When you address an old pattern or behavior, you win.
Recently I had to say 'no' to a favor that came masked as an "opportunity".
The 'no' wasn't the uncomfortable bit.
I believe in boundaries and I enforce them.
Been around the block, you know!
I did get to thinking what a past, unhealed version of me would have done.
That disempowered inner dialogue would sound something like this:
> What will they think of you if you say no?
> Aren't you supposed to be 'spiritual'?
> It's so simple, no sweat off your back really.
> What if this favor brings an opportunity?
> You can do this in your sleep.
> It's 45mins and so up your alley, you won't even need to prep.
> Are you so weak you can't take this on?
> Your calendar is clear at that time - might as well.
Writing this list made me SO uncomfortable at what I allowed.
Gross, ugh.
I didn't feel guilt, self-imposed shame or worry about what they'd think of me.
So dear one, if you are questioning yourself when people want things from you, especially if you are an entrepreneur, please know:
> You can be kind.
> You can be spiritual.
> You can be a badass.
> You can be a fantastic human.
And be all of that and some...
...and still choose to say no to protect your time, reputation, priorities, health, sleep or if you simply felt the vibe was odd/off.
Onward dear one: with a lot of self-love, self-preservation, self-compassion.
Stay elevated,
Neelam
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As there are any groups on this forum for women with disabilities?
I have multiple sclerosis, a masters degree in health administration, a WFH job and enjoy my life but there are days that I struggle. Anybody out there agree?
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Merry Christmas and Happy First Day of Hanukkah today!
What other holidays does your family celebrate?
Fun, festive or silly traditions. Let's hear them!
I'll go first... My son is now a teenager, but he still has to leave cookies, milk and a letter to Santa. He got a gift bag Christmas Eve after church from "Krampus", the German evil spirit who's the bad brother of Santa.
The note said "BAKE THESE FOR SANTA". Our 15 year old ATE the cookie dough! So, he awoke this morning to a note back "Dasher ate cookie dough, oopps" and there was milk, melted chocolate and raw dough "poops" on the back patio.
Hey, I asked for FuNNNy and WierD, right?!
Have a wonderful day and week, everyone!
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I'm pretty happy with my job but I am always open to new opportunities but I am hesitant to check that the "looking for work" box on LinkedIn.
So this is for you bosses and HR folk, what are your thoughts? Thanks and happy solstice festival of your choice!
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Party City Closes Its Doors: Navigating Uncertainty Together
With Party City’s recent announcement to close all its stores after nearly 40 years in business, many are now facing an uncertain future. Whether this closure directly impacts you or someone you know, moments like these remind us how fragile stability can feel—and how important community and resilience are in times of change.
As someone who has faced layoffs before, I understand the weight of navigating uncertainty. It’s not just about finding a new job; it’s about maintaining your financial and emotional well-being while staying hopeful for the future.
I recently wrote an article titled "Navigating Layoffs with Financial Resilience", sharing actionable strategies that have helped me weather similar storms. In it, I explore:
→ Budgeting for today and tomorrow – Separating essentials from non-essentials.
→ Making savings work harder – Utilizing high-yield savings accounts to stretch funds.
→ Alternative income streams – Fractional work, consulting, and platforms like LinkedIn or Upwork.
→ The importance of upskilling and networking – Growing professionally even during transitions.
→ Leveraging free resources – Tools like Women Talk Money or following inspiring voices in finance.
You can read the full article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/navigating-layoffs-womans-guide-financial-resilience-lontoc-mba-vn49e/
To those affected by this news or navigating layoffs elsewhere: know that you’re not alone. This community exists to uplift, support, and share resources that can make a difference. Together, we can rewrite what resilience looks like.
Let’s keep the conversation going: What has helped you stay resilient in the face of career uncertainty? I’d love to hear your insights or experiences.
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To reply to an OP who has a possible generational difference of her manager, see below. To the person who replied about not categorizing us, kuddos, you are exactly right!
I'm very close to the GenX line, however, I'll give a great example of this workforce gen/manager trauma that never ever took place in the 80's. I started working in the mid 80's. My manager was not much older than me and was one of the best managers. Fast forward to 1994, again, manager was my age, and was THE best manager I ever had. It's not about your generation, it's about many different factors. It's how you were raised, it's cultural, watch the latchkey kids and see how hard they work (because they watched their single mother manage 3 jobs), and for those of us who remember our dad's that worked (my mother stayed home to raise us), he NEVER worked on the weekend (unless your father had a job that was a weekend type job). Our world has taught us we need to categorize ourselves, our work and management styles based on age, and the like. When in fact, I know kids who are maybe 18 years old that have fantastic work ethics and are very good at managing their peers! Because guess what? We learned it. If you are a manager, and have been told you are one of the best ones, then ask yourself, where did you learn your great skills? Share that with us!
No matter your generational work age, be it 30, 40, 50 or 60, anyone can be a bad manager or good one. I appreciate every gen because I learn something from them. Remember when smart phones came out? Yeah, I was asking a student 20 years younger how to make words all caps. It's okay, embrace the changes and know this, good managers come in all sizes, shapes and ages.
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Job Seekers: Get Hyper Clear on Your “Secret Sauce”
Most job seekers don't articulate their secret sauce.
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