STARTING OVER 🎬

IN A WORLD THAT OFTEN MAKES NO SENSE...

I recently read an article on Substack that resonated so deeply that it almost made me cry. And let’s be real — when an Enneagram 2 cries, it’s either a very profound moment or someone just told them they’re “too much.” Spoiler: We’re not.

I didn't want a job

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So, here I am, asking for something that does not come naturally to me—help. But before we get there, let me take you on a little journey through the life of someone who has had more career changes than Madonna has reinventions. Buckle up, because it’s been a wild ride.

My adventurous CV - or: How to confuse German HR departments

I have had many jobs. Some I loved, some just paid the bills, and all of them contributed to my current, let’s call it, dynamic career path. I was solely responsible for my two children, so at times I took whatever work I could get.

But one thing remained constant: No matter where I worked, I always ended up coaching, guiding, and supporting people. It wasn’t the job title that mattered—it was the connection. Because, as an empath (which is both a gift and a curse), I thrive when I can help others. In case you missed it, I’m an Enneagram 2, aka the Considerate Helper or the Giver. Don’t believe me? Check out this handy little explainer:

ENNEAGRAM 2

The business that was and the self-promotion that wasn't

At some point, I decided to turn my passion into a profession. And let me tell you — I’m damn good at what I do. What I’m not good at? Marketing myself. Promoting my business. Talking about myself without cringing.

I have never been on great terms with social media, I still struggle with AI, and I used to feel almost ashamed of charging money for something that feels so natural to me. And yet, before COVID, my coaching business was thriving. I had clients, purpose, and a wonderful sense of fulfillment.

Then came the lockdowns. Businesses collapsed. People panicked. And suddenly, coaching felt like a luxury no one wanted to afford.

The “generosity experiment” aka: what not to do

In an effort to stay busy and keep my skills sharp, I started working pro bono during that period of time. All I asked in return was a simple review or a recommendation. That’s it. You would think it to be simple, right?

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So wrong.

Not one review. Not one referral. Nothing.

Turns out, when something is free, people really don’t value it. And let me tell you, that realisation was very painful. Cue the downward spiral of self-doubt: Maybe I’m not as good as I thought? Maybe my past successes were just flukes? Maybe I should just give up and get a “real job”?

Fun fact: In Germany, when you have a CV as “colorful” as mine, are at my age, finding a “real job” is about as easy as teaching a cat to fetch. Trust me, I’ve tried both.

The lightbulb moment or: why I’m asking for help

Then, I read Aimie’s article, and something clicked. I realised I had been playing small, doubting myself, and letting fear dictate my future. That had to stop. Now!

And here’s the truth: Asking for help isn’t weakness. It’s actually an act of strength. So, here I am, reaching out to you, my wonderful network of kind, intelligent, and (hopefully) well-connected humans.

I am rebuilding my coaching business. I am stepping into my purpose again. And I need your help to do it.

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Here’s how you can support me:

1. Spread the Word – Know someone who could use a coach? Send them my way!

2. Leave a Review – If you’ve worked with me before, a few kind words would mean the world.

3. Recommend Me – If you believe in what I do, tell others about it.

4. Moral Support – A high-five, a pep talk, or just a “You got this!” goes a long way.

5. Invite Me to Speak – If you know of events, podcasts, or workshops that align with my expertise, I’d love to share my insights.

6. Need more Information – If you would like to know more about me and what I do, don‘t be shy and reach out.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Truly. I am stepping into my power again, and this time, I’m doing it without apology.

Let’s do this. Together. And if all else fails, at least we’ll have one heck of a story to tell.

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🎶My Song for you

I chose a song that is so unbelievably beautiful and Emma Kok’s angelic voice will move you to tears. The lyrics of this song are stunning and fit this post perfectly. Enjoy Voilà…

For more good music, go to this Spotify playlist where you can find all the songs from the Change & Evolve Letters!

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📚My Poem for you

Is by John Donne (1572-1631)

The Good-Morrow

I wonder, by my troth, what thou and I
Did, till we loved? Were we not weaned till then?
But sucked on country pleasures, childishly?
Or snorted we in the Seven Sleepers’ den?
’Twas so; but this, all pleasures fancies be.
If ever any beauty I did see,
Which I desired, and got, ’twas but a dream of thee.

And now good-morrow to our waking souls,
Which watch not one another out of fear;
For love, all love of other sights controls,
And makes one little room an everywhere.
Let sea-discoverers to new worlds have gone,
Let maps to other, worlds on worlds have shown,
Let us possess one world, each hath one, and is one.

My face in thine eye, thine in mine appears,
And true plain hearts do in the faces rest;
Where can we find two better hemispheres,
Without sharp north, without declining west?
Whatever dies, was not mixed equally;
If our two loves be one, or, thou and I
Love so alike, that none do slacken, none can die.

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👀Impression

To new beginnings…

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Thank you again and wishing you an amazing weekend wherever you are.

Yours

Tanja 🤗

PS. You can now also find my podcast on Spotify

Change & Evolve and feel free to get in touch