Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Changing Direx

Weird. I just updated my dashboard to the New Look, hoping that would allow me to upload images, but it still won't let me.
Why not?! Could this be a nudge to start a new blog?
Would that be fun?
Might be fitting, since I'm changing directions in so much of my life...

Oh! There! I clicked on "compose" on the top of this composition box (instead of HTML)...
... and that enabled the "insert image" icon.
Above: Altered 19th cent. cabinet card by artist Alex Gross, via Laughing Squid.

Good. Even though my life is changing, I don't really want to change blogs. I like that this spaceship l'astronave can hold everything and go anywhere.

Tomorrow I take the State exam to be certified as a nursing assistant. Then I start looking for work in nursing homes.
I haven't wanted to keep working in publishing for a while now, and the publisher gave me the shove by slashing their freelance budget to near nothing last year.

My long-term plan is (maybe) to study gerontology and eventually work with old people, beyond direct care. Or to write about age-related stuff.
Like...
How to Age Well (Spiritually, Ecumenically, Grammatically)
Computers for People Who Grew Up with Pencils
Don't Settle for Bingo: Activities for the Inactive
Beyond the Red Hat: Wear Any Damn Thing You Want

I met with a job coach this morning, for help writing a career-changing resume.
His best tip was, basically:
Figure out what your potential employer is afraid of, and then soothe that fear by presenting yourself as being good at avoiding the dangerous thing.
Say, nursing homes are afraid of hiring an employee who drops a resident, and then they get sued for negligence. So write, "Strictly adheres to safety procedures."

So that's what I'm going to work on now.

3 comments:

momo said...

I'm glad you've decided to write here again!

poodletail said...

Yes! to your decision to blog more. And YES! to exploring and writing about gerontology. If you can follow that path you will have your choice of assignments (I predict). When I'm old(er) I won't care if you drop me if you can tell me some good stories.

bink said...

Love your book titles. You could make any of them bestsellers.

Congrats on passing your test today! Cheers to the start of your new career.

Love the altered space boy photo. Makes me want to do some like that.