In this issue, I'm peeling back the layers of my life – not just as a Career Coach moonlighting in the quiet of the night or an RF Engineer tinkering by daylight, but as someone just like you, trying to make sense of the hustle and bustle of life.

So grab a coffee (or your favorite beverage), settle in, and let's embark on this edition’s adventure together. Who knows? You might just find a piece of your story in mine.

Side Hustle: Growth, Opportunities, and Ethical Dilemmas

Dual Identity and Steady Progress

It's official! My LinkedIn now reads: "RF Engineer by Day, Career Coach by Night." This new identity has brought about substantial growth: 24 days of consistent writing has led to an increase of 100 followers, totaling 1,135, and the addition of 7 new clients. Not too shabby for just over three weeks of effort!

A Noteworthy Q&A Panel

The upcoming Q&A panel for job seekers is shaping up to be a pivotal event. With a lineup featuring professionals from Apple, Google, Oracle, and more, it's an ideal opportunity for those transitioning careers or seeking new roles. If you know someone who can add value or if you're navigating a career transition (graduate, lay off or mid career crisis), this event is tailored for you. Please spread the word!

The Pricing Puzzle

Here's where I need your wisdom. I'm grappling with the idea of charging for my coaching services. The dilemma is real: how to balance financial sustainability with the ethics of charging those already in need. Should fees be applied post-employment? Your suggestions on this conundrum would be invaluable.

Professional Life: Embracing Learning and Teamwork

Soldering: A Lesson in Humility and Collaboration

I recently tackled soldering for some BNC cables, a skill outside my comfort zone. A humbling experience with a lab team, skilled in this art, taught me the intricacies—from removing oxide layers to selecting the right materials. It's a fascinating blend of art and science, and I'm eager to master it.

What new skills have you been learning at work?

Personal Life: Creative Ventures and Habit Formation

Co-Writing with AI: A Children's Book Comes Alive

Inspired by my son's fascination with his cars, trucks, school buses and dump trucks, I ventured into co-writing a children's book. With the creative assistance of ChatGPT, we brought a heartwarming story to life, now available on Amazon. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Exercise: The Art of Building Habits

I've successfully met my 7-day goal of one-minute workouts! Let me break down what I accomplished:

Sounds silly, doesn't it? That's exactly the point. My goal is to build a consistent exercise habit. The challenge I've faced is not just in the physical act, but in overcoming the mental resistance to get started. That's why I've adopted this one-minute method. It's a manageable commitment, something I can convince myself to do—even if it's 11:59 PM.

Self-Reflection: The Need for Better Communication

Recently, I've noticed some friction in my interactions with friends and family. I may come across as rude to people who know me. Reflecting on this, I've turned to Dale Carnegie's book How to Win Friends & Influence People. I will report back on the book and my progress in upcoming editions.

I'm curious to hear about your challenges and triumphs. Share your stories, and they may even feature in my next newsletter!

P.S. Remember, every step, no matter how small, is progress. Whether it's a new skill at work or a minute of exercise, it's all part of our growth journey. Let's celebrate these moments together! 🌟