On Career and Style

Since I made a significant career change in 2018, things haven't been easy. But I know it was one of the best decisions I've ever made! 

Despite facing challenges, I'm still here (with my first published book about to go for a second print!), maintaining a steady relationship with my retainer clients, and setting healthy boundaries with ex-clients (no bridges burnt).  

Lately, I've been reading career tips to boost my creativity and evaluate if there's more I can do to improve. You know, the usual questions: Am I being productive enough? Will this self-employed path sustain me? Should I always dress up even when I work from home? Why can't my dogs stay quiet whenever I am on a work call?

The most pressing question that comes up from time to time is: "Am I charging my clients fairly or sometimes too low?" If you've been wondering the same, particularly the latter part, here's something reassuring to read.

As for the dress up part, it's a yes for me. 

Emily Henderson, Stylist and Interior Designer

There is something inside us, especially women, that tells us that if our work is something we love to do it should somehow be worth less. But, the exact opposite is true: the more you love to do something, the easier you make it look, the faster you are at it, the more VALUABLE you are because of your passion. So, while we all love to get paid in kisses, praise and genuine appreciation, know that Our talent, skills, and expertise are worth banknotes (The Business of Design)

Maintaining a certain standard guides us on how to determine our rates and how to approach otherwise uncomfortable dealing situations a.k.a when to say no when it does not meet your time and skills. 

(Kebaya top from Sejauh Mata Memandang , Dragon hand-painted sarong from Awesome Lasem, Shoes from MKS's Shoes.

New Career Path. The Ups and Downs

A study in 2008 found that 80% of people over 45 years old consider changing careers, but only 6% actually take the leap.

I was "only" 36 when I had that stinging urge and I took that shaky leap just earlier this year, after around a two year long contemplation.

Now, entering my six months' leading a small communications agency that I've co-founded, I am only starting accept these adjustments below:

• I can no longer afford my monthly fancy manicures. Well, I can. But since the company's revenue is not "there" yet, I do not feel like I have the right to enjoy what I am making at the moment
• Business owners advised me to "Give it a year or two." when it comes to feel a bit more secure. Like, you'll sleep better, the money starts to come in smoothly. At first, I was like "Whoa that is a long time." Bu, actually, no. My business model is quite unique and can actually be considered safe. I did not have to put a huge capital. So a year should be fine. I do not mind the wait. The sleepless nights on the other hand... Eugh
• Extra time? Not really. I promised my friends that I will be able to hang out with them more. But look at me now. I just cannot stand the idea of not using certain hours of the day not trying to make money. Because, every second counts. Also, I have one employee. Yes, that is enough for you to feel the kick on your ass every morning
• Every six months, I would usually do a spring cleaning on my closet. Any piece I no longer like, I will gladly give to colleagues, cousins, or anyone. Now? My next spring cleaning is in three weeks and I am thinking of tagging those pieces with a price. It sounds horrible to me... But, well, I also love buying second-handed items. So why not?

But it's not always hard and annoying and or budget related. There are so many things that I am so thankful of:

• Marilyn's condition is deteriorating.  Last June, her last seizure was so rough it took her six hours to recover fully. It is hard to not worry about money (her medicines, lab tests, therapy, neurologist), but if I am given the options to go back to my day time job or to work harder with this new start up while having the freedom to take care of my baby, I know I will never second guess my path today
• I have the liberty to decide on who do I want to work with. Or not. This is a bit tricky tho, because at the back of my mind I always want to say YES to every single opportunity that comes my way. But turns out, I cannot. Why? Because time suddenly valued way higher than it used to be. And values are timed more for me these days. One example here: I have a skeptical views on overpriced charity dinner, so when an organizer seeks for a possibility for me to work on their campaign, I refrain myself from taking the opportunity. How to sell something you do not believe in? Or, when an owner of some fancy establishments in Bali showed up two hour late on our first meeting, why would I even bat an eye for the next one?
• I feel much more empowered. Representing your own label somehow gives you this enthralling feeling you never thought you have. My past working experience are amazing and I am glad that the corporate discipline I gained is really helping me to stay on my new ground
• My horizons are changing. I am meeting people from different industries and with different background. Most of them making me feel like I have not learned enough. And that... is a good feeling to have
• Fun facts: I cannot get any work done before I put my red lipstick on. Haha!

Via Pinterest

Three's a Charm; On woman's body, sexual orientation and career

Remember this Three's A Charm feature I used to diligently post?
Good to be back now, today, with three random stuffs I hope you can leisurely read.

On my very own body.

Truth be told. I used to feel bad about my not so toned belly, chubby cheeks, and my somewhat flat a$$. Yep, I typed them. Thanks to countless of bottoms up G&T (try count the calories!) and nasi padang and late-night peanut butter sandwiches (sometimes, just sometimes, with Nutella).

Now, I do not care that much. I am healthy, have a good appetite and can actually eat almost anything I want. I do not have Gisele Bündchen's legs but I kick 5km of asphalt every morning, and I can still sport my bikini. 
And let's be honest...no one... no one is really paying attention to you at the beach (you are not Kate Upton). So why the fuss?

So... It saddens me how women today can still be so obsessed about the type of body they have and forgetting to have fun, enjoy their families, explore friendships, read, have opinions on stuff that really matters (like how to whistle, your next president, whatever happened to Amelia Earhart ...). 
"Are you an apple bottom or a pear?" a friend asked me when I rave about that new GAP jeans I have been eyeing. "Oh, I like neither..." But wait, are we talking about fruits here?
"I am a banana kinda girl." I say. Not sure she's getting that I suddenly am thinking about breakfast.

Put my friend aside. Do we not know that other than being a bikini model (which I admire too at some point) we can also be an amazing Mama, a kick-ass leader, a marine biologist, (a marine!), Astronauts, a cartoonist, or at least, pretend that you are that kinda girl that reads Huffington Post every morning? 
Do you know that ranting "Ugh, I have had too much to eat today" as a caption to your photo of a dish is not going to make you any healthier? (And, it was a picture of a dish with a chunk of foies gras, the reason why I am re thinking of my friendship with you. Animal cruelty is not cool, really.)

I just read this article and am now more inspired than ever in loving my imperfections... 
Well said, girlfriend.

On sexual orientation.

I have more and more gay friends every year now. From both lanes. Some been in long-time relationships, some are still in the closet when it comes to parents. But they are my friends. They are there to laugh and cry with me. Most of my gay friends are a far more of a gentleman than any pick-up-liner I met at parties and or clubs (surprise, surprise?). They offer me seats, hold the door for me, pay me movie tickets instead of treating me cheap beers. My lesbian friends can be so honest you will be afraid asking them for their opinions. But they are there. No offense to my heterosexual buddies here.
They can be confused, they can feel rejected, but in the midst of it, they can always call me for a chat, joke, rants and what not... and suddenly, you do not  really remember anymore about them being straight or gay. It matters not.

And hear this. My gay best friend on “gay relationship” : “We shy away from awkwardness, we are hopeless when we fall in love, our heart breaks to pieces when love crash and burn, we gossip, we nag, we demand, we ask for labels or we resist them. We fight, make up and go on dates.” 
Sounds like every heterosexual relationships we know, yes?         

So, my dear friend... The answer is NO, it does  not change the way I see you. It does not make me love you less. For I am more leaned in to your orientation about yourself, your goals and your approach in everyday life than whatever is happening in your bedroom. 

On Career.

I am not a CEO of a Fortune 500 company. I am not a brain surgeon. I am not in search of cure for cancer. No one is going to die if I do not scroll down my emails every 30 minutes. I can enjoy meals without my smart phone on the table.

The only medical act I have successfully performed was fixing a broken wing of a little bird, with the help of my orthopedic surgeon uncle (guess we all know who did the work there).

Sure one can always justify countless of long hours night at work, or brag about them! If that makes you happy, I am cheering for you. But once you started questioning yourself about whether or not this is how you want to be remembered of you when you die... maybe, a change is needed. 
Time frame, the company, the industry, your position, your route to and from work, or your pen holder on the table. Any change, but a change.

One beautiful mind once said “Do not let your legacy die behind corporate desk.” And it got into me... deep. I have been raving (to myself) about this one dream of mine. And no one is going to do it for me. I have to make the move, the changes, going through the headaches (new kind of migraines) and sleepless nights to make this happen.

And it is taking its remarkably slow but obvious steps... :) 

Have you been there?

Refinery 29

New Beginning

I am 45 minutes early, thanks to my early-riser habit! 

So, I am taking advantage of the smooth WiFi, very tasty coffee and the breeze to post this one.

Today is my first day working at the place that reminds me of how I started with the industry, a part of me feels like coming home... as many of the people here are long time friends and people I have known for years. Another part is feeling giddy and nervous as well as ecstatic!

Am I getting closer to where I want to be? The answer is, yes. Baby steps, but a new trail is in the making. Not a marvelous or triumphant victory, but I have won by being so sure of what I am doing, and the move I have made.

May God's grace stay within me. While I am taking one mental note on this one:

"Unicorns are everywhere. Jut waiting to be released...."

ps: Psalm 90:17 , and a song to kick this off; Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

Happy Feet

This is my "not a farewell note" to my colleagues at "The Place of Refuge". 
The content is self-explanatory.

Dear all,

If we were meant to stay in one place, we'd have roots instead of feet.” - Rachel Wolchin. (Longer legs, and a Chinese-princess’ feet, that's what I’d like to have if one could request) 

But I am thankful for having a healthy pair that’s now ready to move on. It has been an enthralling two and a half years, I am genuinely saying. That experience made me realize that I have to learn some more elsewhere while at the same time sharing what I have gained over the past time from each and everyone of you. I will always define AYANA & RIMBA as world-class product. But your friendship, your amazing team-work and leadership are the main core of it. All in all, the essence is YOU!

I am proud to carry its legacy on my resume and hope that I have left some values with you too. This is just my last day here at AYANA/RIMBA and it does not mean the same to our friendship.

See you in and around the island!

ps: Wish me luck!

Composing Success

Urbanoutfitters

Signs that you work in Public Relations

PR Daily published a story this year from PR professional Lauren Fernandez on the 11 signs that someone works in public relations. (The story originally appeared on Fernandez's blog.) The article unleashed a flood of comments that we compiled into a second story ("42 more signs you work in PR"). 

I only posted a few points that I can relate to. Cracks me up!

Your day starts and ends with a cup of coffee : YES! I am such a horrible- not in the mood-cranky person at work without it.

You can power-walk in 5-inch heels with your laptop bag while checking your BlackBerry: HA! I do not wear heels no more since I work in Bali, but yes, I still remember the aching ankles at night.

Inside jokes with your colleagues will get you through the day—especially the insanely stressful ones. *Smiley face

You can toggle among a PowerPoint presentation, a press release, Twitter strategy, and PSA outlines—all in an hour: GIMME!

You preface Happy Hour with: “Sorry, I need to keep my phone on the table. I have to be connected to email and phone just in case.” : This is sad but true. Sorry friends :(

Your speed-dials connect to the CEO, CFO, CIO, CRO, and Arby’s : In my case, a little diner around the corner. Slightly healthier.

Your BlackBerry sleeps with you every night. Your better half does not : Ouch!

“Relax" time is in the shower when you always seem to come up with the best PR pitches. (Source)

EVERYTHING in your life—from doing the laundry to playing a round of golf—is recorded in your mind in 15-minute billable increments. (Source): Yes. A definite yes ( tho' I don't golf).

You engage in weekly conversations with your clients that start with, “Why weren't we included in this WSJ article?” (Source) : Hahaha... Another yes.

You've heard all the lines about sleep: "Sleep is overrated." "You can sleep all you want when you die." "Do you ever sleep?" (Source) : Thankfully, this is not happening to me.

You rely on to-do lists (yes, plural) to get you through your day, but often don't get to cross anything off until 4 p.m. (after managing a few surprise crises). (Source)

You can't look at or listen to any form of media without thinking, "My client should be on/in that." (Source) You read me baby!

You're the only person groaning out loud when reading the paper on the bus. How were we not included? (Source) : Guilty for this. Really.

You read/hear about a company's crisis and instantly think, "I wonder who their AOR is." (Source) : All.the.time

You never plan meetings on Fridays afternoons or make personal plans on Friday evenings. You know that “the call" is coming at 4:45 p.m., and everything will need to be dropped anyway. (Source) : Another sad but true fact. Hahaha...

You actually take surveys. It's good client karma, right? (Source): In your face!

Post-it notes are your lifeblood. (Source)

Client's products are decorations on your desk : Not me. I hate a clustered table.

You watch televised press conferences for fun and to steal really good talking points. (Source)

Your morning consists of simultaneously pitching different campaigns, for different clients, across different media markets, and often, in different languages. (Source) : Ditto!

Something really bad happens and you're the first to announce, "We don't have problems; we have opportunities." (Source) : Been there. In the most shattering crisis.