The One That Struck a Chord

Turns out, a mid-career pay cut is a hot topic. 

I didn’t expect the last newsletter to resonate so widely—but it did.

The story of a colleague trading a high-paying, high-pressure role for more freedom (and less money) sparked a flood of responses: emails, strategy calls, even a couple of new clients. 

Apparently, a lot of people are quietly asking the same question: What if I walked away?

Most of them work in communications, and nearly all of them are burned out. 🔥

If that’s you, I see you.

The Sunday scaries, the stress, the second-guessing, the slow-burn dread? You’re not imagining them. And you’re not the only one feeling this way.

When your career starts to feel like a crisis, it’s time to clarify your values. What matters most? Where are you saying yes when you mean no? What would it mean to choose something different? What’s at stake if you stick with the status quo? 

If those questions are already spinning in your head, let’s talk. 

I’ve been down this road before, but you don’t have to travel it alone.

P.S. Burnout recovery concepts are woven throughout WTF (What the Forties?!). If you’re a woman in your 40s, join us! I’m doing one last flash promotion—$50 off through the end of this week (August 1). 

In the Spotlight
Speaking Opps and Workshops

Seeking a speaker or facilitator who brings energy, authenticity and action? Let's chat! “Bold Not Bitchy: Confident Communication for Women Leaders” and “Think Like a Spokesperson: Communicate with Clarity, Confidence & Purpose in Any Role” are two of my most in-demand sessions right now. On Sept. 13, I’m speaking about PR professionals' mental health at the PRSA East Central District Conference and would love for you to join us!

Brain Food

Marketing and comms professionals: add Heart Over Hype: Transforming Higher Ed Marketing with Empathy by Jaime Hunt to your TBR stack. While the book's written for those in higher ed, she makes a compelling case for communicating with authenticity, trust and compassion that transcends any industry. It sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But if leading with heart were a more common practice, more brands would actually get it right. This is a great guide for anyone wanting to connect with the audiences that matter most. 

Quick Take

Speaking of heart, what started as a casual coffee with two new connections left me feeling completely poured into. It was a reminder that small gestures—an introduction, a referral, a kind word—can have a big impact. We all have the chance to be that person for someone else. Who’s one person you could lift up today? I invite you to watch this 90-second clip and tag someone who’s been this person in your life. And just remember: paying it forward is always an investment worth making. 

Worth Considering

If your current path feels misaligned, it’s not a failure. It’s feedback. You don’t have to blow it all up tomorrow, but you can start asking better questions today.