or were they terminated?
Back in 2015-2016, my husband, Rich, worked for a PR firm. Every month or so he'd tell me that another colleague left without saying goodbye. Because it was a relatively small place where most people knew each other, it struck him as odd that these officemates hadn't given two weeks' notice or even offered a simple, "Maybe our paths will cross again..." on their way out.
He'd receive a message from HR (back when it was called HR and not one of these bonkers newfangled terms like "the People Advisory Team" or "Human Capital Management") stating that So-and-So is leaving and please wish them well in their next chapter. 
The first few times Rich got one of those messages, he'd walked to the desk of the person departing to deliver his good wishes face to face. When he arrived at the cubicle, he'd find it empty. Gone were any traces of that employee. Often even the chair had been taken. All that remained were dust bunnies lingering in the corners where family and pet photos once proudly stood.
Fast forward to April 2016, Rich received an invitation to a meeting. When he sat down in the windowless office, he was told he was no longer needed at the firm and quickly ushered out a side door. While he was getting the bad news, an HR underling had been sweeping the contents of his desk into a box, which was handed to him in a stairwell.
He came home feeling terrible, not just about the layoff but the way he'd been led away like a criminal.
"If you've been stealing ink cartridges to sell on a Facebook marketplace or napping at your desk, you can just tell me," I said after a few hours had passed and the initial shock had not worn off.
"I could see why you'd ask that," he'd said, shaking his head, "but no."
He'd known that the firm had been losing clients and trying to cut costs, but what he hadn't realized was that all those employees who'd suddenly vanished had been terminated in the same manner. Only when he connected with them on LinkedIn after his layoff, did he learn they'd suffered the same humiliating fate. At the time, he regretted not reaching out to them earlier. He'd believed they left for bigger and better jobs and possibly wanted to put that tiny, failing PR firm in their rearview. 
My recent layoff got me thinking about the way companies handle reporting a termination to the remaining team members. 
After I was let go, I had no idea how my boss relayed the news to my former teammates, but within hours I received a flurry of messages via LinkedIn. Most were some variation of, "OMG, I'm shocked. I hope you are okay," "I just heard! I can't believe you left!" and "I really enjoyed working with you and I'll miss you!"
Initially, I was touched by these thoughtful sentiments, but as I re-read them, I thought, "Wait a minute, am I considered a 'deserter' — someone who abandoned her post without notice or a proper goodbye? What had they been told?"
It irked me. So after "having a think," as my boss had been so fond of saying, I responded, writing, "Thank you so much for reaching out. I really enjoyed working with you, too. While this wasn't my decision, I look forward to whatever comes next and hope we can stay in touch." 
Our paths may never cross again, still, I wanted them to know I wasn't the kind of person who bailed on a position and didn't even say goodbye. 
I also wanted to let them know I appreciated the courage it took to reach out—something I'd never done despite witnessing countless colleagues dismissed over the years. In the past, I'd thought about contacting those coworkers who were laid off, but the awkwardness of it always held me back. What if the person was devastated as I'd been when I lost my job  in 2014? (Not everyone opens their severance agreement as says, "Phew!" the way I did on Feb. 1.)
In those roles where I'd survived rounds of eliminations, I didn't reach out because I had the corporate equivalent of survivor's guilt. You're gone; I'm still here...um... (not that that excuses it).
Sometimes I'd tell myself I'd reach out in a day or two when the dust settled. But then I'd talk myself out of it. I never wanted that person to feel as if I were pitying them or prying for information. 
I regret not reaching out now. I allowed the potential for my own minimal discomfort to prevent me from extending a simple, "I wish you the best." 
While I don't miss the work, my teammates were lovely people whose kind words meant a lot to me—people who taught me something even after we no longer worked together—people I would've gladly said goodbye to properly if given the chance.