RTDM: Julie Landman
Julie Landman,
Senior Technical Writer
Amstelveen, Netherlands
We want to get to know you! Briefly tell us about yourself: Where you came from, where you've been and how you're living your dream?
I grew up in a smallish town in NC, and lived most of my adult life in Charlotte. I always imagined that I'd eventually move out of NC, but for various reasons it never happened, that is until about a year and a half ago. At that time, I made a big move across the pond to Amsterdam, technically just outside of Amsterdam. I am thrilled to be living in a beautiful country that is rich in culture and history, and is situated perfectly for travel throughout Europe and beyond.
How do you define success?
That's a tough one, and probably had changed over time. I'm not sure I even think of it as something that you achieve, rather a process. Generally, for me success is simply enjoying doing what I'm doing (not that it is all fun) and feeling that I'm doing good work. Also, it's nice to make enough $$$ to do the things that I want to do, like travelling, time with friends, etc.
What did it take to make your dream happen and when did you know you had arrived?
My dream...hmmm. Well, I've had some dreams that never happened fully, but time working towards them made me who I am today. My recent move to Europe was definitely a dream I once had and pretty much had forgotten, but never completely put away, and sure enough, that one happened by keeping open to options, even scary ones. I have other dreams still percolating, not a single big dream, but various ones. Arrived? Not sure this dreamer will ever arrive. :)
What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!
Ugh, I'm terrible at this. I've had a number of major accomplishments in work and school before that, but thinking about what I'm really, really proud of, hmmm. I think it's nothing related to my career, actually, but rather accomplishments I have in my "second life" working in the arts. Each project was different and challenging and really hard, but with such excitement and reward to see a show come together.
What was your biggest obstacle/fear and what was your turning point?
Probably a lack of confidence and rather significant performance anxiety. For all my accomplishments, this has plagued me, and sometimes it still creeps back. My turning point was simply being sick and tired of feeling that way and seeking professional help. It was not a fast "turning point" though, but rather a slow wrestling match to conquer my insecurities. Also, getting older helps. The older I get, the more I say F*** it.
What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?
Don't take yourself so seriously. Lighten up. Also, live each day as best you can and take nothing for granted. Time on this earth is uncertain.
How do you stay motivated and purposeful when you feel overwhelmed?
Hmmm. I try to keep myself focused, as this is particularly when I'd become scattered.
Tell us a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise or served you in a surprising way.
Well, getting laid off two years ago after a 14 year period with the same company was rather disheartening, and downright painful because I'd put so much of myself into that job. Even though it was due to company reorg and not performance, it is still a hit to your confidence. This was, however, a needed incentive to move on from a company that was toxic, and to reanalyze my priorities. It's resulted in my looking for international opportunities and my landing a job here in Amsterdam. Yay!
What's the smartest investment you’ve made for yourself?
Some might think this is not an investment, but I think the money I've spent travelling has been vital to my personal growth.
What’s MOST important to you right now?
Hard question. I suppose ensuing a secure, happy, and comfortable life for myself here in my new country for the long term.
What have you learned to say no to?
This is still a challenge. :) I'm getting better and not doing social things that I really don't want to do just out of obligation.
