As a working solo parent trying to juggle “Maycember,” I’ve got many to-do’s and so little time. And so do my SAHM and childfree friends — because the tradwives vs. girlbosses discourse oversimplifies women and boxes us in. Not to give more attention to a certain NFL kicker’s ridiculous, bigoted commencement speech, but I’m so glad the reaction to it (including a counter speech rebutting his claims and the Benedictine College nuns denouncing his views) has sparked conversations about how someone “should” show up at home and at work. This economy is tough on all of us, especially for moms with young kids, and an out-of-touch debate about a woman’s “ideal” role doesn’t help anyone. We're all doing our best on the paths we've chosen, whatever work-life combo that entails. You know what would help us thrive in those pursuits? Support.
— Anna Davies, Money Writer, New York City
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Elevate Your Job Hunt with Visualization
When searching for a new job, you might feel like you need a bit of magic to help you stand out in an ocean of resumes. And while candles, honey bottles, and the job manifestation spells floating around TikTok likely won’t land you the role of your dreams, there’s one trendy technique that has some merit: creating a career vision board.
“There’s a whole kind of ‘woo magical’ element to it,” says career coach Sharon Rose Hayward. “But what you’re doing [when vision-boarding] is activating your brain’s reticular activating system [or RAS], which can help you focus on what you actually want.” The RAS tells your brain what thoughts to let in, and which to kick out, and research has shown that when you visualize yourself achieving something, it can make that goal feel more attainable. In turn, the path to get there may become clearer, e.g. grabbing coffee with someone who works at your desired company or has your dream role instead of blindly applying for a job online.
Your Move:
Make a short list. Make a list of your ideal career attributes. Do you want more authority? More time off? Then rate those aspects in order of importance.
Curate your visuals. Find visual representations of your ideal role. Get as specific as possible. If remote work is important to you, maybe that means images of a well-designed home office, or someone working from a vacation-vibes location — whatever your dream day-to-day life looks like, says Hayward. Place your completed board somewhere you’ll see it every day.
Take “aligned actions.” In vision board-speak, this means taking actionable steps toward your goals. This can look like simply updating your resume and LinkedIn profile or building specific skills and earning certifications to give you an edge among applicants.
Talk about it. Let your network know you’re looking, and be specific. Pro tip: One study found that acquaintances, rather than close friends or colleagues, can be more helpful in scoring a new gig.
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Unlimited PTO. Four-day work week. $100K+ salary. Doing work you enjoy. Fully flexible schedule. If you could only choose two, which would they be?
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How to win at work, according to successful women.
Never let them see you sweat? Not Robin Arzón. The former lawyer, ultramarathon runner, author, mom, and vice president of fitness programming and head instructor at Peloton, is known for her inspiring mantras shared with her one million followers on Instagram and in her classes on the platform. See: “Sweat with swagger” and “choosing discipline is the ultimate act of self-love.”
Her book, “Shut Up and Run” was rereleased with a new forward by Arzón, and offers exercise training plans, empowering affirmations, motivating playlists, and more to take any guesswork out of getting active. Arzón also publishes The Pivot, a weekly newsletter that taps into her go-to her success strategies for work and life. Here, she shares how to bring that “you can do anything” confidence from the gym into your career.
Advice for what to do when you…
Biggest compliment ever received at work… Handwritten letters and gifts from Peloton members. I save them in a box. I love hearing about the transformation stories.
Feel stuck … Put on some Beyoncé, get outside, and move your body.
Need a confidence boost... Lift heavy weights.
Want to ask for a raise… Let your boss know what's in it for them, know what your work is worth in the market, and know your company's raise and budget cycles.
Are nearing burnout... Get back to basics: Sleep, fuel, movement, and sunlight. The days you "don't have time" to move your body are the days when you need it the most.
Get your paycheck... Pay your future self first. Siphon money to a savings account before you see it and max out your 401(k) if possible. Make a choice today that will make tomorrow easier.
Answers are edited and condensed for clarity.
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