DEAR HARRIETTE: I have worked for eight years in TV and film, an industry that I love, but it is unstable.
I am currently employed and thankfully have never experienced being laid off.
I’ve done a lot of freelance work, so I know what it feels like for a project to end, but honestly, I have always been lucky enough to be offered new work pretty steadily at the end of projects I’ve worked on.
As of late, though, I see how much the industry is changing and how many strikes and layoffs are happening, and I have developed crippling anxiety.
Even though I currently love the role I’m in and it is full-time (not short-term), I find myself always worrying about the what-ifs of my industry and my future. It is emotionally chaotic and keeps me from being able to focus, and it pushes me into negative thought patterns.
How do I keep myself from worrying about what’s to come?
— Instability
DEAR INSTABILITY: Start by practicing gratitude every day. When you wake up, be thankful for the work and life that you have, and focus on giving it your all.
Approach each day anew. Look at the tasks ahead. Think about how you can make yourself invaluable as you go about your day. Be a positive and thoughtful team member and problem solver whenever possible.
Also, be practical. Given that you work in a volatile industry that has suffered many blows in recent years, it is wise to be prepared. Save as much money as you possibly can. Do your best to create a nest egg of at least six months’ worth of your expenses. In this way, you will be capable of taking care of yourself should you lose your job.
Look around to see what opportunities exist outside of your company as well, just so you are aware of what could be there for you if you need it.
DEAR HARRIETTE: In response to “He Snores,” the person whose new partner snored like crazy, I snored also.
My wife pretty much ignored it until I had a TIA (mini-stroke). Her cardiologist came by for a visit and, after a couple of questions, said I probably had sleep apnea. Boy, was he correct.
After a sleep study, it was found that I was waking 53 times an hour, on average. That’s chronic sleep apnea.
I was put on a CPAP machine, and the first night I went from waking 53 times an hour to three. I couldn’t remember the last time I had such a good night’s sleep.
Tell “He Snores” to get their friend to the sleep doctor. It could well save his life. That TIA I had could have been a major stroke attributed to chronic sleep apnea.
— Life Saver
DEAR LIFE SAVER: Thank you for sharing your experience. You are right: Sleep apnea affects millions of people, and there are healthy solutions for people with this challenge.
The CPAP machine has been a game-changer for some. There is also an implant that has been successful for others.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.