To all, as you will see I am moving forward with a TransitionWorks program focused on emerging adults. It is a one-day program called "What'sNext!? There is no cost for participating in this program. I am posting this notice should you know of any one that would benefit from participating. I am limiting the program to 12 participants and I have 4-5 openings. If you have any questions please let me know.

The date for the WhatNext!? Workshop is WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 19th from 10 AM - 4 PM. The workshop will be held at the art studio of Bryan Christie Design at 155 Maplewood Avenue (2nd Floor) in Maplewood - enter the door right next to the entrance to Freeman's Fish Market. The location is across the street from the Maplewood Train Station.

Recently, a potential workshop participant sent me a frequently-asked question that might also be on your mind. So, I thought it would be helpful to share the question along with my response.

Question
I want to come but I have my job during the day...so not sure where that leaves me...

Response:
..., these are the dilemmas in life - it comes down to whether you think the day will provide value to your bigger challenges and aspirations (career, goals, transitions, etc.) to the point that you are willing to take the day off. If so, it seems like a no-brainer. If it is not seen as of value, it also seems like a no-brainer. I think it will be of value, based on what I know, but it is your perspective that matters most. I hope this helps - John

BACKGROUND
My motivation for this work is threefold:

1) I still wonder if I knew some of the questions I know now in midlife would I have made different personal and career decisions along the way.

2) Having children aged 23, 21, 18, and 13 I am in the middle of helping my own emerging adults find happiness - and it is difficult. So, I am looking to learn.

3) Finally, working with young people is a source of energy for me and I have learned to follow sources of high energy.

Let me share some additional perspective on why I believe "What'sNext!?" might be valuable for someone you know;

Over the past seven years I have experienced a pretty amazing transformation. On the surface it seems pretty simple - corporate executive to fishmonger to independent consultant to more engaged Dad. On the inside it has been the most challenging period of my life, but also incredibly rewarding. Today, I am at
a place where I am living a life that is much more grounded in who I am - what I value the most in life, my social identity, my talents, and my skills to name a few.

I refer to this as my "inside story". As a result of getting to know these things with more clarity I am much
better at making decisions with my eyes open. I am more likely to make decisions like protecting time for family (the thing I value most), where and who I work with, who I spend time with, and purchasing material things that I want, but most likely don't need.

During this time I have also coached and mentored a number of young people like you, who seem challenged by the same dilemma I recognized - although I was 47! So, my belief is that if people stayed connected, or re-connect to who they are, and the things that are most important to them (your inside story) you might be able to better define the life you want to live. And understand the decisions that will move you in that direction - and/or the consequences of decisions that are not aligned with your inside story. I hope this makes sense.

So, should you consider attending the workshop? Wikipedia references the book "The Quarterlife Crisis" by Alexandra Robbins and Abby Wilner in defining if you should be concerned. Wiipedia provides the following characteristics in defining a quarterlife crisis:

*Feeling "not good enough" because one can't find a job that is at one's academic/intellectual level *Frustration with relationships, the working world, and finding a suitable job or career
*Confusion of identity
*Insecurity regarding the near future
*Insecurity concerning long-term plans, life goals
*Insecurity regarding present accomplishments
*Re-evaluation of close interpersonal relationships
*Disappointment with one's job
*Nostalgia for university, college, high school or elementary school life
*Tendency to hold stronger opinions
*Boredom with social interactions
*Loss of closeness to high school and college friends
*Financially-rooted stress (overwhelming college loans, unanticipatedly high cost of living, etc.)
*Loneliness
*Desire to have children
*A sense that everyone is, somehow, doing better than you

I believe the agenda I have planned for "What'sNext?" can benefit participants in facing other transitions that cross your path during life. I can't provide the answers as they must come from within if you want to lead your life. I will, however, provide context, knowledge, and tools that will help you provide the answers that most benefit you - allowing you to make decisions with your eyes wide open.

Please RSVP as soon as possible and contact me if you have any questions. Safe travels - John 862-216-2425 or johnharveyt2p@comcast.net