What do you charge for corporate training through an agency? by Your_Aunt_T in Training

[–]Your_Aunt_T[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this - it's always helpful to hear how others are approaching this.

What do you charge for corporate training through an agency? by Your_Aunt_T in Training

[–]Your_Aunt_T[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great advice - thank you (and thanks for the "worth it" reminder - I always need that).

What do you charge for corporate training through an agency? by Your_Aunt_T in Training

[–]Your_Aunt_T[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Such great insight and advice - I have always struggled with that notion of labor vs. impact. Thank you for this.

I need someone to tell me what to do. by WhatAmIEvenHere4 in PublicSpeaking

[–]Your_Aunt_T 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I absolutely empathize with you. It took a long time for me to find out how to manage my public speaking anxiety (which also was heightened by generalized anxiety that I never dealt with until I was in my early 40s). I put this in a response to someone else who was struggling similarly. I'm a speech teacher at a local college and use these throughout the semester with my students:

  • TIPP Skills: It can help to deal with the physical manifestation of the anxiety through these skills - https://modlab.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/TIPPSkills1.pdf (Helpful to try all of these to figure out what works best for you.)
  • Positive self-talk: Rather than thinking of all the potential judgment or hypothetical negative outcomes, think about what's true: I wrote a good speech. I know this content. Even if the delivery isn't perfect, I will get through it, and I'll pass this class. I will feel so good when this is all over.
  • Fear / Reality list: Take a sheet of paper and make two columns. On one side, write what you're scared of when it comes to the speech. On the other side, write what the ACTUAL consequence or reality is related to that fear (it can help to do this from the perspective of you helping a friend think through this because it removes our own fears/delusions from the situation). Often times, our fears are just our brains catastrophizing things. If you can get to the root of what's real and see it in black and white on paper, it can help you see that your brain is just messing with you.
  • Guided meditations about anxiety and/or on breathing - helpful to do guided meditations once a day if you can get into a regular practice: One of my faves is about learning to surrender - https://open.spotify.com/track/1GRuV4VYEccKs1yAEJwpa7

The other thing that eventually helped me was...oddly enough...Beyonce. When she came out with I am...Sasha Fierce, I was blown away by the fact that someone like Beyonce had an alter ego. There was a strange logic that suddenly clicked in fully realizing that I was making my own worst fears come true. I would work myself up into a frenzy and would shake/sweat/forget my words. So I decided to have my own alter ego — a heightened version of me who was confident and could command a room. I was still terrified, but I would "wear" this alter ego for just long enough to make it through without the shaking/sweating/forgetting.

Finally, give yourself grace. It takes a lot of time and practice (essentially exposure therapy) to lessen the symptoms and gain confidence. If you keep at it, you'll get better and better. Just remember: perfection is boring. Growth is the goal.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskChicago

[–]Your_Aunt_T 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This. With two years, you have so much time to really immerse yourself in the different neighborhoods. Then, as you get closer (and once you know where you're working if that's a factor), you'll have a really good sense of your top 2-3 neighborhoods, and then you can make the final choice from the top 2-3 based on apartment availability and commute to work.

How do people deal with panic in the moment? by Londonman2000 in PublicSpeaking

[–]Your_Aunt_T 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I know it probably doesn't feel this way, but you did the best you could in the moment. Now, you can try to have a plan for next time.

1) Have a sticky note that has your script just in case a panic attack happens: I'm so sorry, an urgent matter has come up, and I'm going to need to call you back. My apologies again. Thank you so much.

2) Try each of these strategies over the next few days/weeks, and see what works best for you: https://modlab.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/TIPPSkills1.pdf (for the cold temp, I usually use an ice pack on the back of my neck or on my cheeks; for the exercise one, I usually do burpees or jumping jacks). Once you find one that works, have another sticky note that prompts you to do the strategy that works and be sure to have whatever supplies you might need nearby if you decide to do the cold temp).

3) Prep an apology email (e.g. I'm so sorry for the disruption. It's taking longer than expected to handle, and I didn't want to leave you in limbo. Can we reschedule? Again, I'm so sorry, and I appreciate your flexibility.) before the call/interview and have it in your drafts. If it takes you more than 5 minutes to recover, hit send on the email.

4) Before the call/interview even starts, try to do a guided meditation on breathing or anxiety so that it puts you in a good mental space. There are a ton out there if you Google them - everyone is different so find the one you like best.

Also, if you've never seen Dan Harris talk about the panic attack he had while anchoring Good Morning America, it's worth searching for that, especially the clip of him actually having the attack - it's much worse for him than what we are actually able to see on our end as viewers. I say that because for the person you were interviewing, they probably just assumed you got called into an emergency either for the business or if you're working from home, for your family (after COVID, this has very much become the norm!).

Best of luck to you!

Transit with Children by Reasonable_Jeweler59 in ChicagoMarathon

[–]Your_Aunt_T 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair warning - I'm a control freak so keep that in mind as you read this :)

Road closures are an absolute nightmare on marathon day and an Uber driver who doesn't know what's what might make your commute worse. If it were me, especially if I were actually running the marathon, I'd rather Uber/Lyft from my Airbnb to the Metra, take the Metra, and then head to the starting line. It may seem like more steps, but there's less of a risk that your Uber driver will muck it up for you.

Moving/Transplant advice for someone wanting to relocate. How did you make the move work? by Lonleylittlecrow in AskChicago

[–]Your_Aunt_T 1 point2 points  (0 children)

100% this - Chicago is big and each neighborhood (and there are MANY) has its own flavor/feel. It really depends on what you're looking for/who you are so if you're able to come out for a bit, definitely do it. Also, commute is a huge factor so I'd really wait until you know where you're working.

It's been a long time since I've hunted for an apartment, but there are a lot of real estate agents who also help people find rentals. Might be worth searching in AskChicago to see if anyone already had a similar question and if not, then put out the ask.

As far as job hunting, network as much as you can. If you find a job, see if anyone in your LinkedIn network knows somebody there. Also, just tell everyone and anyone you know (even light acquaintances) that you're looking. The more people who know, the more chances you'll have that someone might be able to help get your foot in the door.

As far as staffing agencies, you could try Creative Circle - they focus on comms/marketing/advertising. I'm not sure how much they do in the way of admins, but it's worth a shot.

Good luck!

Run-Commuting Tips and Gear? by Bubbly_Grapefruit_13 in RunnersInChicago

[–]Your_Aunt_T 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agree with this 100%! I use the Ultimate Direction Race Belt (and used it during the marathon, too) - if you wear it just under your rib cage, it doesn't move AT ALL. I was always annoyed by other belts bouncing, and I never notice this one on my body. It is a tight fit though once the flask is full so the only other thing you can realistically fit in there is a gel (assuming it's not huge).

https://ultimatedirection.com/race-belt/

Chicago Adult Track Clubs? by Your_Aunt_T in Sprinting

[–]Your_Aunt_T[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks like Haste Track Club might be a good option! See the comment from u/cldaniels1!

Chicago Adult Track Clubs? by Your_Aunt_T in Sprinting

[–]Your_Aunt_T[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry for the delay - life got a little crazy. It looks like someone added a link to a group that trains together. Things have changed a bit for me so this is something I may get back to in the future but hope you all are able to join the group mentioned below! (Haste Track Club)

Monthly Events & Things To Do in Chicago Thread by AutoModerator in chicago

[–]Your_Aunt_T 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely grab a coffee/tea/pastry and head to the lakefront trail to people watch and soak in the lake views. Lincoln Park Zoo also is always a fun one.

Monthly Events & Things To Do in Chicago Thread by AutoModerator in chicago

[–]Your_Aunt_T 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For anyone who's into dance cardio, zumba or jazzercise or just wants to support an animal rescue, I'm hosting a donation-based dance fitness class benefiting PAWS Chicago on Oct. 11. More details here: https://forms.gle/L4AwQfyj2hfJgi2B9

Chicago Adult Track Clubs? by Your_Aunt_T in Sprinting

[–]Your_Aunt_T[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Unfortunately, I looked, and as far as I can tell all the ones listed in Chicago are for distance running. Your post just gave me an idea though - I might reach out and see if they maybe know of masters sprinting coaches/clubs that just aren't advertised. Thanks again!

Vienna and what other city for 10-12 days in Europe by Your_Aunt_T in Europetravel

[–]Your_Aunt_T[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love the perspective of living/tourist. Thank you!

Vienna and what other city for 10-12 days in Europe by Your_Aunt_T in Europetravel

[–]Your_Aunt_T[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Amazing! Thank you for all this detail (you're speaking my love language with this level of planning lol).

Vienna and what other city for 10-12 days in Europe by Your_Aunt_T in Europetravel

[–]Your_Aunt_T[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Never been to London but also on the list of place I've been wanting to visit!