Hi, I’m Irene. I’m living what can be called my “dream come true”! I grew up with parents who encouraged me to “dream”, assured me I could be/do whatever I wanted and positivity was key to a happy life. I can say that as a woman in my generation, that was rare; I have always embraced that “whatever you want” option, with the help of others continued to “dream” and embraced the positive!
My early “dream” was to complete my education, share a living space with a high school friend and together we’d build our careers (not a usual path for women in our generation). Life does not always unfold as we envision it. Mid senior year, my friend got married and 10 days after my spring graduation so did I. While on an unexpected path, life was good.
My path did include building an early career, Periodicals Librarian at New Jersey Institute of Technology, and led me to believe I’d pursue a further degree in Library Science (which I never did because other “dreams” appeared). Six years after marriage, I became a Mom, which I would realize (eventually) was my most important job (and a role I always dreamed I’d have). While I voluntarily left my job with no intention of returning, it was only a few months before I realized that while I had an important job, it was not enough to be only a Mom so I pursued part time roles.
After the birth of son number two, I began to consider what would be my next chapter (i.e. “dream”) once both boys were in school. For about 5 years, parenting was my primary role, I had part time gigs, and I served in a variety of volunteer leadership roles. Oh, and yes, moved states twice which entailed resilience and innovation. In the search for my next “dream”, I learned that most employers did not consider my experiences of much value, were only willing to offer entry level roles that were less challenging than my parenting and volunteering so I started a small accessory business.
Fast forward about 20 years, a move to Minnesota and a role in the transportation industry … new to me and while not a “dream” provided learning and growth. And after a few years, I was bored! I still had not found “my dream” so work with a career counselor helped me explore what I’d be “when I grew up”. And led me to a sales role in a sign company … the construction industry of which I was clueless. Oh, and I’d had no formal sales training.
This role was surely challenging as I learned about sign construction, city ordinances, permits and best sales practices. All of which was energizing and financially rewarding. Just about a year into it and about 5 years in Minnesota, life threw me a curve. On a Friday afternoon in May 1997, after a walk, my husband returned home, had a massive heart attack and died. At the time it surely felt like the “dream” was shattered.
Lesson quickly learned: take nothing for granted, live each day as though it is your last and savor each loved one and every experience with gratitude.
During the next two years, much reflection centered on where the next “dream” would manifest. How could I hold on to a positive attitude? Now that I was “alone” how would I live this life? Did I want to be alone for the rest of my life? What was the new “dream”? With a widow friend, I stepped into the dating world.
Interestingly, a new professional opportunity appeared that was a bit iffy since only guaranteed for one year, funded by a grant and lower compensation than my sales role. And, the description described a new “dream” … working IN the education field, bridging the divide between business and education and building relationships. I applied and got it!!!! A new “dream” seemed to be on the horizon!
Without going into all the details of how things evolved, know that my work in schools led to meeting Julio Olalla of Newfield Network which led to enrolling in Leadership Development & Coaching for Professional & Personal Mastery and a coaching certification. This was a transformative time, I resigned my role in education, took a 3-month sabbatical and launched my coaching practice in February 2006.
There is more to the story and the “dream” so be sure catch the next post for the “rest of the story”, as Paul Harvey would say.
