You're more than just your job!

Hi friends! TGIW! We’re so ready for the long holiday weekend and are very prepared to eat our body weight in hot dogs and potato salad. Anyone else?

Today’s tunes: Over/under of how many times we’ll play “Party In The USA” this weekend?

Got a question for us? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming issue! Submit yours here.

There’s Gotta Be More to Life…Than Your Job!

 question 
I’m 28 and leaving my high-paying finance job to focus on my family. Work and being a corporate ladder climber have been a huge part of my identity since I was 16. I’d love any advice on letting go of the “successful careerist” mindset so I can focus on what really matters. How do I deal with the loss of self when there’s the loss of a job?—A.

 answer 
First, congratulations! Although it may feel a little scary and uncertain right now, we’re proud of you for making a decision that makes you happier. And as the great Stacie Orrico once sang, “(There’s Gotta Be) More to Life.” (such a bop!)

It’s easy to associate your identity with work, especially if you’ve been career-focused for so long, but hey, that was the old you! You’ve made this decision to break out of that mindset, and now you’re able to turn your attention to other things your career-obsessed brain wouldn’t let you do.

Knowing this is a bittersweet life moment for you, take time to acknowledge and honor your decision. One way we suggest doing that is to jot it all down. We’re biiiiig list people around here, so whenever we’re unsure of anything, we open the Notes app and let it rip. May we recommend some lists to get you started?

• Big career goals/accomplishments you’re most proud of. Remember that global campaign you led from start to finish? Or that time your idea blew the entire C-suite away in the all-hands meeting? It’s always nice to look back and remember all of the times you kicked ass at your job. 

Okay, now that you’ve reminded yourself that you’re the best, let’s focus on who you’re going to be and what you’re going to do in this new stage of life with some other lists that include:

• The things you weren’t able to do because of your job. You can now make that 4:30 pm meditation class that standing meeting always got in the way of! Write down everything you’re looking forward to doing now that work isn’t standing in the way.

• Non-work-related goals. Maybe you want to commit to reading a book a month? If you’re having a hard time transitioning out of the “my job is my life” vibe, setting some personal goals can help with the void of making professional ones.

It’s okay to mourn the old work-obsessed you for a bit, but when you’re ready, try to look ahead and focus on all of the important moments that are to come. You’ve got this!

How to Get Your Boss to Stop Saying “Yes” to Everything

 question 
My supervisor says “yes” to everything and accepts projects, ideas, and suggestions from other departments that are unfamiliar with our work. This requires our team to do double the amount of work and takes more time. It seems that my boss’ intention is to foster collaboration, but there has to be another way to do it. How do I handle this?—A.

 answer 
It sounds like your boss wants to make sure your department has a good reputation, but people-pleasing is never the answer. Two ideas you can present in a one-on-one with them that may help put their “eager beaver” behavior in check?

It’s not your job to remind your boss of this, but remember that you and your team are the experts in your department. Your boss should trust you and your team to provide the best quality of work without hearing how to do things from anyone else in different departments. 

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

Things To Send in the Group Chat

…while you watch the clock until the long weekend begins.

Are you following us on TikTok and Instagram? We promise to post all of the passive-aggressive memes you wish you could send to your boss.

We’re not sure our hearts will go on after watching I Am: Celine Dion on Prime Video. The documentary highlights her career in music and how her diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome has changed her life forever.  

Nothing says “I’m from the Midwest” more than when you show up to the BBQ with this Strawberry Pretzel Jello Dessert Salad by hi.itshollyb on Instagram.

Thanks so much for hanging with us today! We hope you have a fun and safe long weekend. We’ll see you back here next Wednesday!

—Rod & Gabi