Hello and happy Friday to everyone but Elon Musk. How’s your week been? I’ve been distracting myself from the chaos of Q4 with holiday #content (scroll down for a rec but also please reply to this email and tell me your favorite corny holiday movies). Nothing says “holiday spirit” like a broken engagement, a city girl back in her small town, and a struggling Christmas tree farm…or maybe I just like knowing how every holiday movie is going to end?

Anyway, you guys have been sending in some really great questions that definitely, totally, 100% aren’t making me question all of my decisions as well, so thank you for that. But seriously, truly happy to help. 

Let’s hear ‘em.

—Rod

 question 
I have been in corporate America for nearly 10 years and I think I’ve finally hit my wall. I don’t want to be a part of the BS anymore and I’m tired of hating my life. I stayed for the money and it took my mental health. Thoughts on how to get out of this hole or at least…advice on what to do next? —Nora

 answer
First things first, I’m sorry you’re feeling this way—but trust me when I tell you that you are not alone.

In fact, only about 20% of Americans are truly passionate about their careers. To quote Cyrus Rose, a perpetually underrated Gossip Girl favorite:

But I know some hyperlinked statistics and me saying this doesn't just magically take away the fact that you’re pretty miserable right now. 

I can’t tell you to quit your job because, well, how else is your friend’s sister’s cousin supposed to watch Netflix if you can’t pay for your account? But what I can say is this: While we all need money to pay the bills and meet our basic needs, no salary is worth sacrificing your mental health for. 

So here’s how to prioritize it.

• Think about what brings you joy outside of work. Invest in those things that bring you happiness, no matter what they are. Because you never know! They just may spark a new passion that could very well lead you toward a new (and more fulfilling) career path. If I’ve learned anything from the career pivot that led to this literal newsletter, it’s that exploring the things you thoroughly enjoy doing is a hundy p worth it, every time.

• Another idea: Do you feel comfortable sharing these feelings with your manager? If so, this may be a good time to let them know how you feel—not great, Bob. They may be able to offer minor adjustments that make your position more bearable while you figure out your next move. 

• And for crying out loud (...which is also a legitimate response in this scenario), take a mental health day and go do something to take care of yourself. You deserve it.

 question 
I have a couple years of work under my belt…so now that I am dusting off my résumé to find my next wonderful gig, I keep hearing that I am either not getting a call back because I’m overqualified for the "safety" jobs I applied to…or under-qualified for the next title in my career progression. Where do the mid-career girlies hang? —Claudia

 answer 
Ah, so this is like the professional version of the holiday kid’s table—too old to eat dino nuggets instead of prime rib, but not old enough to sit next to Aunt Susan and talk about the election…got it. I think this is more of an opportunity for you than it is a hurdle.

My reasoning: Once upon a time, I had a managerial sales job in the fitness industry. I ran into this very issue when I decided it was time for another role—so I left my mid-level sales job for an entry-level position at another company. Why? I ended up making more money and felt more fulfilled in the role I was overqualified for, even though I wasn’t necessarily at a managerial level anymore. 

The corporate world teaches us that we need to climb that “ladder” forever, when in reality, it’s more than okay to sit still or move laterally or even take what some might consider a “step down.” Every company is different, and that includes job titles and salaries. Just because you’re not getting a “more serious” title in a new job doesn’t mean you’ll be making less money or that you won’t be challenged and satisfied with the role.

When it comes down to it, job titles are just words that make people sound way more important and cool than they actually are. I mean, one day, Elizabeth Holmes was the CEO of a life-changing therapeutics company, and the next, she’s serving 11 years for “massive fraud.”

Turn off that pressure you have on yourself to land a job with a more senior position, and focus instead on what you want in your next gig. You may be surprised by what's out there! 

And one last thing? If you feel underqualified for a job, always always apply for it anyway. The worst they can say is “no,” and the best they can say may totally alter your career path. 

Got a Q for me to A? Submit yours here.

Things to Slack your work besties

…while you shop in incognito windows during the virtual all-hands this week (if you need gift ideas I have your back)

“Velma is a bit of an oddball. She can overthink and obsess about things, is socially awkward, self-conscious and always losing her glasses.” K…same, but anyway. This THR piece details how Velma, arguably Scooby-Doo’s best character, has unapologetically evolved throughout time, including in Mindy Kaling’s upcoming adult animated comedy series.

Lindsay Lohan’s new commercial mixing milk with Pepsi (AKA a dirty soda???) has shaken me to my core and left me with a lot of questions. With the most important one being…is it maybe good? And the second most important one being…is this the Lohanaissance we were promised? Please reply to this email with your thoughts.

Christmas With The Campbells is the cringey-good, raunchy, completely unnecessary holiday rom-com (produced by Vince Vaughn) we all need this season. It stars Brittany Snow and Justin Long, whose names are like siren songs for people whose favorite movie came out in 2004.

Okay, that’s a wrap on today! We’ll see you back here Monday, where I’ll expertly convince you to take a sick day.

IDK WHAT DO I KNOW?! LMAO!

—Rod