Work, identity, burnout, and becoming again in mid-life
The first day at a new job always comes with a mix of nerves and excitement. You hope to walk in, meet your team, find your desk, and leave at the end of the day with a sense of “Yes, this is where I belong.” That’s what I wanted — a day that confirmed I’d … Continue reading When the First Day Leaves You Questioning Everything
There’s a common saying in the world of work: “People don’t leave bad jobs—they leave bad managers.” It’s catchy. It circulates on LinkedIn all the time. And yes, sometimes it’s true. A toxic boss can absolutely drive people out the door. But I think we’re doing a disservice when we repeat that line like it’s … Continue reading It’s Not Always a Bad Manager, Sometimes It’s Just the Wrong Job
This month, I made the decision to say yes to a new job. I'll be starting on August 18th. It’s exciting. It’s a step forward in my career. It’s something I worked really hard to get. But it’s also a little terrifying. Transitions are weird like that. You can be thrilled about the opportunity in … Continue reading Taking a Leap of Faith
Recently, someone gave me feedback that made me pause and reflect: “DE&I is just a component of overall culture strategy—it’s not culture in and of itself. Were you a DEI champion or a culture champion?” It’s a fair question. And it’s one I think many HR professionals and organizational leaders should be asking themselves, especially … Continue reading Culture and DEI: Intertwined, but Not Interchangeable
Recently, I was offered a position with a local school district. It was a role I was excited about. It aligned with my background, would have let me make a direct impact, and offered the kind of work I care deeply about. But after careful thought, I turned it down. The reason? The salary. This … Continue reading Why I Turned Down a Job Offer, Even Though I Wanted the Role
Confession time: I’m currently searching for my next role in Human Resources, too, so please don’t read this as expert advice from a guru who has it all figured out. Consider it a field note from someone walking the same path, sharing what I’ve noticed (and what I’m still wrestling with) in hopes it helps … Continue reading Job-Hunting in HR: A Fellow Perspective
Empathy is often brushed off as a “nice-to-have” quality in leaders, but it’s actually a crucial skill that can transform teams and entire organizations. It’s not just about being warm and fuzzy; it’s about genuinely understanding and connecting with others in ways that drive meaningful results. When leaders practice empathy, they foster a culture where … Continue reading Beyond Buzzwords: Practicing Empathy as a Core Leadership Skill
June marks Pride Month, a time to honor the resilience, history, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. For HR professionals and students, Pride Month isn’t just about rainbow flags and parades; it’s a chance to deepen your understanding of how to foster inclusive workplaces where every individual can thrive. Understanding the Challenges While progress has … Continue reading Pride Month and HR: How HR Can Lead the Way in LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a perfect time to shine a light on how mental health plays a critical role in our work lives. In today’s fast-paced work environment, mental health has become just as important as physical safety. Human Resources (HR) is uniquely positioned to foster a culture that prioritizes mental well-being, making the … Continue reading Mental Health in the Workplace: HR’s Pivotal Role
When people hear the word "gamer," they often picture someone glued to a screen, disengaged from the "real world." But as someone who has spent several years working as part of a human resources team doing employee development, and also years immersed in both tabletop and video games, I see things a little differently. Games … Continue reading Leveling Up at Work: Transferable Skills I Learned from Gaming
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