Practice makes better

True life: It’s time to set boundaries

January 13, 2023

Good morning friends! It’s Friday the 13th, which automatically ranks this Friday among the freakiest of the year. And as an avid lover of cinema, it also means I will respond in my head to every Slack I get today with one of these three lines from the 2003 masterpiece Freaky Friday:

  • “Could you, like, chill for a sec?”

  • “I’m like the Crypt-Keeper!”

  • “What do you want, punk?”

It’s question time. Let’s go! Oh and if you want a soundtrack for reading today's Q&A, might I suggest "Take Me Away" from Freaky Friday—3 minutes and 36 seconds of unparalleled musical bliss.

—Rod

30, Flirty, and Conniving

 question 
My coworker and I have the same exact job, and while I’m pretty content with where I am currently, they are dead set on getting promoted ASAP. They’ve started trying to manage me and act like they’re my boss. My manager isn't stepping in at all. Any advice on how to deal with this?—G.

 answer 
Whoever came up with the idea that people should work outside of their job description to prove they deserve a promotion…

I hope none of your Freaky Friday references land in conversation today.

Now, let’s talk about you: You took this job because you were ready and willing to do what would be asked of you (within reason). Elon Musk hasn't invented the tech for me to reach through your iPhone and talk to you coworker, so let's focus on what you can do here:

1. Talk to your coworker. If you’re on good terms, let them know that their decision to cosplay as Tom-Tom/Lucy from 13 Going on 30 (maybe don’t say it that way) is harshing the vibe of your coworking relationship. You could tell them you’re excited for them to level up in their career, but you’d prefer to be just your boss’s direct report and their work friend.

2. Check in with your manager. They’re the only person who should be delegating and managing your workload. And maybe they have no idea what’s going on over in your cubicle island—clue ’em in diplomatically. Let your manager know that you’re being managed differently than you expected, and if it’s hampering your ability to get your job done, don’t be afraid to say so.

Merriam-Rodster’s word of the year for 2023 has already been chosen: boundaries. Communicating them clearly and regularly to your manager (your actual manager) sets you both up for success.

We’re Talking About Practice!

APPLE TV+

 question 
Any advice on getting back on your feet after a job transition? I recently left my corporate job of six years because it was toxic and not beneficial for my mental health. I am taking some time to myself to re-group (or have a mid-life crisis—can't decide), but where do I even start when I am ready to jump back into the workforce? Burnout is real and while I am happy to not be at that job anymore, I am feeling a little lost.—E.

 answer 
First things first, proud of you for choosing your own mental health over a job. 🫶

Now I want you to wake up every morning and remind yourself that no one has it as figured out as we think they do. Feeling lost is normal.

Take some time to treat yourself and press that reset button. Maybe you start journaling or maybe you watch all five Twilight movies in one sitting. Do what you need to do.

And when you’re ready to get back into the workforce? Practice. Practice. Practice.

Six job years is like 43 human years, so you might not be in perfect shape for all the “tell me about your problem-solving style” questions you’re about to get. Time to practice interviewing as much as possible.

  • Ask your neighbor or masseuse or nail tech to throw some interview questions your way.

  • Practice storytelling your résumé in the mirror.

  • And most importantly? Take a job interview even if you know it’s not the perfect position for you. You can sharpen your skills and figure out what you want without the pressure of chasing that dream LinkedIn update.

While I did almost get “perfection is the enemy of progress” tattooed on my rib cage one time, I also believe this: The more you interview, the better you’ll get at talking about what you can offer a company—and what they can offer you.

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

Things to Slack your work besties

…as you get your steps in on your under-desk treadmill.

In a major plot twist, turns out it’s Gen Z that’s lacking soft skills? And not their generational predecessors who literally get anxiety answering an email? Apparently the youths are missing some public speaking and communication skills that the Pandemi Lovato robbed them of and now it’s making networking and job hunting tougher. What do we think?

I love Dinos and Comics. They’re like little reminders that everyone is as weird as you are. Send one to your work crush?? Then email me and tell me about your work crush.

@dinosandcomics

Things I consider myself to be an expert in: Chicago deep dish, obscure ’90s snack foods, and comfort television. Loved this interview with Scott Porter, Friday Night Lights alum and star of Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia, on his recent reign as King of Comfort TV.

That’s it for this week, thanks for reading! Wishing you a weekend filled with no work and all play. P.S. Monday's newsletter is coming on Tuesday so our team can observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. See you next week!

—Rod

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