A few years ago Alfred and I piloted a program called "What'sNext?" which was targeted towards 18-24 year-olds. While the workshop was well-received by the 16 participants that day, I did not feel confident that I understood this audience and, in hindsight, I still had a few pieces of my own transition puzzle missing. During the past few years I have had enough exposure to this population, including 3 of my 4 children, that I am ready to try it again.

The invitation below provides insight into what I am planning. So, if you know of anyone in the 18-29 year old age category that would benefit from the experience please let me know and I will send them an invitation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Safe travels - John

INVITATION

I hope this note finds you doing well. I am writing to invite you to a workshop that, I believe, you will find meaningful. It is a one-day workshop called "What'sNext!?". The workshop is free, however, I need to limit participation for this session to twelve people in order to maximize the benefit to each participant.

The workshop is scheduled for Thursday October 30th at the Maplewood Library (basement Meeting Room) on Baker Street in Maplewood. The library is only a 3-5 minute walk from the Maplewood Train Station.

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

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, 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 you 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