An Article by By Valentina Janek, President, Long Island Breakfast Club and Author, From Fired to Freedom,

Like that old saying goes, “Today, is the first day of the rest of my life.” Why?  I was just given another fortuitous opportunity to work with BOLD Magazine.  I take this as a sign that my lifelong desire to communicate will continue. In the past few months, I have shared my stories with many individuals who have crossed some monumental barriers for a number of different reasons.  Some have had issues with their age and lost jobs, others have had a crisis with their health, some feel discriminated against because of their size, and I can go on and on with other examples. 

I take this opportunity with BOLD Magazine as yet another stepping stone at the ripe old age of 66!  Thirteen years ago, after losing my job in the tech media niche of corporate America, I had a major change in my life. I needed to reinvent myself using the experience I had garnered over the years and had to compensate for the fact that I was no longer in my prime professionally. Some days were difficult but one thing we can all relate to is that you sometimes have to decide to make lemonade out of lemons. Besides having a positive attitude, sharing with others was enlightening-from storytelling, interview scenarios, and volunteer opportunities. It is important to network with like-minded individuals. It can be restorative to your health, frame-of-mind, and career.  For me, it opened my world to a plethora of people, places, and things. It changed my future and it can change yours.  Your story can wind up healing your own issues, but at the same time give permission to others to acknowledge their own.  As a result of this mindset, and the treasured individuals who became part of the Long Island Breakfast Club, “From Fired to Freedom” became a reality for me.  Even though you did get that big bad boot, you can survive and you will. My favorite mantra is:  “Get Up, Get Dressed, Show Up!  “Believe me there were days when I thought it was time to make the donuts, but keeping involved, getting up, getting dressed, and showing up was the best daily medicine I could have received. And I still prescribe to that today!   I look forward to sharing questions, stories, advice, on many different subjects relating to your career, your fears, and your willingness to explore at any age.  What are your thoughts?