1. This article from The Atlantic, “A Profession is Not a Personality.” For as long as I can remember, being an Independent Career Woman—essentially a Sheryl Sandberg Lean In heroine—was my only goal. To me, this was both the pinnacle of success and the best possible form of rebellion against the patriarchy, so I committed to the fantasy with full steam.
It took 20 years and a cross-country move for me to realize that this was a delusion, not the dream. That to live, breathe, be my job was to be a cog within a construct developed by and for men to serve but a small percentage of the population. True, this is our reality (and I would be remiss not to admit that it’s served me), but I no longer needed to lose myself within its web.
To be clear: this epiphany is still in its infancy stage. The blinders may be off, but I’m learning how to navigate with this new perspective. My mini-sabbatical in sunny L.A. has helped tremendously in processing it all, but as uncertain as I am at times, I’m also confident in wanting to choose happiness. Which for me, happens to include personal growth and stability within my career—but now, no longer centers around allowing my work to consume or dictate my identity.
2. I recently had a conversation in which I was asked where I saw my career in five years. Or perhaps the question was about what I wanted—the phrasing escapes me—but the answer would’ve been the same. A year ago I would’ve had my entire trajectory mapped out, I said, but now? I didn’t know (somewhat true), but was content where I was and how things were unfolding naturally (mostly true, but this just grazes the tip of the iceberg).
The response was predictable: That’s not good. You should have some idea.
I was intentionally vague, I know, and though I could’ve delivered some polished, corporate-appropriate response, I didn’t feel beholden to justify myself. This desire to be more like water—flexible, adaptable, resilient—was not out of lack of ambition, but the result of a newfound understanding of my priorities.
Re: separating my job from who I am.
3. In less serious news, fall weather has me in the mood for red lacquer again. I’m still looking for the perfect soft, coral-rouge—dusty, creamy, a balance of pink and orange—but until I stumble upon nail polish nirvana, these brights have been steadfast favorites over the years:
4. Cadence capsules. So worth it. I’ve had to travel a handful of times within the last two months and instead of settling for some hodge-podge assortment of travel minis and sample sachets that gamble with skin clarity, I can keep my tried-and-trues close without worrying about spills or leaks. Some risks just aren’t worth taking, so these hexagonal, magnetic containers? Worth the steep plunge. You just might impress a TSA agent, too.
5. Squid Game is as good as everyone says. Follow with a palate cleanser; might I recommend season two of The Baby-Sitter’s Club? This is a show I wish I had as a kid but even now, so many years later (older, maybe wiser, definitely more jaded), it manages to be everything I need. If you haven’t watched The Claudia Kishi Club, I recommend that, too.
. . .
xx
Your turn. Thoughts?