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A Personal Journey: Overcoming Setbacks with Grace and Grit
Life, as they say, is full of ups and downs. As someone recently faced with the challenge of being laid off, I understand the sting of unexpected setbacks. But in the whirlwind of uncertainty, I’m leaning fully into online authenticity, which for me means being transparent about my experiences and emotions. I’ve gathered some personal insights on bouncing back and overcoming setbacks, which I’d love to share with you. Embrace Vulnerability One of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned is the power of vulnerability. It was incredibly tough to admit my layoff’s emotional and professional toll. However, embracing vulnerability has not only allowed me to acknowledge my feelings but also…
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How Humor at Work Enhances Professional Relationships
Sometimes I wonder if I missed my calling as a stand-up comic. Okay, maybe I’m not quite that funny, but I think I’m pretty clever. Witty, snarky, facetious… call it what you will, but I have a knack for making people laugh. I mean, if I can get a smirk or even a suppressed giggle out of my angsty teenagers on a regular basis, I think we can consider this proven fact. My relationship with humor has not only helped with raising kids and in my personal life, but it’s an integral part of forming relationships with my clients. And no, adding some levity does not detract from your professionalism.…
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How to Find a Third Place When You Work From Home
I recently wrote about the concept of a “third place,” which is a space that helps you transition from work to home. But what happens when you work from home? Sometimes, it isn’t feasible to leave your house, travel to a third place, and then come back home. So unlike traditional office workers who have clear physical separation from work, home-based professionals must create this separation mentally and physically within their living space. The Challenge of Working from Home The primary challenge of working from home is the tendency for work to infiltrate every corner of your life. Without the physical commute and change of environment, distinguishing between “work time”…
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What Is a Third Place and How to Find the Right One
In the relentless pursuit of work-life balance, we often juggle the demands of our professional and personal lives, striving to excel in both realms. Amid this balancing act, the concept of a “third place” emerges. It is a vital yet frequently overlooked sanctuary that can significantly enhance our overall quality of life. So, What Is a Third Place? A third place is neither your workplace nor your home. It’s a unique space where you can relax, engage in hobbies, or simply be yourself. Here, you are free from the pressures of work and domestic responsibilities. This concept, originating from sociologist Ray Oldenburg, highlights the importance of communal spaces outside of…
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Work-Life Balance: 12 Tips to Find Harmony
I know first-hand how maintaining a healthy work-life balance can seem like a juggling act that often ends with lots of balls on the floor. With the lines between office and home increasingly blurred, especially when you consider remote working, it’s crucial to establish boundaries that allow for productivity, personal growth, and relaxation. Let’s dive into some practical work-life balance tips to help you find that sweet spot between your professional and personal life. 1. Prioritize Your Time Time is the currency of life. To achieve a work-life balance, start by identifying what’s most important to you. Create a list of your top priorities, both at work and home, and…
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How to Be Authentic Online: Tips for Blending Personal and Professional
Here’s a topic that’s as relevant as ever in our hyper-connected world: authenticity. Specifically, we’re going to explore how to be authentic online and why blending your personal and professional life can be the secret sauce to presenting yourself in a genuine way online. Let’s start with a simple truth: people connect with people, not with brands or personas. In the era of social media, where everyone and everything seems curated to perfection, being genuine can feel like a breath of fresh air. Think about it – when you stumble upon someone’s blog, Instagram feed, or LinkedIn profile that feels real, relatable, and human, don’t you feel a sense of…