RESOURCES
From Living at Work to Living with Purpose: Finding Balance in the Return to the Office
The pandemic flipped our world upside down. Suddenly, home wasn’t just a haven — it was headquarters. We weren’t working from home anymore; we were living at work. Days melted into one long “Blursday,” with our commutes reduced to the steps between the bed and the desk. Those familiar rhythms of office life — walking to a meeting, grabbing a coffee, or catching up with a coworker in the hallway — disappeared, replaced by an unrelenting schedule of video calls and a relentless inbox. Even eating lunch felt like a luxury, as survival became a badge of productivity.
Just as we started to find our footing in this new world, here comes another plot twist: the office is calling us back. For some, it’s a welcome return to human connection and collaboration. For others, it’s a seismic shift — trading top buns and yoga pants for business casual outfits and morning commutes. The whiplash is R-E-A-L. Balancing the freedom we found at home with the expectations of the office can feel like juggling chainsaws while blindfolded.
I’ve spoken with so many friends and colleagues who feel stuck in this transition. Some say they’re unproductive. Others feel like they’ve accomplished nothing of value. And you know what? I get it.
Before all this, I was a certified road warrior. I racked up sky miles and loyalty points like a pro, zipping through airports and bouncing between time zones. My days were so packed that when I finally closed my laptop at night, I’d often ask myself, “What did I actually do today?” The answer? Too often, it was just noise. Emails. Meetings that should’ve been emails. Busywork that felt more like surviving the day than contributing to something meaningful.
And that realization hit hard: I wasn’t working with purpose — I was just passing the time. And here’s the truth: neither your inbox nor your back-to-back meetings define your value. They’re just tasks. And you, my friend, are so much more than a task list.
That aha moment pushed me to rethink how I spent my days, whether in the office, at home, or somewhere in between. I stopped measuring my worth by how many emails I cleared or meetings I attended. Instead, I focused on the moments that mattered — when I learned something new, created something impactful, or helped someone else succeed.
Now, as we navigate this shift back into office life, we have a rare chance to redefine what work really means. It’s not about where we work — it’s about how we work and the why behind it. This is your invitation to refocus, to prioritize learning, connecting, and making a difference.
So, ask yourself: What did I learn today? How did I help someone? What did I create? Those questions will transform not just your work but your sense of purpose.
To help you along the way, I’ve created a simple worksheet to document your answers. It’s not just about tracking accomplishments — it’s about uncovering the deeper meaning in your day. Because when you see what you’re truly contributing, you’ll realize something powerful: you’re not just living at work anymore. You’re living with purpose.
And that, my friend, is the ultimate win. Let’s get to it!
Level Up Your 1:1s: How to Turn Chats with Your Manager into Career Game-Changers
Having a 1:1 with your manager is like setting the GPS for your career journey — it’s your chance to steer conversations, highlight wins, address roadblocks, and map out where you want to go. But here’s the thing: if you treat these meetings like a box to check or a gripe session, you’re missing out on a golden opportunity to accelerate your growth and make a lasting impression. The key? Preparation, purpose, and a pinch of strategy. To help you crush your 1:1s and turn them into career catapults, we’ve put together a tip sheet packed with actionable insights. Whether it’s aligning on goals, seeking feedback, or showcasing your value, this guide will ensure every conversation leaves your manager saying, “Wow, they’re going places.” Let’s turn those 1:1s into game-changers!
Win the Day, Own the Year: Your Guide to Capturing Career Highlights in Real Time
"If it’s not written down, it never happened!" Sound dramatic?
Maybe.
But it’s the harsh truth when it comes to career wins. Too many people scramble before performance reviews, trying to piece together accomplishments like detectives solving a cold case. Spoiler alert: this approach doesn’t do you any favors. Those crucial project wins, metrics, and glowing feedback? They slip through the cracks unless you capture them in real time. Documenting your achievements while they’re fresh ensures you won’t miss key details, and it’s a great way to gather customer feedback while it’s still relevant.
To help you stay ahead, I've created a tip sheet with six essential data points to track for each project throughout the year. Because when the time comes to showcase your value, you’ll want to present a highlight reel, not a vague memory. Let’s make every win count!