Work, identity, burnout, and becoming again in mid-life
Grad school doesn’t stop for vacations, and That’s okay! I snapped this photo from a hotel lounge, mid-way through a relaxing summer getaway. My laptop and second monitor open, iced chai latte in hand, yogurt parfait pushed off to the side. A toasted bagel with cream cheese acting as both fuel and reward. This isn’t … Continue reading Grad School Doesn’t Stop for Vacations
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
Pursuing a career in HR when you didn’t start there can feel intimidating, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here’s how I made the leap, what I’ve learned, and what I’d tell anyone else considering the jump. The Long Way Around When I graduated with my bachelor's degree in Social Work back in 2005, I thought … Continue reading Breaking Into HR: Lessons from a Non-Traditional Path
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
I just submitted the final papers for my graduate classes this term, and I have to admit, it’s a mix of relief, pride, and a tiny bit of exhaustion. Flowers on the counter of my favorite local café and study spot. This semester stretched me in all the right ways. Between case studies, financial analysis, … Continue reading End of Term Reflections: Papers, Progress, and Perspective
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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