Mysticism - Yes, It's Marketable

 Burning bridges is usually viewed through the lens of self-defeating behavior.

No surprise, in the Bloomberg article by Sarah Green Carmichael on how to manage a rescinded-offer catastrophe, there is a warning not to burn bridges. That would be in the form of negative postings on social networks.

That's the traditional career guidance. Like most conventional advice, it is highly flawed.

In 2007, those who approached careers with absolute strictures assessed associate Aaron Charney as committing career suicide. That was by suing his law firm Sullivan & Cromwell for alleged bias about sexual orientation. There was no career suicide. S&C settled with Charney. After that he purchased a condo (more expensive than a coop) in Manhattan so we might assume it was a good deal for him. In addition, he landed another prestigious job in law. 

In 2008, Paul Hastings associate Shinyung Oh has been fired. Explaining that she didn't want to exit on a stealth basis with her tail between her legs, she emailed the whole firm, telling her side of the story. Obviously that made her feel okay enough about herself to try out other solid career paths. Today, as her LinkedIn Profile notes, she is a marriage and family therapist and a lecturer at San Diego State University.

In my intuitive career coaching, it is typical for those who are forced out of Big Law to lose a piece of themselves. Together we focus on replacing that with a new professional identity. Oh seems to have skipped that interim step. She departed Big Law whole.

It was in 2008 current Paul Weiss chairperson Brad Karp began leading that law firm. He initiated the transition from the firm's being primarily a litigation powerhouse for Wall Street to one that also would be providing comprehensive transactional law services. Here's how all that looks today.

That reset could have been perceived as burning bridges in brand identity. Yet, in this volatile market with declining demand in a number of practices, such diversification is what can keep a law firm not only surviving but growing. Karp has also emerged as thought leader in how law firms remain on growth trajectories. Bloomberg Law features his observations.

Recently, I was warned that I was burning bridges by introducing through social media and on social networks my Tarot reading service. The Genova communications brand would be destroyed, so "they" said. Tsk Tsk. 

The Tarot stayed. It is now an add-on for the career coaching I have been doing since the employment crash in 2009. (Yes, I have lectured at the New York State Bar Association on career transitions.)

As a result of putting this tool for self-awareness and more out there (In April 2021, The New York Times saluted the Tarot) an established entrepreneur contacted me. It was related to ghostwriting at least two books, each of which requires a background in mysticism. A verbal offer was made and accepted yesterday afternoon. Now I await the contract, NDA, and down payment.

What counts, though, is the confirmation that I am on the right track in promoting my understanding of the Tarot. The books' ghostwriting assignments coming through would be great but not what I really need right now in managing the Tarot startup. I wonder how many more bridges I will have to burn.

Recall also that the late Steve Jobs had burned myriad bridges. 

Purpose-driven intuitive career coaching, including Tarot Readings. For more information or a complimentary consultation, please contact janegenova374@gmail.com or text 203-468-8579. Website: https://janegenovaintuitivecareercoaching.blogspot.com/