One Alternative Career

I think that a job in a library could be one great alternative career.

For decades I haven’t been a fan of thinking the only job you should get is in a corporate office.

Working in a public library the pay might not be great however the benefits could be better. Like getting a pension. And the opportunity to open up a 403(b) as an additional source of retirement income.

A 403(b) is the non-profit sector equivalent to a 401(k).

The benefit of a public library job is that it’s a pre-set 7 hours-only workday. You can show up in Converse high-tops or combat boots.

In a future blog entry I will talk about a library job in more detail.

You should be interested in working with people. It would help to be chatty at the customer service desk.

You can host programs like arts-n-crafts or a writing workshop.

A library job can often be a union job too. I’m so not a fan of working in a corporate office.

In the coming blog entry I’ll talk about the right way to work hard at any job. You want to be able to get ahead without losing your head.

Loving Our Jobs

In my career guide Working Assets I make one specific positive distinction:

It’s possible to have a job you love. Even if you’re not doing what you love on the job.

To wit:

You might not want to become a professional chef in a kitchen with all the demands. Instead you can bake cakes for coworkers to bring to your job to share in the staff kitchen.

I think everyone should buy and read a copy of Working Assets by the way. It’s on Amazon. The competitive information tells readers everything you need to know.

In my view it’s foolish not to ask for professional help when creating your resume. Ninety-five percent of the first draft resumes other people create to give to me for a review are terrible.

With 2 simple changes the resume can go from awful to AWEsome. Trust me. Staff at a public library are often trained to help patrons create resumes and conduct job searches.

It’s a FREE service that doesn’t cost you a dime. Unless you donate money to the library as a charitable contribution.

So–how can a person find a job they love. It could take trial and error. Yet it shouldn’t take 9 years like it did for me to realize that I shouldn’t be working in corporate offices!

In Working Assets I talk about creating a short-term Action Grid to figure out what kind of job you’d like to work at.

In a coming blog entry I’m going to focus on non-traditional workplaces.

In a future blog entry like I referred to before I will write about working hard the right way on a job.

The Truth About DEI

The fact that companies instituted DEI efforts tells us something. In June 2022 I checked out of the library and read 5 DEI business books one right after the other.

I propose that the remedy falls on White coworkers and coworkers of color to come together. The scarcity mentality that exists keeps people competing against each other for self-gain. We should come together because everyone’s in the same lifeboat holding on for dear life.

Any DEI efforts should first be initiated coworker to coworker regardless of our skin color. All coworkers should feel like we have equity or ownership in the outcome of our work projects.

There’s no cause for a coworker to gaslight you or me or to sabotage our work.

It starts with us–with you and me treating every coworker the right way. Banding together on the job to agitate for worker’s rights. It’s like the suspicious packages credo in the NYC subway system that mandates: “If you see something, say something.”

We should not fear retaliation for coming to the aid of coworkers or for fighting against workplace injustice. This issue of being laid off is a real thing though.

Perhaps what we really need along with an emergency fund is a “see you later” account. So that we can speak out and survive financially.

Really DEI begins long before any of us starts our first job. It hinges on widening our circle of friends. Being aware of what’s going on beyond our own lives. Checking a non-fiction book out of the library to read about these topics.

Twenty-five years ago in a Library Management course in graduate school I was already thinking about workplace dynamics. I chose for my term paper to write about how to reward workers for a job well done. How managers could motivate workers.

Giving staff members five 3 x 3 inch sheets of origami paper to “rekindle from burnout” doesn’t cut it.

In coming blog entries I’ll talk about finding a job you’ll love waking up to go to in the morning.

So, You Want to Talk About DEI

Countless anti-racist books have been published–even one listed on the front cover as a National Bestseller. How can that have been a bestseller if Americans voted into office a president who ended DEI efforts in the government.

Coming soon the Supreme Court taking on and trouncing cases involving DEI. The Supremes will rule against DEI efforts just like they ended the protections of Roe v. Wade. It’s only a matter of time.

Acting to obtain a just and fair outcome is everyone’s right and in fact a duty. Are DEI efforts still necessary today? I think DEI efforts fall on White staff standing up for Black coworkers and Black Americans everywhere.

No one wins in a “color-blind” America when a White person tells their friends or others that they don’t see race. Our skin color colors our experiences in life and what we go through navigating daily life. No one should have to “code-switch” to make White people comfortable.

In 1992 I stopped doing business with a racist gym membership director. In 2011 I stopped doing business with a racist real estate agent. Nineteen years later it was the same song and dance.

To remain in denial that racism exists is a mistake. The counter-effort is that each of us can choose what we think about and how we act toward others. Hate is learned or a person chooses to hate.

Each of us can decide to do the right thing. Instead of living solely for self-gain we can come together to advocate for each other’s rights. Instead of protecting our own interests and not caring about people outside our tribe. We can expand our worldview to give others dignity. Instead of seeing everything in life as being about the almighty dollar sign and whether we’re getting our fair share of the Benjamins.

Target halted their DEI efforts. Likely because the current president ended DEI initiatives in the government. You bet Target doesn’t want the president to end giving the company tax breaks if Target kept DEI in place. You want tax breaks you’re going to do what the the president says.

Getting back to whether DEI efforts are still necessary today. In the coming blog entry I’m going to talk about DEI in the workplace. Like everything else I write about I have radical ideas about this topic too.

To end here with the fact: Researchers created two identical resumes to submit to job postings. The only difference was that one resume had a Black-sounding person’s name. The other resume had an obviously White person’s name. Only the White person was called for an interview.

This was circa 2017. I should hope things have changed in 2025. That Black job candidates are getting their feet in the door. The trick is that once any of us of any color or creed gets past those velvet interviewer ropes it’s often game over for employees of any color or creed once we’re on the job.

So, I’m going to talk next about DEI in the workplace. Then in future blog entries write about finding a job you’ll love getting up in the morning to go to.

Calling Out Capitalism

I’m going to “stay in my lane” talking about how us peers can be well and recover whatever the political climate. The fact is that everyone loses not just Black American workers playing the zero-sum game of late-stage capitalism. Though this has been the scenario for too long I trust that advocates for worker’s rights can turn the tide in our favor.

While this might be true about capitalism I remain a fan of getting a job you love waking up in the morning to go to. More on what this type of job could be in a future blog entry.

Here today I just would like to write about something I read in a book. It was a quote from comedian Chris Rock who said that it’s not progress that Barack Obama was our first Black president. Rock retorted that Black persons have been qualified to be president for 100 years.

In the current political climate I think everyone should band together. We cannot expect the government to help ordinary Americans. I’m not a fan of either Liberals or Conservatives.

I didn’t think Joe Biden was the best we could do. The current president is thinking of giving Americans 20 percent of the money he cuts from government spending. I call that a poison pill disguised as Sweet Tart candy.

Democratic candidate Andrew Yang would’ve given every American citizen 18 and older a monthly not one-time payment of a $1,000 Universal Basic Income or UBI. Other world countries give their citizens a UBI.

Our elected leaders pressed and pushed will enact laws that benefit Americans. This is often a slow drawn-out process. That’s why I’m not a fan of relying on or waiting on the government to help us.

The idea of working at a job you love has been universally denounced by authors of worker’s rights books. I beg to differ in championing finding and succeeding at a job you love. As there are building porters who love their jobs and work with dignity and provide for their families. Custodians in public libraries clean and sweep and mop.

Whoever works wherever all of us should be treated right by management and customers alike. For today I will end here by writing that I’m going to talk in a future blog about how working hard is not to be frowned on. I’ll detail the method for working hard the right way. Without exhausting yourself and getting fatigued.

Case Study: Ashley Smith Part Three

Case Study: Ashley Smith Part Three

Give us ideas on how to cope with setbacks and bounce back. It couldn’t have been all sunshine for you every day. How can we survive the rainfall to see the rainbow?

When I was diagnosed, my doctor recommended two pieces of advice: 1) control my stress and 2) take my medication. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with doctors and therapists to uphold effective treatment plans. In addition to working with my health team I’ve developed self-care rituals to help me stay accountable to my wellness demands.

I encourage you to consider counseling and practicing a wide range of those stress reduction techniques that works for you to minimize daily stressors. For instance, exercising, getting enough rest, journaling, talking to someone, listening to inspiring talks, meditation, taking care of a pet, and working on personal hobbies and projects.

To overcome my bad days I take a moment to reflect on my issues then practice healthy coping tools to reset and restore my energy. This helps a lot and demands commitment. Sometimes after I’ve utilized a lot of coping skills I still can’t manage. Then I go back to my treatment team to tweak my medication regimen in order to get back on track. This might not work on the first attempt, but I’ve kept at it and right now I can say I’m in a good mental space.

Also, self-awareness and self-care routines are essential to mastering recovery. When you can identify your triggers and warning signs you can better equip yourself and loved ones on how to best support you on bad days. Developing plans that help restore better days by examining what works for you to recover from medical setbacks. I hope you will continue to use your coping strategies even when you’re feeling well. Recovery is a lifestyle.

I’d like to end here by having you give followers a favorite positive affirmation.

“We can. We will. We must.” – Eric Thomas

Then tell us how they can buy your new and other books and read your blog.

After self-publishing seven books, I wrote: In Her Own Ink an author’s guide to achieving a well-crafted manuscript. After publishing my first blog book, What’s On My Mind? A Collection of Blog Entries from Overcoming Schizophrenia, Foreword by Christina Bruni (2014) a few people approached me with their book projects. Ever since then I’ve facilitated writing workshops.

What distinguishes this creative workbook, In Her Own Ink is I’ve interviewed five authors who share their writing secrets at developing books. The objectives of In Her Own Ink are to help writers minimize the many challenges to creating, organize manuscripts, structure their chapters and keep readers hooked with our quality material.

I offer tips on creative ways to engage readers and to enrich the book development process with a friendly approach to creating your rough drafts. I encourage you to purchase In Her Own Ink. Take the leap to thrive in 2025 with your book design. In 2025, I started In Her Own Ink Publishing to resume my book coaching classes. Here are some ways to stay connected:

Case Study: Ashley Smith Part Two

Case Study: Ashley Smith Part Two

Do you think peers can succeed as Entrepreneurs with their own businesses and why?

I believe everybody can manage their own businesses and be successful at it including my peers in recovery. Managing our own businesses will help us juggle wellness and work schedules better. Also, because we are capable and competent to enhance work performance. It’s better to work harder for ourselves making money based on something we love, are skilled at and can manifest.

Currently, I’m working as an independent contractor and peer counselor (certified peer specialist). I work with individuals who have a diagnosis and encourage them to tackle health and personal goals. I’m able to create my own work routine and avoid being micro-managed.

In fact, I start my day with self-care practices. I get ready, worship and listen to motivational speakers to boost my energy. I dive into my work in the afternoon. Then rest. Return to work for a couple of more hours in the evening. Afterwards, I shut down my workday and regroup in order to do it again the next day. Having control over my time throughout the day allows me to incorporate self-care and aim to find a balance between work and personal plans.

As entrepreneurs we can properly dictate our work schedules, recovery and lives. Working helps build skills which can boost self-confidence. Peers would be successful at entrepreneurship because we will master a skill that we created and control the work day. Permitting time to include wellness habits. That way we can maintain our wellbeing and strive for ongoing success.

What specific habits and skills should a peer utilize to earn an income on their own?

To be a great entrepreneur we must uphold a strong mindset. Valuing determination, self-motivation and have a thick skin. We must be able to accept “no” and keep going despite setbacks. Therefore, we must master the skill of resiliency.

Being self-aware and holding a wellness routine helps me press forward through my work days. Specifically, I use various productivity tools. I keep an agenda and organize my thoughts early on in the day.

I manage my wellbeing and work progress by keeping a “realistic journal.” Aside from the typical Things to Do List. In the realistic journal I record accomplished tasks. Opposed to be overwhelmed by my long Things to Do List. The realistic journal motivates me to keep striving to complete duties. It’s a confidence-booster. Also, a record that we can refer back to. I might note I’ve responded to certain emails, printed documents in preparation for review and took a walk – those activities among others helps me stay productive, focused and well.

I’ve coined the term that you can Be Your Own Boss even if you work for another company not your own. What can you tell peers from your own experience as a paid Peer Specialist about how to survive and protect your mental and physical health when you work for and with others?

Finding balance between wellness demands and work is still something I’m working on. However, I’ve improved at it over time, and you can too. Here are some tips you might consider practicing in the workplace.

Sometimes I take a quick walk to transition from one task to another. In the past, I’ve done that in the parking lot of my employer. Other times I’ve journaled. Get to work a little earlier and journal prior to the start of your work shift. That way we can regain clarity to proceed with different assignments. Also, I’ve had office accountability partners. Checking in with them helps because it can be therapeutic for oneself to reflect on emotional concerns and daily wellness goals.

Identifying stressors before they become significant obstacles is key to overcoming daily challenges. Knowing when to pause, take a moment to digest your day and reset can increase productivity. You can reset within a small amount of time. For example, taking a brisk 10 minute walk on your break, journaling before starting work or on lunch. Sitting in meditation or prayer at your desk for a moment at work can help reset and recharge energy and focus. Develop self-motivation skills. I do this with affirmations and listening to motivational speakers daily. By taking care of our needs throughout the day we can be more efficient at work and feel good about it.

Case Study: Ashley Smith

Case Study: Ashley Smith

Altruistic and Ambitious Advocate

In this blog I’m going to feature Case Studies of peers living in recovery who are role models for forging our own path in life and succeeding at a career. Our first Case Study will be in 3 parts to cover the full story.

In 2008  Author Advocate Ashley Smith started her anonymous Overcoming Schizophrenia blog. Since then she’s used her real name to blog and publish 7 books. I met her at a film screening for a video on recovery that she was featured in.

Ashley studied business in college before her breakdown. Altruistic while ambitious she’s not afraid to share her story to give peers a shot of confidence to pursue our own goals unabashedly.

I’m taken in by her choice of the purple outfit for the cover of her new book. Purple is a color that symbolizes royalty and spirituality. How fitting for a peer whose devotion to Spirit and using affirmations has helped her get ahead.

Part One:

It’s been 17 years since you first clicked publish on your first blog entry. What exactly enabled you not to quit and keep going?

My blog, Overcoming Schizophrenia, started as an online diary about my diagnosis and to recall my experiences as an advocate. Now I blog for others wholeheartedly. I aim to be a beacon of hope and offer a sense of direction and motivation to keep pressing onward.

However, it’s hard to be consistent with blogging for me but I’ve challenged myself this year (2025) to write one blog article each week. I want to continue the conversation on ways to trump the stigma of mental illness. Further assisting peers and caregivers on their paths to wellness. I’ve grown a lot in my recovery and want to share my life story. Leading others to understand and believe that a fulfilling life in recovery is possible.

What can you tell peers who have a dream or goal of their own just starting out?

Recovery is a lifestyle and your goals are attainable. Remember to take small steps until you gain momentum and are comfortable increasing your progress. Aim to develop a routine to maintain balance between self-care and your responsibilities. Self-care is essential to managing ourselves. To be our best and well to tackle work and goals full force.

Talk about the role that support plays in our lives—either through our family, friends, treatment providers, or a chosen family or others we interact with.

Having a support system is vital to staying committed to my wellbeing. My family plays significant role in my wellness. They’ve been my foundation of strength. They keep me accountable and give me the support I need to keep pressing forward.

I’ve worked with the same treatment team; my doctor for over 12 years and my therapist for over eight years. They understand my needs and are dependable during crisis.

I have a lot of peer support too. Participating in organizations such as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the CURESZ Foundation. NAMI allows me to partake in different leadership roles. I’ve facilitated workshops and support groups.

I encourage you to get involved in a group that you can grow with. A place outside of the home but feels like home. This type of support is challenging to find but consider your church, 12 step support groups, local NAMI affiliate, and organizations where you might volunteer to gain assistance and someone to confide in. Everybody needs support to survive and thrive in life.

Presence and Persona

I attended a Zoom talk on Presence and Persona: Leveling Up Your Personal Brand.

I cannot repeat the exact method the speaker Christina Bryan told us to use. It is her approach.

Instead I recommend you go on her website The Roadmap Coach. She is a Black businesswoman who coaches other women. I intend to pay for her coaching service in the future. As after listening to her talk I got fired up.

In my own words here I’ll tell you about how to create be and sell your personal brand for everyone of any identity. It’s simple really: who you are and what you stand for is your brand on and off the job.

Like Bryan said: “Be authentic.”

It’s imperative to “stay in your lane” and avoid going “off-brand.”

This is why I’ve pivoted on a dime to not talk about politics in my blogs again. It would detract from and dilute my message. As I think each of us has what I’ve coined the “self-power” to go after our goals regardless of the political climate.

In a coming blog entry I’ll talk about my views on capitalism. Here I’ll tell followers that you should not have to act false to yourself anywhere you go to promote your brand.

Zoom speaker Bryan told us women to: “Be your authentic self. Let you come through.”

I think Christina Bryan’s method for personal branding is better than the 5-step plan I read in a book that I might have reviewed here years ago.

Promoting yourself might not come easy. Which is why I think it pays to read what I wrote in the recent blog entries here.

You can be driven AND decent. You don’t have to be “relentless in pursuit of your goals.” If you’re tightly wound that will cause ill health.

In a future blog entry I’ll talk about setting goals.

Selling Ourselves

In an instant two years ago the thought hit me that every interaction you have with another person involves sales. I can’t shake this idea even today.

Though I’ve read a book on creating and using your personal brand I think having a Personal Brand should be linked to who you are. No presenting a false self. Bringing your beautiful self to the table.

From how I interact with the others in the online fashion group I’ve figured out that you don’t need hundreds of clothing items stuffed in drawers and closets.

Nailing your presence and persona is as simple as choosing with care what you wear. Plus it hinges on not being afraid to voice what you think.

Your ideas count in a meeting at work. You shouldn’t be talked over or scared to speak out either.

I recommend having a friend shoot photos of you to insert in a “look book”–a photo album to review. Or they or you can use your cell phone to create an Outfits Photo Album.

One thing I recommend too is getting your colors done with a reputable person. I’ve known since attending a Colors Workshop in 1993 that I’m a Winter. This is because I have a pink undertone to my skin/a cool complexion, dark brown eyes, and black hair.

One way to get your colors analyzed is with Anuschka Rees and her Color Guide. For women to find out about the fashion community and other services go on Dressing Well. Men can also use the Dressing Well Virtual Styling program. There is a fee for the Virtual Styling. Not cheap yet cheaper than other personal styling offerings.

It should come as a relief that once you figure out winning outfit combinations you’ll have an easier time getting dressed in the morning. Repeating these outfits is OK. Definitely OK.

You can buy on Amazon the Greatim wall-mounted valet a clothing rack. It swings out to hold clothing items on hangers on 5 cut-out circles. The night before I hang on the rod the outfit I want to wear in the morning. I’ve even typed up a list of outfit combinations for each of the four seasons. Inserted them on a clipboard to check off the items I wear every day.

Again this is not to upset followers. It’s to make it quicker and easier to get dressed when you wake up. Giving you the best start to the day.

The purpose in polishing your Initial Persona Offering is precisely to give us ease in interacting not just with coworkers. To have a better time of it with all our relationships. If you’re not socially savvy to begin with this is exactly why dressing well can help give you confidence. It’s a cliche because it’s true that when you look good you feel good

I recommend followers buy my book Working Assets: A Career Guide for Peers where I talk in detail about finding and succeeding at a job.

Coming up I’m going to feature a Case Study of a peer who is successful in business. Then talk about applying for and getting a job this year.