THE SABBATICAL BREAKER, TIME OFF DESTROYER
Added 2023-09-20 19:19:43 +0000 UTCOk listen folks, are you listening? Just let me speak, ok? Just.... alright. I know I'm supposed to be on sabbatical. I KNOW! Don't you think I know? It's just...you have to understand. Something came up. Something that filled my soul with fierce joy and myne eyes with fyre. And that is, of course, the Federal Trade Commission's hearing on edits to the longstanding Funeral Rule.
If you care about why funerals are so wildly expensive, especially in the United States, then this ruling and potential changes are going to be huge.
As a matter of fact, after you watch the video, please click right here can make your voice heard as a consumer: https://www.regulations.gov/document/FTC-2023-0034-0001
So what does this mean for my sabbatical? Well, honestly I think it's good news. I can't say that I'm 100% happy to be working again so soon ... it sort of doesn't feel like sabbatical [ed. note– girl, it's NOT a sabbatical]. But- it did feel like an amazing proof of concept.
Here's why: this project with the FTC– it was essentially all I was working on. The last time I can remember one single passion/advocacy project being "all I was working on" was....probably my first book in 2012. Twenty TWELVE, my friends.
Since that time I've always had 3-5 large projects going at once, plus a whole lotta small things (dozens of emails, speaking engagements, interviews, funeral home financials, I could make this list forever.) I'm not complaining!– I get this is what work looks like in the 21st century. I'm wildly lucky I get to make these choices on my own terms.
But, if I can make choices on my terms, that means I can make the hard choice to say "No!" to so much of the small stuff, and put my whole wittle black heart and soul into projects that I am fully immersed in. I hope the full passion I feel for this sabbatical breaking project came across in the final video, and in the efforts we have going behind the scenes.
For now, back into the sabbatical swamp I go!
I mean it!
xoxo
Caitlin
Comments
I appreciate your work with the FTC. I may be wrong but prior to the 1970s funeral directors were viewed on the same level as used car salesmen but I feel that most are not as bad as they once were. Good work
Claire Dimler-Smith
2024-05-14 02:04:52 +0000 UTCMy grandfather that raised me died a month ago. He was adamant about his wishes of no obit, no service, straight up cremation and I was to pick up his cremations and march them straight to the nearest dumpster for disposal. He relented on that point. I made arrangements and when the time came I was able to articulate the issues about transparency that I had with the services that I’d received… because of you and your wealth of shared knowledge. I ended up getting a bit of my payment refunded as a result. So, thank you! Also, my grandfathers marker will say, “Here does not lie Roger.” Figured you’d appreciate that.
nakiea
2024-05-01 14:48:30 +0000 UTCHi Caitin, i bought all your books years ago and watched your youtube like crazy. Im not a weird fan though. I find you intellectually stimulating. I just discovered this patreon. Do you do one on one conversations for paying clients? I will try to figure out how to email you too. I hope i can pay for your time over the phone please. Im 54 and i had video chats but will do if its the only option. Id rather just a phone call or facebook audio call. I live in usa central standard time and im a night owl
Katherine Green
2023-10-25 01:28:54 +0000 UTCWow. it was incredibly frustrating watching the panel on online price disclosure during the FTC workshop as the panelists consisted of 5 funeral service lobbyists and one, single person actually speaking on behalf of consumers. And their arguments were ludicrous: "Small business can't afford websites!", "Offering pricing is insensitive to grieving customers!", "Price lists lack needed context!", "Our pricing is too complex for a normal person to navigate!", "No one even asked for prices!" If the FTC can't see through this, I call that pure corruption.
2023-09-25 22:25:58 +0000 UTC🧡
Tangerine 15
2023-09-25 15:36:44 +0000 UTCI was just about to say this same thing, until I looked up at your comment. Great minds think alike!
Julia Smith
2023-09-21 18:23:36 +0000 UTCWe hold hospitals to this transparency standard when death is merely possible. We should hold funeral homes to this standard. Thank you for sharing. I have commented and shared with others I know that have recently faced this issue personally.
2023-09-21 18:20:07 +0000 UTCDone
Laura
2023-09-21 15:03:13 +0000 UTC
