The Next Chapter of Be My Career Coach: Let’s Grow Together

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For the past few months, I’ve been struggling with what to write.  Not because I have nothing to say.  But because I want what I write to be both true to where I am today and genuinely helpful to you.

Fifteen years ago, I started Be My Career Coach with a simple goal: to help people build better careers. I never imagined thousands of readers would come along for the journey.  Many of you have been reading Be My Career Coach for years. Some of you have written to tell me an article helped you negotiate a promotion, navigate a difficult boss, become a better leader, or simply feel less alone at work. ...  read more

Proud, Yet Heartbroken

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Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how it’s possible to feel two completely opposite emotions at the same time. As the parent of an 18-year-old entering adulthood, I’ve discovered that pride and heartbreak can exist side by side.

My daughter turned 18 in May and graduated from high school. She is standing at the edge of adulthood—excited for college, independence, and the life waiting ahead of her. ...  read more

What to Do When Saying No at Work Doesn’t Work

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overwhelmed at work

When “No” Doesn’t Change Anything

A reader I’ll call Kate recently asked me an important question that I think many high performers quietly struggle with.

Kate had been feeling increasingly overwhelmed at work. Over the last six months, her responsibilities had grown significantly. She had taken on more projects, more coordination work, more decision-making, and more “small” tasks that often accumulate around strong performers because people trust them to get things done. ...  read more

A Mother’s Love Shapes Us More Than We Realize

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I Didn’t Fully Understand It Until I Became a Mother Myself

As Mother’s Day approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about my mom and how much her love shaped me over the course of my life.

When I was younger, I don’t think I fully appreciated it.  Like many children, I think I simply assumed my mom would always be there — supporting me, worrying about me, comforting me, encouraging me, and loving me quietly in the background of my life. ...  read more

The Four Myths of Financial Wealth I Didn’t See Coming

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Of all the five types of wealth, Financial Wealth was the one I avoided writing about the longest.  At first, I told myself it was because I didn’t want to sound braggy. Who wants to hear someone talk about financial wealth when so many people are still working hard to build it? But the truth is, I also hesitated because I’m not sure I understand this one as well as I thought I did. ...  read more

A Leadership Lesson in Agency for Managers in a New Job

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What should a manager do when they believe an employee’s performance rating was unfair? This leadership dilemma happens more often than people admit, and how a manager responds can either build trust or quietly weaken their leadership.

“Honestly, I think it was unfair to him.”

That’s how a manager I’ll call Roger started a coaching conversation with me recently. ...  read more