After the Junction: Benjamin Miller on Reinvention, Identity & What Comes Next

The post-podcast Q&A following Episode 1 of Ticking Junction, “Opportunity Knocked. The Hunky Neighbor Said Yes.”

Jen: Before recording, was there anything you were unsure about sharing?

Ben: Before recording, I was working a catering event and was more focused on making it home on time to record. Perhaps that's better! I didn't overthink my narrative. 

Jen: After having this conversation, did you realise anything about your own journey that you hadn't connected before?

Ben: I feel like I'm on the edge of a Ticking Junction now. I've been making even more content recently, and doing social media work in a challenge (in a good way). I've been thinking about what an "ideal day" looks like for me, and I find myself leaning more into social media, marketing, and building content. 

I've questioned, how much do I need to make each month to make this a "full-time gig." 

Jen: I described your story as someone who keeps saying "yes" to opportunities. Do you see yourself that way?

Ben: I do! I think that's a great framework for my life. 

I believe that our experiences shape us, and through those experiences you can learn what works and doesn't work for you.

Jen: Was there a moment in our conversation that surprised you or made you stop and think?

Ben: Oh, I think our conversation has made me think about how we hold onto identities that might be part of an older version of ourselves. As we embark on new projects, can we shed identities to make room for new ones? 

I think our conversation has made me realize that I really enjoy trying things, and that I'll always be a person that dabbles in ventures. 

Jen: You spoke about rejection, reinvention and confidence. Which of those themes feels most relevant to your life right now?

Ben: Reinvention.

I think you need to embark on your various quests with confidence and being okay with rejection. However, right now I think I'm in the middle of reinventing myself, my career, and considering how I want to approach my 40s and 50s. 

Jen: What do you hope listeners take away from your episode?

Ben: I hope I inspire listeners to take action toward their goals. It's magical to see the way that life unfolds, and you have to trust the journey! 

Small actions can lead to big changes! 

Jen: If someone is currently standing at their own Ticking Junction, what do you hope your story gives them? Not advice, but reassurance or perspective.

Ben: My reflection here is that people cannot adequately predict how their lives will change when they embark on a new venture. You just have to show up each day and see how it unfolds.

For me, it's posting content each day and seeing where the journey takes me. 

Jen: Was there anything you wish we'd had more time to explore?

Ben: I feel like we could have talked for hours, and I do think there's so many aspects to identity that we could have explored. 

I was teaching a Communication course today and we were discussing the concept of identity.
The entire experience that I've been on with social media has changed how I discuss myself and how I talk about my work. For example, I won't tolerate someone talking negatively about my video or a project I'm working on. Sure, think social media is "a waste of time," but you're not going to say that to me and have me sit there. 

Jen: Looking back now, which of your many "yes" moments feels most significant, even though it didn't seem that way at the time?

Ben: This is such a hard question because I believe that everything had to unfold the way it did for me to be this version of myself. 

I think the most significant "yes" is right now. Continuing to show up each day and work toward goals. Even typing this now, I feel like I'm saying to myself, "Yes, you belong here. You are worthy of continuing this journey online." 

Jen: What's the next "yes" you're excited to say to?

Ben: I will always say "yes" to Mexican food! 

But on a serious note, I've really started to enjoy making videos each day and I think a great opportunity could be on the horizon. When that "yes" happens, I'll make sure to follow-up. 

Haven’t heard Benjamin’s full story? Watch or listen to Episode 1 of Ticking Junction: Opportunity Knocked. The Hunky Neighbor Said Yes. on Spotify or Youtube Now :)

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Connect with Guest: Ben/ Hunky Neighbor Socials Tiktok/Instagram/Youtube: @hunkyneighbor Facebook/Linkedin: @theBenjaminMiller Businesses Jamaican B n B: ⁠airbnb.com/h/coral-cottage-jamaica⁠ Textbook Company: ⁠https://thechampionpress.com