What is your strategy to recharge yourself professional after a tough or exhausting time?

Marcus Pimentel
CSMFO Communications Committee Chair

I bake.  My finance family knows that if they stress me out, they get fed really well.  It can range from a homemade, still hot Apple Pie, to a spicy chorizo egg & tater tot casserole, to a carnivore delight of BBQ Tri-Tip, Portuguese Linguica, with a Bacon & Asparagus dish.

How do you keep balanced during those times?

In the end, for me, I find balance best when I’m able to help others or get outside.  Certainly baking is an example, but so is stepping up my volunteer efforts or participating in a local blood drive.  Also, taking a walk on the beach with my beautiful Wife Laurie always brings me back to center and reminds me to appreciate the beauty that is all around us.

Margaret L. O’Brien, MBA, MA
SF East Bay Chapter Chair, Revenue & Tax Administrator, City of Oakland , Finance Department, Revenue Management Bureau

Swimming and kayaking. Lots of swimming and kayaking. I cannot recommend it enough.

How do you keep balanced during those times?

I have great support. My mortgage partner is in the “biz,” which makes him an excellent sounding board and resource. He helps keep me centered. I also have to close girlfriends who are also in the “biz”. We try to get together once a month for a long walk and a glass of wine. We tend to keep each other centered.