Did you know I was fired once? I totally was. And, when it happened, I was devastated. We’ll talk more about that in another post. This isn’t about my termination (although the title kind of says it, though, doesn’t? Umm… yikes.)
No, this is about a dear friend, “Tina” Valentina Janek, who wrote an incredible Book, “From Fired to Freedom: How Life after the Big, Bad Boot gave me Wings”
Valentina Janek has had a variety of corporate, community, human resources, recruiting,and consulting positions in the field of financial marketing, media-public relations, publishing, technology, human resources, fundraising and event management. Currently, Ms Janek works as a Marketing Guru Consultant, Career Coach, and a Mid Life Advocate. So, how did this amazing human ever get fired?
See? See what you just assumed? If someone was terminated, they were deficient. There are A GAGILLION reasons someone can and will be terminated and it doesn’t always have to do with performance. There are so many sciences and arts involved with personnel.
And, what happens when you are fired?
You feel:
- hurt
- distraught
- useless
- a loss of identity
Amongst so many other feelings. Well, Janek’s book hopes to normalize the termination story.
This book is a compilation of inspirational, engaging, and even funny stories from people who have received the proverbial “pink slip” and come out alive on the other side, better and brighter for it. Readers will see themselves and their struggles through the stories of others and know that their own journey – chaotic though it may be – can have the same positive results.
Valentina said she hopes that through her book and her personal experiences, she can bring more awareness to middle-aged people who are looking for jobs.
“You’re not alone, which is how you feel when you lose a job,” she said. “The worst things in life are a job loss, personal loss and moving.”
– Valentina Janek
Previously, Janek spent two years at the County of Nassau Housing Unit developing the Employment Assistance Resource Network. Previously, she worked as a marketing maven in the financial industry. Prior to the financial world, Valentina worked as the Administrative Operations Manager at CMP Media which has always been considered her dream job during her career. Prior to CMP, Valentina worked in corporate management at Compaq Computer-Hewlett Packard. Her career spans over decades starting with Vernitron Corporation, as a representative for investor relations.
Valentina Janek is also the President & Founder of the Long Island Breakfast Club, an organization providing referrals for small, medium, and large business owners, positivity, advocacy, support, career counseling for middle income mid life jobseekers, business networking, social preneuring, and advocacy and tips for senior citizens. She also credits the time she spends with students attending high school and college her most enjoyable mentor hours teaching the roles of community service to all who want to make a difference, and plan for their future. I had the opportunity to hang with some of “her people” (meaning the folks she impacts) and let me tell you, I don’t know what she does for them… but they are ready to hand over their first born children to this woman! I think it’s that Long Island sass!
I’ve written about the self described socialpreneur networker, leader, media maven promoting paying it forward on Long Island at www.boldzine.com. As a member of The Sons of Italy Womens Division Lodge 2344A in Lynbrook, she continues to be a vibrant part of the community. Wow! And, I thought I did a lot!
Janek is frequently called upon with regard to her community outreach experience on Long Island. Janek was a featured guest on The Anderson Cooper Show on CNN Series, CBS News and several radio stations discussing the current turbulent times for professionals during their careers. She is frequently called upon for with regard to her work in community efforts which touch the lives of special individuals on Long Island, recently with Anderson Cooper’s Money & Main Street Focus, ABC Now, NBC, Channel 12 News, and The God Squad, Channel 29 and Jobline and Cablevision’s “Our Town” Series. And, as far as media goes, you can see her pretty awesome book release video below:
Valentina is sought out as a facilitator and inspirational speaker at schools, universities, community organizations and professional businesses.
Thank goodness for books like “From Fired to Freedom.” I’ll be honest, I wish I’d read it when I was terminated. It would have made that sting feel a little less sharp.