Dear Empathetic Leader

I joined my org last year, and the lead I was assigned joined the org two years earlier. That said, I have more experience and credentials than the lead (I've worked for very large orgs in our sector, they haven't), but this person is considered "above" me solely due to seniority and the fact that they simply were hired first. Lately, we've started butting heads because I draw different conclusions and need to manage my own projects without the lead's micromanagement. I feel I should have been hired as a standalone professional reporting to a higher-level manager, and this lead is becoming another layer of management that doesn't add value to my projects. I'm just another person for them to manage. The other staffers on the team are the lead's own handpicked employees (I was hired by someone else and sent to the team, the others on the team the lead had a say in hiring). I'm starting to feel like the annoying stepchild. Any way to fix this?

I recently came across this insightful article that shares practical tips on setting boundaries, creating structure and avoiding isolation while working from home. I would love to hear what strategies have worked for you. Read here: https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/dealing-with-burnout-when-working-from-home/

There are over 25,000 job boards worldwide! ? And yet, some folks will still tell you not to use them. Their advice? “Skip job boards. Just network.” I respectfully disagree. Here’s the truth: Job boards still land people jobs. But you can’t rely on them alone. You need a multi-pronged job search strategy—one that combines: ? Smart job board use ? Intentional networking ? Direct outreach ? Targeted personal branding In my latest newsletter, I break down: ✅ Which job boards actually get results in 2025 ✅ Real application-to-hire data ✅ My top 10 strategies for using them effectively (spoiler: ditch those outdated alerts ?) ? Because with 25,000+ boards out there… the question isn’t “Should you use them?” It’s how you use them that counts. ? So let’s hear it: What’s one job board (or tactic) that actually worked for you? Or… what’s totally overrated in your experience? Let’s crowdsource the truth about job boards. #jobsearchstrategy #jobboards #jobsearchtips https://www.linkedin.com/posts/melaniemitchellwexler_jobsearchstrategy-jobboards-jobsearchtips-activity-7351600312064884738-FXRH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAE7zOABz83nZb53qdeC66Dyj4MTQ6Hhhqw

Not necessarily a dream job, but a job that paid well, treated you respectfully and allowed you to work with pride. Oh and have a true work life balance, so that you could raise your children and pursue interests in peace. I am looking for realistic life inspiration for myself!

I joined without a boss and that role was filled in April. Things have gotten extremely intense since my boss joined and I haven’t hit the very aggressive goals, that honestly seem unrealistic. I took a huge paycut for this job, over 50% thinking it would be worth it for lower stress. But it actually feels just as stressful as my prior field, with significantly less pay. My colleague keeps urging me to stick it out for awhile, but I actually think this role & environment is a bad fit for me. If I start job searching will being under a year in my role work against me? I haven’t job searched so quickly into a new job before. Any tips for navigating that?

Yes, your resume matters, but it’s not the magic key. Too many job seekers spend weeks tweaking bullet points while ignoring the bigger picture: Are you applying to the right roles? Are you networking? Are you tailoring your applications? A polished resume supports your strategy, but it doesn’t replace one. You could have the most beautifully written resume in the world, but if you’re applying blindly online, not leveraging connections, or chasing roles that aren’t aligned with your skills, the results will still be disappointing. Here’s the truth: Job searching is a full system, not a single document. Want results? Focus on: - Clear goals - Smart targeting - Consistent outreach - And yes, a great resume that reflects all that.