May 20, 2024 • 9 mins
Embarking on a new chapter often comes with its fair share of hurdles and epiphanies; just ask Julie Basello. Two weeks into her unemployment, she's already unearthing key insights that resonate with anyone standing at the crossroads of change. Through candid storytelling, Julie shares her personal reinvention journey. From the unexpected challenges of updating a resume to the familiar comforts found in maintaining a daily routine, she shares the raw and relatable progression of redefining her life and career.
Join Julie as she uncovers the highs and lows of navigating job hunting and the intricacies of health insurance - a task more daunting than choosing the lesser of two evils: the dentist or deductibles. Discover why keeping the creative juices flowing and lacing up for daily walks are not just pastimes but necessities for a balanced state of mind. Julie's authentic narrative serves as both a guiding light and a companion to those who are also on the path to reinventing themselves, proving that while the journey is seldom easy, it's filled with growth, ripe with opportunity and based on hope.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Julie Basello (00:00):
Well, as promised , I'm back to give you a peek
into my current reinventionjourney.
The first two weeks ofunemployment are done.
It's been interesting.
Stick around to hear about whatI've learned this past two
weeks.
Have you ever wanted to startover to reinvent yourself?
Reinvention is something we alldo at some point in our lives.
(00:21):
Sometimes it's simple,sometimes it's complicated, but
it's often necessary to lead afulfilling life, and it's always
interesting.
I'm your host, Julie Basello.
Join me for some inspiration asI share reinvention stories,
tips and tricks from real peoplejust like you.
Let's explore reinventionadventures together.
Welcome to another episode ofReinvention Adventures podcast
(00:45):
with me, your host, .
In this episode, I'm sharingsome things about my first two
weeks unemployed Before we begin.
This podcast episode issponsored . .
Media.
Basello Media is my contentcreation company that supports
small businesses with theirmarketing content needs.
Websites, social media, printmedia and podcasting all require
(01:19):
content At Basello , thank you.
For more information, visitJulieBasellocom.
Okay, so now let's talk aboutthe first two weeks of my
hopefully fabulous reinvention.
There have been a few tidbitsthat have struck me that I
thought I would share with you.
I really have no idea if thiswill be helpful or even
interesting to listen to, but Iwill try to keep it as engaging
as possible.
The first thing I would say isalways have your resume and
(01:41):
portfolio up to date, especiallyif you work in a creative field
.
As someone who didn't job hop,I was not as diligent as I
should have been about thingslike that, so I've spent some
time getting up to speed.
It will likely be an ongoingprocess, but at least I have a
resume and portfolio I can applyto jobs with.
Now.
Time will tell if either oneattracts the attention I want,
but it's still good to havethose in place.
I also noticed that for me,routine is very important.
(02:03):
I'm setting my alarm and makingsure I follow a routine when it
comes to applying for jobs, aswell as working on networking
prospects and all the things onehas to do to prepare for next
steps.
I have a schedule of follow-upcontacts for my own business as
well and, of course, outliningand recording podcast episodes.
I noticed that I get boredeasily.
I didn't realize how easilyuntil this week.
(02:24):
Not only have I gotten myinformation together for job
prospects, I'm actively lookingat freelance work, helping
friends and family withphotography needs and writing
podcast episodes.
This is because I have to keepmy brain engaged and in a
routine or I get very bored.
And, speaking of not gettingbored, staying active is now a
priority for me.
I've always been a prettyactive person person and I'm not
(02:44):
someone who sits around, butI've tried recently to walk at
least two to three miles a day,in addition to other fitness
activities.
Moving helps me creatively andit reduces stress for me, and
both of those things are veryimportant right now.
Unemployment and healthinsurance coverage are both
priorities for me right now.
I had to deal with a glitch inthe unemployment online portal
which did not allow me to set upan account when I first went
(03:05):
into it.
That was frustrating.
I had to actually call into ahuman.
Now, as a person who prefersthe ease of online activities,
this was excruciating andliterally took two days.
I got everything set up on thefirst day, but literally had to
call back two days in a row toactually get a human on the line
to finalize my application.
Health insurance is a wholeother story.
(03:25):
If you have a working partnerwho has benefits that can
include you, take advantage ofthat.
When it comes to yourreinvention journey, it's way
harder to have to figure it allout on your own.
Will I do it?
Of course I'll do it.
Would I rather be at thedentist than searching through
deductibles and coinsurancepercentages?
Yes, I would, I really would,and no shade to my current
dentist, who's great and whoseoffice staff is awesome.
(03:45):
Unfortunately, he probablywon't be covered under the new
plan options.
I'm just kidding, it's justfrustrating and annoying, but
it's a necessary process.
Seriously, though, if I livedin Europe, this would be a
non-consideration which wouldmake things so much easier.
You know how people joke thatyour first marriage is for love
and the next marriage is formoney.
I think my next marriage shouldbe for health insurance.
(04:06):
Just saying Okay, would-be'syes.
A seemingly random,out-of-the-blue thought, but
because I've not been home asmuch as I am now, I never
noticed how many damn would-be'sfly around my condo outside.
Thankfully, outside, my patiohas a wood fence, wooden shelves
and random wood items around,and those suckers are everywhere
(04:41):
.
I'm going to read it.
There are a lot of smallbusiness owners out there who
need some marketing help, andI'm hoping to support some of
them soon.
I've also followed up with eachperson I connected with.
There hasn't been a ton, butthey have been great people so
far.
Applying for jobs has been aninteresting experience so far.
I'm working with multiplerecruiters and have been
applying to many jobs.
It seems like every time Iapply for something, another
(05:02):
freelance-type opportunitypresents itself, though I'm not
fully sure what that means.
The universe is telling mesomething, but stay tuned.
As soon as I figure it out,you'll know.
The fear and stress isn'tcompletely gone.
Once I have the benefitsituation taken care of, I may
actually feel a bit better.
Right now, I have a freelanceproject coming up which will
keep me busy for a bit, and I'mgoing to continue to put things
out there in the hopes that theyget in front of the right
(05:24):
people.
That's the best I can do at anymoment.
Right now, I'd like to saythings are sunshine and rainbows
, but they aren't right now.
I have up days and down days.
Things are okay and I feel I'mmaking progress, but I kind of
feel like I'm paddleboarding.
I'm up on the board and I'mpaddling, but there's a shifting
surface underneath my feet.
That's the best way I can thinkof to describe the feeling.
(05:44):
So let's look at the bestthings that happened in the
first two weeks.
I had coffee with my formersocial media editor, who is
always fun to chat with.
I enjoy and respect herperspective.
That was fun.
Meeting potential clients infour different networking
scenarios also a great thingMaking an Italian meal from
scratch for the first time in along time, making sangria also
for the first time in a longtime.
(06:05):
Applying to many jobs I hadphone interviews and one
in-person interview.
Applying to many jobs I hadphone interviews and one
in-person interview foropportunities.
That all sound interesting.
They also represent movingforward in my career, which was
important to me.
That's a win for sure.
I went to my first networkinglunch and my introverted self
did not implode but actually hadsome lovely conversations with
some great people.
I sat next to a TikTokinfluencer who said my podcast
(06:27):
looked awesome.
I'll take that kind of praisewhenever it comes my way.
I got my patio summer ready andthat's something I always
scrambled to do on weekends.
But now it's set up and lovelyWarmer weather has arrived to
New Jersey, which certainly doesa lot to help everyone's mood.
Now onto the things that were abit challenging in the first two
weeks, and let me say thesethings were nothing I couldn't
handle, but they were not on thepositives list Benefits can be
(06:48):
a bit of a challenge.
I think I may be overthinkingthis one and I've asked for some
help so another set of eyes cantake a look and give me some
perspective.
My sister is really good atthis, so she's my designated set
of eyes.
Unemployment proved to be moredifficult to get rolling than it
should have been because of theglitch setting up my online
account, which was sofrustrating.
What should have taken lessthan an hour ended up getting
spread out.
It always seems like thegovernment sites glitch out Not
(07:11):
cool.
Some of the job applicationprocesses are weird, for lack of
a better word.
I know every organization hastheir way of doing things, but
sometimes the questions andmethods just seem really unusual
to me.
Charging people a fee to be ona job hunting site should not be
a thing.
I mean, come on, your customersare people looking for jobs.
Charge the job posters, not thejob seekers.
(07:33):
Seriously, I think some keytakeaways would be have a plan.
Any sort of plan helps you keepmoving forward and makes you
feel like you're beingproductive.
Don't be afraid to ask for oraccept help.
I know you're an independentbadass, but even we sometimes
(07:56):
need help and support.
My friend, tina is a smallbusiness owner and she has been
very encouraging and extremelysupportive and trying to get me
out of my comfort zone.
It's very much appreciated,even if I try to go there
kicking and screaming.
Don't be afraid to trydifferent things.
You never know what would comeof trying to explore something
that maybe isn't traditionallywhat you would look for, but
still is an opportunity.
I have had a few of thesematerialize and I'm not afraid
(08:19):
to explore them.
They may not work, but onething often leads to another and
it's important to keep an openmindset, barring any glitches.
Get unemployment and benefitssquared away quickly, if you can
.
It will allow you to focus onother things.
Have a routine.
Sleeping until 10 am every dayisn't going to make you feel
productive or like you'reaccomplishing anything Plus.
It'll be harder when you needto get back into a structured
(08:40):
routine again.
Even business owners need aroutine.
You have a little more latitudeand freedom, but routines help
keep some things on track.
I will be sure to keep youupdated on what things are
looking like as I continue on inthis process and journey.
Thank you for listening Untilnext time.
This podcast is sponsored byBasello Media, a boutique
content creation agencysupporting the marketing efforts
(09:01):
of businesses through visual,written and audio content.
If you'd like to contact me, myemail is in the show notes.
You can also find me onInstagram at Reinvention
(09:25):
Adventures Podcast or Thank you.
Well, as promised , I'm back to give you a peek
into my current reinventionjourney.
The first two weeks ofunemployment are done.
It's been interesting.
Stick around to hear about whatI've learned this past two
weeks.
Have you ever wanted to startover to reinvent yourself?
Reinvention is something we alldo at some point in our lives.
(00:21):
Sometimes it's simple,sometimes it's complicated, but
it's often necessary to lead afulfilling life, and it's always
interesting.
I'm your host, Julie Basello.
Join me for some inspiration asI share reinvention stories,
tips and tricks from real peoplejust like you.
Let's explore reinventionadventures together.
Welcome to another episode ofReinvention Adventures podcast
(00:45):
with me, your host, .
In this episode, I'm sharingsome things about my first two
weeks unemployed Before we begin.
This podcast episode issponsored . .
Media.
Basello Media is my contentcreation company that supports
small businesses with theirmarketing content needs.
Websites, social media, printmedia and podcasting all require
(01:19):
content At Basello , thank you.
For more information, visitJulieBasellocom.
Okay, so now let's talk aboutthe first two weeks of my
hopefully fabulous reinvention.
There have been a few tidbitsthat have struck me that I
thought I would share with you.
I really have no idea if thiswill be helpful or even
interesting to listen to, but Iwill try to keep it as engaging
as possible.
The first thing I would say isalways have your resume and
(01:41):
portfolio up to date, especiallyif you work in a creative field
.
As someone who didn't job hop,I was not as diligent as I
should have been about thingslike that, so I've spent some
time getting up to speed.
It will likely be an ongoingprocess, but at least I have a
resume and portfolio I can applyto jobs with.
Now.
Time will tell if either oneattracts the attention I want,
but it's still good to havethose in place.
I also noticed that for me,routine is very important.
(02:03):
I'm setting my alarm and makingsure I follow a routine when it
comes to applying for jobs, aswell as working on networking
prospects and all the things onehas to do to prepare for next
steps.
I have a schedule of follow-upcontacts for my own business as
well and, of course, outliningand recording podcast episodes.
I noticed that I get boredeasily.
I didn't realize how easilyuntil this week.
(02:24):
Not only have I gotten myinformation together for job
prospects, I'm actively lookingat freelance work, helping
friends and family withphotography needs and writing
podcast episodes.
This is because I have to keepmy brain engaged and in a
routine or I get very bored.
And, speaking of not gettingbored, staying active is now a
priority for me.
I've always been a prettyactive person person and I'm not
(02:44):
someone who sits around, butI've tried recently to walk at
least two to three miles a day,in addition to other fitness
activities.
Moving helps me creatively andit reduces stress for me, and
both of those things are veryimportant right now.
Unemployment and healthinsurance coverage are both
priorities for me right now.
I had to deal with a glitch inthe unemployment online portal
which did not allow me to set upan account when I first went
(03:05):
into it.
That was frustrating.
I had to actually call into ahuman.
Now, as a person who prefersthe ease of online activities,
this was excruciating andliterally took two days.
I got everything set up on thefirst day, but literally had to
call back two days in a row toactually get a human on the line
to finalize my application.
Health insurance is a wholeother story.
(03:25):
If you have a working partnerwho has benefits that can
include you, take advantage ofthat.
When it comes to yourreinvention journey, it's way
harder to have to figure it allout on your own.
Will I do it?
Of course I'll do it.
Would I rather be at thedentist than searching through
deductibles and coinsurancepercentages?
Yes, I would, I really would,and no shade to my current
dentist, who's great and whoseoffice staff is awesome.
(03:45):
Unfortunately, he probablywon't be covered under the new
plan options.
I'm just kidding, it's justfrustrating and annoying, but
it's a necessary process.
Seriously, though, if I livedin Europe, this would be a
non-consideration which wouldmake things so much easier.
You know how people joke thatyour first marriage is for love
and the next marriage is formoney.
I think my next marriage shouldbe for health insurance.
(04:06):
Just saying Okay, would-be'syes.
A seemingly random,out-of-the-blue thought, but
because I've not been home asmuch as I am now, I never
noticed how many damn would-be'sfly around my condo outside.
Thankfully, outside, my patiohas a wood fence, wooden shelves
and random wood items around,and those suckers are everywhere
(04:41):
.
I'm going to read it.
There are a lot of smallbusiness owners out there who
need some marketing help, andI'm hoping to support some of
them soon.
I've also followed up with eachperson I connected with.
There hasn't been a ton, butthey have been great people so
far.
Applying for jobs has been aninteresting experience so far.
I'm working with multiplerecruiters and have been
applying to many jobs.
It seems like every time Iapply for something, another
(05:02):
freelance-type opportunitypresents itself, though I'm not
fully sure what that means.
The universe is telling mesomething, but stay tuned.
As soon as I figure it out,you'll know.
The fear and stress isn'tcompletely gone.
Once I have the benefitsituation taken care of, I may
actually feel a bit better.
Right now, I have a freelanceproject coming up which will
keep me busy for a bit, and I'mgoing to continue to put things
out there in the hopes that theyget in front of the right
(05:24):
people.
That's the best I can do at anymoment.
Right now, I'd like to saythings are sunshine and rainbows
, but they aren't right now.
I have up days and down days.
Things are okay and I feel I'mmaking progress, but I kind of
feel like I'm paddleboarding.
I'm up on the board and I'mpaddling, but there's a shifting
surface underneath my feet.
That's the best way I can thinkof to describe the feeling.
(05:44):
So let's look at the bestthings that happened in the
first two weeks.
I had coffee with my formersocial media editor, who is
always fun to chat with.
I enjoy and respect herperspective.
That was fun.
Meeting potential clients infour different networking
scenarios also a great thingMaking an Italian meal from
scratch for the first time in along time, making sangria also
for the first time in a longtime.
(06:05):
Applying to many jobs I hadphone interviews and one
in-person interview.
Applying to many jobs I hadphone interviews and one
in-person interview foropportunities.
That all sound interesting.
They also represent movingforward in my career, which was
important to me.
That's a win for sure.
I went to my first networkinglunch and my introverted self
did not implode but actually hadsome lovely conversations with
some great people.
I sat next to a TikTokinfluencer who said my podcast
(06:27):
looked awesome.
I'll take that kind of praisewhenever it comes my way.
I got my patio summer ready andthat's something I always
scrambled to do on weekends.
But now it's set up and lovelyWarmer weather has arrived to
New Jersey, which certainly doesa lot to help everyone's mood.
Now onto the things that were abit challenging in the first two
weeks, and let me say thesethings were nothing I couldn't
handle, but they were not on thepositives list Benefits can be
(06:48):
a bit of a challenge.
I think I may be overthinkingthis one and I've asked for some
help so another set of eyes cantake a look and give me some
perspective.
My sister is really good atthis, so she's my designated set
of eyes.
Unemployment proved to be moredifficult to get rolling than it
should have been because of theglitch setting up my online
account, which was sofrustrating.
What should have taken lessthan an hour ended up getting
spread out.
It always seems like thegovernment sites glitch out Not
(07:11):
cool.
Some of the job applicationprocesses are weird, for lack of
a better word.
I know every organization hastheir way of doing things, but
sometimes the questions andmethods just seem really unusual
to me.
Charging people a fee to be ona job hunting site should not be
a thing.
I mean, come on, your customersare people looking for jobs.
Charge the job posters, not thejob seekers.
(07:33):
Seriously, I think some keytakeaways would be have a plan.
Any sort of plan helps you keepmoving forward and makes you
feel like you're beingproductive.
Don't be afraid to ask for oraccept help.
I know you're an independentbadass, but even we sometimes
(07:56):
need help and support.
My friend, tina is a smallbusiness owner and she has been
very encouraging and extremelysupportive and trying to get me
out of my comfort zone.
It's very much appreciated,even if I try to go there
kicking and screaming.
Don't be afraid to trydifferent things.
You never know what would comeof trying to explore something
that maybe isn't traditionallywhat you would look for, but
still is an opportunity.
I have had a few of thesematerialize and I'm not afraid
(08:19):
to explore them.
They may not work, but onething often leads to another and
it's important to keep an openmindset, barring any glitches.
Get unemployment and benefitssquared away quickly, if you can
.
It will allow you to focus onother things.
Have a routine.
Sleeping until 10 am every dayisn't going to make you feel
productive or like you'reaccomplishing anything Plus.
It'll be harder when you needto get back into a structured
(08:40):
routine again.
Even business owners need aroutine.
You have a little more latitudeand freedom, but routines help
keep some things on track.
I will be sure to keep youupdated on what things are
looking like as I continue on inthis process and journey.
Thank you for listening Untilnext time.
This podcast is sponsored byBasello Media, a boutique
content creation agencysupporting the marketing efforts
(09:01):
of businesses through visual,written and audio content.
If you'd like to contact me, myemail is in the show notes.
You can also find me onInstagram at Reinvention
(09:25):
Adventures Podcast or Thank you.
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