Friend... Let me say this gently but directly: if you’re still telling employers you're a “hard worker,” it’s time to retire that phrase. Not because it’s not true—but because everyone says that. Saying you're a hard worker is like saying water is wet. It's expected. It's assumed. And while I believe you are someone who gets the job done, you’ve got to find a better way to prove it—especially if you're actively job searching or looking for that next big step. Let’s break this down. ❌ Why...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Friend... If you’ve been told, “You need a mentor!” That’s only half the story. Mentors are helpful. They’ll give advice, offer feedback, and tell you about their journey.But if you’re serious about moving up, getting leadership opportunities, or being considered for high-visibility projects, you don’t just need advice. You need a sponsor, someone with influence who will speak your name when you're not in the room. The good news?You don’t have to awkwardly ask someone to "sponsor" you. You...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Friend... Most people don’t start looking for a new job until they’re desperate for one—and that’s a mistake. By the time you're applying out of necessity, you're already at a disadvantage: You feel pressured to take the first offer (even if it’s not ideal). You have less negotiating power. You’re competing with other “actively looking” candidates instead of being positioned as a sought-after hire. Let’s talk about why the smartest job seekers are always job hunting before they actually need...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Friend... Recently, a friend told me they were looking for a job. When I asked what they wanted to do, they said, “I’ll do anything.” I immediately told them, That’s the worst thing you can say. It’s basically like saying, “Give me the bottom of the barrel.” So I pushed back, "No, really—what do you WANT to do?" That’s when they started opening up, telling me how they ran a digital store where they designed and sold clothing with their own artwork. They were a digital artist. An author. A...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Friend... Last time, we talked about how emotions don’t just disappear when we ignore them... they wait. And when they finally demand attention, it’s usually at the worst possible time. This doesn’t just apply to personal emotions, it happens in our careers too. Have you ever been fired (or left a job under tough circumstances) and told yourself, That’s in the past, I don’t need to think about it anymore? But then, months later, when you’re in an interview and asked why you left that job, all...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Friend... Sometimes, we face tough decisions, and our instinct is to push our feelings aside. We tell ourselves we’ll deal with them later—when we have more time, when things aren’t as stressful, when we feel ready. But here’s the thing: if you don’t process your emotions, they don’t just disappear. They wait. And then, at the most random moment, they come crashing in. I used to tell my clients that avoiding emotions is like making them wait in line. They don’t leave. They just stand there,...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Friend... Do you ever feel like your schedule is out of control, and your to-do list never ends? I get it. That's why in the latest episode of the Work and Wellness Podcast, Bonnie and I dive into how to tackle being overbooked and overwhelmed—and yes, we’ve got some tips for actually fixing it! In this episode, we discuss how scheduling can be a form of self-care, why it’s important to make time for creative outlets (like sewing or decorating!), and how to build in buffer time and ask for...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Friend... You probably know me as someone who talks a lot about careers, networking, and job searching—but what you might not know is that, by day, I work to support young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. At THRU Project, I help former foster youth secure stable housing so they can work, go to school, and build the foundation they need for a successful future. The transition into adulthood is tough for anyone, but for youth leaving foster care without a safety net, it can...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Friend... Have you ever asked a simple question at work, only to have your manager or coworker react defensively—like you’ve just questioned their entire existence? Maybe you’ve been on the other side, feeling like every question is a subtle jab at your competence. This dynamic is more common than we talk about, and it often stems from past workplace trauma. If someone has spent years under manipulative leadership, where questions were used as traps or disguised critiques, they might struggle...
4 months ago • 1 min read