Category: volunteering

Passport

February 27, 2021 by Cassandra Johnson

home for now

If you are at all like me, try not to be discouraged. There is a light at the end of this tunnel.

2020 was an immensely tough year for so many people and we still have some battles to win, but I am grateful we can inspire each other.

Resilience will be telling. Resilience has been telling. How nice it will be to also get back to traveling in the safest ways. Perhaps Spring and/or Summer will be reminiscent of their past seasons. For me, this will mean getting to see more family and friends in the States and seeing some old and new places abroad as well, while revisiting and meeting more people.

Volunteering locally is on the agenda again.

I do not know that I can always wake up inspired, although my attitude is generally optimistic while expecting challenges.

Here, at least for the moment, I am going to push my momentum forward and on the days where the challenges are huge (as they have especially been for many of us), my past momentum will remind me to push or keep my focus in some small but useful ways.

I am excited to get back to some normalcy minus the normalcy which is status quo, not enough, or not okay.

We can be appreciative of what brought us success and measure what can bring us improvement. We can be grateful for who and what we have in our lives. Thank goodness for progress and doing some things a little differently.

Cheers to moving about the world again – soon I hope and moving forward. Plus, it does not hurt, btw, that today was brilliant. Chévere. Birthday Number… More to come!

My Way

JANUARY 31, 2021 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Image: getyourguide.com

Similar to very recently quitting my job, I was more excited about my first lone trip abroad than I could ever be nervous. Yet, I still had my moments of understanding why some people could be concerned. Traveling to a remote area especially posed a case for the nerves.

I did it anyway. I knew I would soon be with a concentrated group of very like-minded people, but first I had to get there.

I was “in between jobs”, back then, as they say. This was tough but I got the sense of a silver lining right away. After the governing board decided to downsize the entire staff, there was a mixture of fluid emotions and throughout the transitioning period, I was excited and weary.

I had just joined the company in 2009 and it was very soon a sinking ship. They or rather we were in the red.

Our entire staff only added up to about 7 and being let go by the board members’ vote was a bit of a relief. The news was still shocking in a way because we each had nice and or/friendly relations with most of them, but I believe it was the head and a majority-shifted decision combined with a presentation by the management company taking over.

So, with our discouragement, we collectively bonded over not one of us being left on staff and how we were then thrown back into the interview pool. This included the CEO. We also bonded over the strangeness of informing the new management corporation on all our processes. The board decided it would be better to let the new company take over from here. It would most likely help them continue to operate. One major note: They would have no employee benefits to count as their expenses.

I could not help the irritation on some days. However, staying upset is hard when you are making lemonade. I could now take this opportunity to travel without the background thoughts of when it would be appropriate to take some time off. I set the wheel in motion by doing my basic research and outlining my objectives from A to Z. I primarily sought what would be the right organization for both me and the individuals with whom I was going to volunteer.

Had these circumstances not played out, I do not know if I would have finally realized my goal of volunteering abroad for an extended period of time. Otherwise, I would have been working to plan it around my vacations and other PTO. I also would have had the guilt and overriding thoughts of what I needed to get done once I returned to work. I think work and being away can be done, depending on the circumstances but my thinking then would have caused me to put myself second to any job I had. (I ended up with a temp assignment before I left but I was adamant about them not taking me on full time. I sensed I would get deterred.)

Coincidentally, there was an international volunteer organization fair sponsored by Google and Idealist.org. (my favorite back-in-the-day job search engine). I found an event like this in DC not to be too surprising, but I did find the timing to be quite serendipitous.

I took some steps forward. I took a few steps back.

The event was another rollercoaster. I primarily saw my dream as being too pricey.  Most of the presenting organizations had astronomical fees for even the shortest stint of time. A lot of them additionally did not connect with what I sought to be doing abroad.

I fake gave up for a while – that feeling of “oh no, this is never going to happen”. Still, there is this vision of revisiting thoughts … sooner if not later. I proceeded to become proactive because of my disappointment. The result was a determination to prove my outlook false.

I wish I could remember exactly (so I could give due credit) how I finally rabbit-holed my way down to a site for inexpensive and/or free volunteer opportunities in Latin America.

Perhaps It may have just been Google itself circling back around to rescue me from my growing doubts. On a grand scale, I was left daunting but now here I was more plugged into my search. The site, volunteersouthamerica.net was broken down by Spanish-speaking regions and countries and I hovered over several until I knew I found my second home in Pisco, Peru. The organization’s website led me to more about their objectives and feedback and a video from very real volunteers. I laughed at the humor they shared together and was heartened seeing them work with the community. The organization still meant I would have my weekly costs, but in a way which made much more sense to me then: Roughing it and being very grass roots.

Currently seeing how my former co-volunteers move about the world and still being close to some of the city’s residents reiterates how right I was to select this place.

There was more to do elsewhere, but for the moment, Pisco was going to be my home away for as long as I was able to stay.

Participating in disaster relief recovery was a pivotal decision. I needed one change like my job situation to get me thinking about my real goals. I like to remind myself of missed opportunities and ones I have been fortunate to take advantage of like living in Pisco. I like to reminisce over what taking a leap feels like and imagine how nice it will be to continue again.

Truth and Dare

DECEMBER 31, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
#more travel goals

I must have lost it. I thought so at first. Yet I simply was just not prepared to do something a little outside my box. I had casually trained myself to think I was only good at certain activities like avid reading, writing, language learning, travel, soccer with friends, and so many interests which may not have always intertwined but more importantly had come to paint my identity.

My last task before I left my 9ish to 5ish work was not anything at which I would have expected myself to excel. When I entered college at Ohio State (now seeming quite the time ago), I found it helpful to focus on certain passions while not becoming discouraged in completing the requirements, which were not at all my forte.

“Just not good with numbers” is what I may have said or thought to myself. Time and time again, I let that be so easy a belief. However, I finally had to realize, if I wanted to succeed, I had to chip away at the old limiting vestiges. I would soon get the true tastes of how perhaps many of us should not be so quick to define ourselves. There will always be others to help with such fairly narrow definitions (some of them well-meaning and some of them, frighteningly not so well-meaning).

Image by João Jesus

If I had let the idea of “just not being good…” be the case, I would have promptly failed out of university. Instead I was able to do well, though I primarily let some of the anti-me mantra color my outlook. The outcome could have been a waste of money and time for both the necessary skills I needed to be well rounded during my studies and my future professions. I did not want to let myself or my parents down. Their efforts meant so much to me.

Economics actually came naturally to me, perhaps because I had not yet come up with any preconceived notions. The concepts made logical sense to me. Unfortunately, Statistics and Accounting were my most dauting classes and being on a quarter timeframe, back then, meant I could fall behind quickly. I centered these two courses as completely abstract to anything I would possibly need to be a peacekeeper, a diplomat, bilingual, lover of reading and all which was more along the lines of what I felt were my plans.

I respected the people who truly got them, and I was convinced I was not one of them.

Pixabay

Fast forward a few years later, becoming a 2nd language speaker, graduating from college and still getting to do what I envisioned as traveling and helping communities here and abroad, I was still using some of the coursework I initially thought was not for me.

Following my move to D.C, my jobs were member and customer driven, but I would still find data and finance was an important element to them. In the process, getting to know the nuts and bolts of various systems and processes was increasingly satisfying. I could carry out most of the work I needed to complete my day and help people out, without much assistance.

I did not realize how prepared I had become to complete the heavier more analytical tasks. I also had not anticipated the growing confidence in my ability to figure things out.

My final 9ish to 5ish position sat me squarely in the financial arena and I knew I would not have attempted the work, had I really thought about it much longer. I could have then talked myself out of it.  I was already working on quite a few processes which overlapped with my upcoming finance role but sometimes the old classifications keep us stuck. Sometimes they mean missed opportunities.

When I chose labor -intensive volunteer work in Pisco, Peru, this meant literally helping to rebuild after the effects of an earthquake. People did a double take when I described this first volunteer humanitarian trip abroad. They did another take when I told them I would be away for quite some time. Although volunteering abroad definitely fit me into the box I liked, the type of work I chose was unexpected. Construction is not my forte, but I wanted to try something unlike my other community work. I also knew I wanted to spend time on disaster relief. My tasks in Peru (and later Bolivia) were not always construction-oriented, but they were more than enough to give me the challenge I welcomed. I was reminded of being able to accomplish something I was once incapable of envisioning.

Smirking a bit. The additional bonus was the surprising looks I would receive, after sharing some experiences here and there. Considering what defines us and what may not, I am reminding myself to try some “uncharacteristic” quests and I would recommend others do so as well. We would be wise to at least allow ourselves the consideration. We may continue to inspire and surprise others and more interestingly, we may continue to surprise ourselves.

*May your 2021 be bright. 😊

Learning Life

DECEMBER 24, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

There is so much to overwhelm my new work process right now if I decide to go that route. Getting to know myself as an independent worker and deciphering the protocol of what I should do with an LLC are high on my list. There are a lot of freelancing and entrepreneurial resources out there which are free and some not so free. I was fortunate to finish up one webinar recently, offered through a freelance translation and interpretation group in my area.

The webinar was right on time. I am a free agent now. As a full-time freelancer, I can presently focus on what was just recently, a very time-consuming, yet loved side hustle. I subsequently realized I could also be very afraid of what doing my taxes might now look like.

Image Credit – Pixabay

Fortunately, the speaker managed to ease our tax-anxious minds. She began with an informal survey of the group and like me, most of the interpreters and translators found tax preparation to be quite daunting (moderately to extremely stressful).

As she focused on how people in our positions can navigate our taxes, daunting became doable and something about her approach reminded me of the proper way to acquire knowledge in general. I need to continue taking my time. Sometimes it will be fast, but I do not mind getting to know everything I need to know to continue helping others as I revisit all my goals.

The presenter turns out to be an interpreter turned tax pro who got to this point via some frustrating experiences. There were no tax advisors in her space (in our space) with the ability to really explain why she owed taxes in some years and in other years, she did not.

You know my interests are quite varied, seemingly random, and I am excited about all the information there is to pick up along the way. Moving forward or sometimes back, I’m seeing the potential in some webinars, books, some YouTube, life’s teachers and life’s lessons. I am more properly checking off my list and adding to it.

Life Curious

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
2019 DC Embassy Chef Challenge

Finally, I had the chance to get back to working on some of my additional interests, despite my good problems of having an abundance of freelance work and intermittent not so sleep-fulfilled nights.

When I first moved to the Washington, D.C area from the Midwest, I volunteered with learners of English as a Second Language.

Seems like a lifetime ago, but I also recall I was a part of the “Conversation Language Program” at Ohio State. I was fairly free with my schedule back in college (though it was filled with working, classes and hanging with friends). I worked through times of coping while at the same time enjoying myself in a lot of ways. Life never pretended to be just black and white. There were challenging times to mirror the mostly delightful ones. Overwhelmingly, I was free in the way I was willing to explore all my interests. Seeing all the opportunities available to me, I knew many of them would be international in scope and involve languages. Though not inclusive of all my passions, these interests would absolutely take up most of my intrigue.

Fast forward to now. Recently, as I started teaching on a virtual English learning platform and otherwise assisting language learners in various ways, memories of both college and my first couple of years in D.C. played on my mind. My interests were piqued by being able to now work with someone in a more tech-savvy way and the value the students and the company place on the program is refreshing. I am on the platform just a little here and there, as my schedule permits, I find it quite nice that diligent teachers can do well.. I hope to get amazingly organized. Someday. The old school part of me recalls just being impressed with downloadable lesson plans I could walk through with my co-teacher on-site, in a classroom.

Primarily being from a small city, I will always remember college as the global introduction I welcomed from the world. I was fortunate to be in a space early on including both domestic and international friends and acquaintances and finally fortunate to be traveling and sharing. I look forward to meeting more people when I continue and especially sharing our distinctions and how similar we all tend to be.

Good Problems

NOVEMBER 21, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Image: Pixabay

I HAVEN’T QUITE GOTTEN THE CHANCE to try supplementing my income as a potentially reduced income earner (though it could also go the other way). Between getting a considerable amount of freelance translation work and still being able to help out at my old company, my schedule is not lacking for variety of activities. Not even a little bit.

During such a globally taxing time, finding time for balance is hardly a bad predicament. I realized this early on and though I may perhaps be sleep deprived from time to time, I am pretty hell bent on getting this right or as near to right as possible. Getting to work on all the projects I like and being able to help people (which at times is mutually inclusive) is all worth the effort to me. I am intrigued how time for family and friends and personal well-being is recurring throughout my days, because I am working on the former good habits while embracing the bad ones of, let’s say, perhaps maybe too much chocolate.

Finding time, due to there being several opportunities and many resources to explore, is quite a good issue to have. The circumstances are rather nice when transitioning from one work mode of 9ish to 5ish to whatever a freelancing schedule will look like. Taking the leap when the advice is to lock down my traditional role in what seems an especially unpredictable time has been destabilizing for me but at the same time, so rejuvenating.

With a little understatement, it shall be interesting to see how I do when I am just freelancing soon, or at least doing it 90% of the time. However, since I have been given the chance, I am thankfully embracing the continued multi-tasking of gradually transitioning just a bit longer from one step to the next.

Such is my way of life for now. In the interim, some considerable progress has been made, sometimes quite substantial progress. At times, my day is even organized. Deadlines are actually met and in retrospect, I realize I have accomplished a lot more than anticipated.

#travel goals:

I am picturing, like many circumstances, this transition period will be done before I know it. Still, I am pleased with the opportunity to make things easier for my now almost former team, while simultaneously designing a new lifestyle, almost nomadic, almost traveling, and largely flexible.

Currently, this is just about finding time for everything among translating, networking, eventual volunteering, travel, and some other projects. We shall see. Socializing (virtually and social distancing) is not to be forgotten. I am realizing the significance of this even more so, during a pandemic.

I am putting together my seemingly unruly schedule. My head is connecting with the pillow even more. There is a lot to be done but I already notice the flexibility in my choices. Now, I choose to work diligently on my new goals, both work and non-work related. Cheers to yet another chapter on managing me and to you for coming along. Your time is always appreciated.

Time Well Spent

OCTOBER 31, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Image credit: bertvhul on Pixabay

…Cassandra Johnson has resigned her position with the association, her last day will be Monday, November 2.  We are sorry to see Cassandra depart the association, but wish her well! Thank you-

Above is how the announcement to my colleagues read.

The letter to my Director read:

…Thanks for our talk! It has been a pleasure getting to work with you and I appreciate all your support. I am going to take this time to continue focusing my time around traveling and volunteering. I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to meet so many dynamic and committed people, both as members and as colleagues and I will miss you and [the company]. I would like my last day to be November 2, 2020. I thank you for some very well-spent time.

The nervousness was intense as I went back and forth on the moment I knew this was right.

I am grateful I was able to step through the experience when in some ways, life remains seemingly easy when it is more predictable. Equally, I am also truly grateful for the opportunity to work at this last company for five years, This is not to say work was simply easy, but there have been plenty of nice times with plenty of cool people.

Following an even lengthier time of working away in various offices, I am surprised at how I no longer seem to be as nervous as guessed I would be upon leaving. Opening this next chapter feels more like a personal evolution.

Everyone is different and every soul requires something uniquely personal to grow. It could be inside an office or far from one.

I am interestingly satisfied and hungry at the same time. There is no blueprint because none of our paths can be exactly the same. I have no one to follow exactly. Still I am seeing how excitement overtakes the nerves and I am sensing the possibilities in being even more myself. Now it is a week from yesterday (updated) that will be my last one at work and changing careers for me has become more unorthodox than ever. Still I have my fellow travelers like many of you and nomads alike who inspire me and let me know what is possible. More to come. More to grow. Thank you for your time spent with me.

This Is It

OCTOBER 20, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

This is what I have most likely concluded: I am just about two weeks away from walking away and stepping into my new uncertain schedule. I am excited and deeply nervous. Notice the two weeks or rather the two-week notice.

Will I work? I would say I am interestingly unprepared because I have very little lined up for stability aside from some very interesting prospects which I developed on my side hustling detours.

My calculation: Being nomadic with one or two home bases. That is ideal.

One note about the objective: I have already learned a lot about myself and my process when it comes to working for myself. It is both encouraging and scary.

The question is how will I sharpen my skills and finally turn into the leisure traveler and volunteer, who has big plans but a fairly open agenda.

Nothing is written in stone. Thank goodness. Will I be back to an orthodox life? I hope not. My goal may change, and I welcome new knowledge. My goal may become a variation on a theme.

Okay, but truly how vague is this blog entry going to get? 😊 You know the key elements: freelancing, nomadic, traveling-when-it-is-safe-to-do-so, and a pending notice to give up my current work life as I have known it. I am so accustomed to working a certain way, I sense life will be odd, yet I cannot ignore a growing excitement.

Right now, I also have my eye out for the gigs which are most supportive of me, as my true self, as my new lifestyle is growing. I need the support of all things less draining and which actually fill me with energy. I can tell the difference. This drive compels me, and I feel less washed out. I feel like I can work longer or like I do not always need to work so hard, and rest comes much more naturally. These days it sometimes just feels like exhaustion and I suspect that to be more so from the mental gymnastics.

For now, this is it. I laid out a lot in my related posts below but just as much as I do not know the details of what is next, I am leaving this open.

– except to say thanks to you.

Your time is always appreciated.

*image: Canva designed + Cassandra written

Almost

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Time to appreciate where I am now and where I am heading. This weekend, I get to experiment.

Since I have been inundated with work, spilling into the weekends, I am taking this weekend back for me, and not in a traditional way. I aim to be working harder, which is not always tempting when there is finally time for rest. I have got some freelancing to do and I am encouraged to focus on this for a while.

I simply must answer to me but in a way much less like myself as the worker bee with little flexibility. The preparation is for a steady transition. I understand steady may not happen. Mainly, I get to enjoy my work and share more of it as well.

I get to do this and plan for my next trip. With my vision aimed towards more travel and community, I am now looking at Helping Hands in Puerto Rico or a similar organization. Perhaps almost exactly one anniversary away from the time I volunteered with IVHQ will be the perfect timing. I was recently reminded by the posts of a temporary roommate and co-volunteer I met there. The various comments and his vivid pictures remind me. Our objectives seem similar. We wish to keep seeing the world, being of some service and enjoying the life we have to share.

*Pixabay images

Adding Up

SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

Organizing for work on Saturday reminded me I can do more of this for myself at home. Streamlining my day was first on my agenda on Monday, my first true workday after a weekend.

Some tasks are excessive, I am realizing. I need to unravel them. I may just be used to extra challenges in a so called “hard working day” when the struggle is not always so necessary. The words are red tape, endless paperwork, and protocol to name a few.

The overanalysis and fear of outcomes can take a step back as well.  I desire so much for all of us to be okay, but the control I have is mainly with me. There has been a rewarding shift towards my own passions and creativity, such as translating and writing. Traveling is to be continued soon hopefully😊. Looking forward to meeting more of the world and sharing it accordingly.

continues tomorrow: