[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fRdy4Ph-Pr3_YSRANo4UELfNtlCWM9i03GPoJzUPa93A":3,"$fOabwMyFpcIsUTHuFQFW-1m2Dy4TujZnGtqCUE1hiTYc":37,"$fB_lsqp6xzICSYo88p_2-rsXdfoZxsbpD4Bv4fy2K51I":133},{"data":4,"meta":33},[5,9,13,17,21,25,29],{"id":6,"name":7,"slug":8},1,"Career & Finance","career-and-finance",{"id":10,"name":11,"slug":12},11,"After Hours","after-hours",{"id":14,"name":15,"slug":16},3,"Wellness","wellness",{"id":18,"name":19,"slug":20},12,"Style","style",{"id":22,"name":23,"slug":24},4,"Voices","voices",{"id":26,"name":27,"slug":28},2,"Mindset","mindset",{"id":30,"name":31,"slug":32},10,"Nourish","food",{"pagination":34},{"page":6,"pageSize":35,"pageCount":6,"total":36},25,7,{"data":38,"meta":131},[39],{"id":40,"title":41,"createdAt":42,"updatedAt":43,"publishedAt":44,"content":45,"slug":46,"coffees":22,"seo_title":41,"keywords":47,"seo_desc":48,"featuredImage":49,"category":96,"author":100,"img":130},237,"Ask The Gals: Monica Geller & The End of the World","2025-01-08T22:47:17.341Z","2025-02-19T20:03:28.058Z","2025-01-08T22:58:13.831Z","\u003Ch2>\u003Cem>If you have a question about your career, friends, love life, or everything random, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fforms.gle\u002FovnsXzrcahDPp2z56\">fill up this form\u003C\u002Fa> and the Gals will answer it as soon as possible!\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Chr>\n\u003Ch2>Foodie Asks: Unstoppable snacking\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_1407d36ed6.jpg\" alt=\"ask the gals column\">\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“Hello, hello! This is probably a nutrition-related question. Do you have any ideas on how to stop eating snacks all day, every day? I work from home mainly, and between meetings, I frequently visit the pantry to get a little snack, which most of the time is unhealthy. Is there a way to stop this habit? I have already started gaining weight.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>The Gal Answers:\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>There are plenty of ways to stop snacking all day, but it depends on the origin of the problem. There can be different reasons why you have the urge to snack all day. It may be because you don’t have regular meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and you replace them with snacks, which could temporarily solve the hunger problem but can’t actually replace those important three meals. Also, constant snacking can be an indication of \u003Cstrong>higher stress levels\u003C\u002Fstrong>. Prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol, which happens when you are stressed, especially in case of chronic stress, can impact our metabolism, and as a consequence, we are prone to increased food intake, fat storage, and potential weight gain. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, you first need to identify the reasons behind your tendency to have snacks, unhealthy snacks. Sugar can be addictive if consumed regularly, and this is why you feel more inclined to choose an unhealthy snack. If you have sugar cravings, read what our nutritionist suggests \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fyes-you-can-deal-with-sugar-craving\">here\u003C\u002Fa> in order to deal with them. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As you see, the habit can be broken. But it needs time and smart steps toward your goal. And next time you go grocery shopping, please leave alone all the treats and instead get some healthier options. Did you know that yogurt with honey, strawberries and a bit of almond butter will definitely cover your need for snacking but in a healthy way? \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Check our recipes \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Fcategories\u002Fwellness-and-nutrition\">here\u003C\u002Fa> for more ideas! Good luck! \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp> ****\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>E. Asks: Antisocial alert\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_7bb0e34309.jpg\" alt=\"ask the gals column\">\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“I am 32 years old, and I am an introvert. This causes me a lot of trouble because I am unable to network. For instance, I don't feel well when I join my company's networking events, and it is hard for me to participate in the office fun. I feel jealous of people who are so extroverts and can get into a conversation with anyone, and I think that this harms my career advancement. Is there any way to overcome that, or am I destined to be where I am for the rest of my life?”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>The Gal Answers:\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>First of all, I’m sorry you feel this way. I understand that being an introvert in a world where communication is everything is not easy. However, it’s not the \u003Cstrong>end of the world\u003C\u002Fstrong> and being an introvert can’t take your career away! Many introverts face similar challenges in professional settings, and many have had exceptional careers. There are some strategies you can follow in order to be a bit less introverted and start exploring the world around you. First, learn to appreciate what you have because introverted people are often more focused and can excel in independent work, \u003Cstrong>strategic planning\u003C\u002Fstrong>, and in-depth analysis, while extroverts have small talks around the office. Also, you don’t have to be friends with everyone or talk to anyone you don’t feel comfortable. Focus on building a rapport with some key colleagues you feel closer to and keep in touch with them. Say hello to colleagues during breaks, offer to help someone on a project —the easiest way to make friends is to help someone or ask for help— or participate in small group discussions. If your stress originates from the fact that you don’t know how to start a conversation, then use some classic icebreakers that we all use. Say something about the weather; most of us want to complain about the weather, I don’t know why, it’s science probably. Also, you can ask questions about their after-hours, like about a book they lately read or an interesting podcast or you can share one you read or listened to and then ask them. You generally don’t care to have a deep conversation with anyone, just something to fill the silence. The best you can do is to practice making small talk in low-pressure situations, such as with a barista or a cashier. The classic \u003Cem>“How is your day going?”\u003C\u002Fem> is a game-changer! Believe it or not, being a bit more extrovert can be practiced and with small steps you can be more open to communication. Let us know how it goes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>****\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>Monica Geller Asks: Pig situation\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_de97de003a.jpg\" alt=\"ask the gals column\">\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“I am Monica Geller. I am incredibly focused on cleaning everything and having everything in a specific space so every time someone ruins that, I feel at least nervous. I recently moved in with my partner, and they are not very organize,d so this drives me nuts. I do whatever I can to keep my sanity, but I don't want to be alerted 24h\u002F7 because the other part doesn't understand that it's important to be clean. Is this a red flag?”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>The Gal Answers:\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Hello Monica! Long time no see. How is New York? Well, —obviously— you are not the only one, and honestly, what’s the harm of being tidy and clean? No harm, but if it interferes with your mental well-being and your relationships with others, then it can harm you a lot. Differing levels of cleanliness and organization are a common source of conflict in relationships, and the \u003Cstrong>constant stress and frustration\u003C\u002Fstrong> can erode intimacy and create resentment. So, we wouldn't call a red flag if someone has a different perception of what clean means unless we are talking about actual dirt or similar practices —e.g., not having any \u003Cem>personal hygiene or throwing food on the floor without cleaning it up\u003C\u002Fem>. In the case that they just don’t clean the dishes one minute after they have dinner or leave their towel down after they shower, there is one effective solution: communication. Talk to your partner honestly, tell them what bothers you and discuss what you can do to solve the problem. Don’t start blaming them for things they do and annoy you because they probably don’t know they annoy you. We are raised with different experiences and perceptions, and it’s not always easy to understand others. So, talk and communicate your feelings. Also, be willing to compromise on some of your expectations; it’s not about you, it’s about both of you. The same applies to the other side: if your partner doesn’t take into consideration your uneasiness or doesn’t make any effort to adapt, it may be a sign that the relationship is not a good fit. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, maybe it’s time you did a little \u003Cstrong>self-reflection\u003C\u002Fstrong> and tried to understand where your need for constant tidiness and organization derives from. Is it anxiety or a tendency to maintain control? Are you a perfectionist? If you find the root, you will be able to address the issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>****\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>Ashley Asks: The end of the world\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_14ede8a93e.jpg\" alt=\"ask the gals column\">\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>“I am terrified of what is happening in the world. There are wars everywhere, people are miserable, and even though my life is fairly good, I can't complain, I feel that the end of the world is somehow close. Is it, or am I just a pessimist?”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>The Gal Answers:\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Historically speaking, the world has never stopped having wars, and there has always been a conflict around the corner. However, I agree, it’s so unsettling to live in a world where you wake up every day and the news is about a new global challenge: a new virus that escaped, two countries that are playing diplomatic and military games, people who kill and are killed. Yes, it’s harsh. \u003Cem>But it’s not the end of the world, at least as we know it.\u003C\u002Fem> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem is not the news per se; it’s that we focus on them. Did you know countless people, businesses, and organizations are working towards positive change, such as combating poverty, protecting the environment, and promoting peace? Have you noticed that lately, science is moving so fast that we will be tackling serious illnesses in a little while? Probably not, because we are wired to follow the negative news. \u003Cstrong>Yes, the world is not in good shape, but it never was\u003C\u002Fstrong>. But broadcasting the news of a new conflict some decades ago would take more days to be known than now when something happens, and we are automatically watching it live on TV. It’s not the world; science and technology evolved, and we have instant access to information. And how to combat it? Shift your focus on the things you can control in your own life. You may not be able to stop the wars immediately, but showing empathy to others and being kind for no reason is a good start. There are millions of causes to support; years ago, I read something so powerful and inspiring that it really helped me overcome such unpleasant feelings: \u003Cem>“For everything bad thing that is happening in the world, I will be doing a good act.”\u003C\u002Fem> So, next time you hear something terrible on the news, turn off the TV and do something nice for someone else. Help the older person cross the street or pick up the trash and throw them out. Make conscious choices that protect the environment and ensure your life choices are not burdening anyone. You can start from \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Freducing-food-waste-how-small-steps-can-make-a-big-difference\">here\u003C\u002Fa> for inspiration. Don’t forget that it’s not your fault if bad things happen worldwide. You can worry about what you are doing to be a valuable part of it. When pessimism hits, engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or talking to your loved ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n","ask-the-gals-monica-geller-and-the-end-of-the-world","ask the gals, Q&A, women problems, working women issues, problems for women, sexism, competitive colleague, ask column","Ask The Gals about whatever problem you have, and they will answer it! Fill in the form and -don't worry- we won't reveal your name!\n",{"id":50,"name":51,"alternativeText":52,"caption":52,"width":53,"height":54,"formats":55,"hash":91,"ext":57,"mime":60,"size":92,"url":93,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":95,"updatedAt":95},842,"ask the gals column.jpg","ask the gals column",1600,900,{"large":56,"small":67,"medium":75,"thumbnail":83},{"ext":57,"url":58,"hash":59,"mime":60,"name":61,"path":62,"size":63,"width":64,"height":65,"sizeInBytes":66},".jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_ask_the_gals_column_aff6153785.jpg","large_ask_the_gals_column_aff6153785","image\u002Fjpeg","large_ask the gals column.jpg",null,100.37,1000,563,100367,{"ext":57,"url":68,"hash":69,"mime":60,"name":70,"path":62,"size":71,"width":72,"height":73,"sizeInBytes":74},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_ask_the_gals_column_aff6153785.jpg","small_ask_the_gals_column_aff6153785","small_ask the gals column.jpg",30.45,500,281,30447,{"ext":57,"url":76,"hash":77,"mime":60,"name":78,"path":62,"size":79,"width":80,"height":81,"sizeInBytes":82},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_ask_the_gals_column_aff6153785.jpg","medium_ask_the_gals_column_aff6153785","medium_ask the gals column.jpg",60.76,750,422,60755,{"ext":57,"url":84,"hash":85,"mime":60,"name":86,"path":62,"size":87,"width":88,"height":89,"sizeInBytes":90},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_ask_the_gals_column_aff6153785.jpg","thumbnail_ask_the_gals_column_aff6153785","thumbnail_ask the gals column.jpg",9.08,245,138,9083,"ask_the_gals_column_aff6153785",143.26,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_aff6153785.jpg","aws-s3","2025-01-08T22:51:52.638Z",{"id":22,"name":23,"slug":24,"createdAt":97,"updatedAt":98,"publishedAt":99},"2020-12-24T19:16:11.810Z","2025-10-01T19:49:12.086Z","2024-06-26T07:27:59.419Z",{"id":101,"name":102,"slug":103,"instagram":104,"facebook":105,"bio":106,"createdAt":107,"updatedAt":108,"publishedAt":109,"linkedIn":62,"avatar":110,"avatarImg":129},6,"The Working Gal Team","the-working-gal-team","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fthe_working_gal\u002F","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002Ftheworkinggal","At The Working Gal, we prioritize collective strategic insight. This piece reflects the shared expertise of our editorial board and specialists, delivering a 360° analysis of modern business and executive lifestyle.","2021-02-14T21:17:05.180Z","2026-04-12T03:32:03.659Z","2021-02-14T21:17:25.177Z",{"id":111,"name":112,"alternativeText":113,"caption":113,"width":114,"height":114,"formats":115,"hash":124,"ext":117,"mime":120,"size":125,"url":126,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":127,"updatedAt":128},108,"Untitled-7.png","",250,{"thumbnail":116},{"ext":117,"url":118,"hash":119,"mime":120,"name":121,"path":62,"size":122,"width":123,"height":123},".png","https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_Untitled_7_b2bf764bcd.png","thumbnail_Untitled_7_b2bf764bcd","image\u002Fpng","thumbnail_Untitled-7.png",12.8,156,"Untitled_7_b2bf764bcd",22.3,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FUntitled_7_b2bf764bcd.png","2021-02-14T21:15:43.138Z","2021-02-14T21:15:43.147Z","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002FUntitled_7_b2bf764bcd.png","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_aff6153785.jpg",{"pagination":132},{"page":6,"pageSize":35,"pageCount":6,"total":6},{"data":134,"meta":427},[135,208,277,326,378],{"id":136,"title":137,"createdAt":138,"updatedAt":139,"publishedAt":140,"content":141,"slug":142,"coffees":14,"seo_title":137,"keywords":143,"seo_desc":144,"featuredImage":145,"category":178,"author":181,"img":207},236,"You're Not Richer, You're Just Spending More:  The Sneaky Ways Lifestyle Creep Impacts You","2025-01-07T23:05:33.044Z","2025-01-07T23:16:39.026Z","2025-01-07T23:16:39.023Z","### Remember that feeling? \n\nThe thrill of that first big raise. Suddenly, takeout wasn’t just for Fridays; it was for the weekdays as well, and that “investment” piece from that cool new boutique wasn’t so out of reach, and maybe, just maybe, a vacation to Bali was finally within grasp. But here’s the thing about that raise: it didn’t magically transform you into a millionaire. It just made your “normal” a little more… luxurious.\n\n### Welcome to the insidious world of lifestyle creep.\n\n![lifestyle creep](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flifestyle_creep_6fb614ac47.jpg)\n\nThis newfound sense of \"affordability\" can be incredibly deceptive. It creates the illusion of wealth, encouraging you to spend more without genuinely understanding the long-term implications. It’s the subtle, insidious way our spending habits inflate with our income. We trade in our perfectly serviceable car —bought two years ago—for a slightly newer, slightly more expensive model. Our coffee habit has evolved from a daily drip to a $7 **artisanal latte** with strange names we can’t pronounce. Vacations morph from budget-friendly camping trips to all-inclusive resorts and from one meal per day to endless cocktails by the pool. We no longer do DIY because we can gift expensive gift sets and gadgets everyone should have. And this is how life is from the moment we saw that bank account with the _“new”_ salary.\n\nIf the above rings a bell, then you are a victim. The term lifestyle creep describes the sneaky, insidious way your spending habits inflate along with your income. _The more you earn, the more you spend._\n\nLet's be real: _life gets expensive_. But something's seriously amiss when your paycheck mysteriously vanishes into thin air before you even have a chance to enjoy it. This subtle phenomenon thrives in the shadows of your obliviousness. You're casually upgrading your **coffee habit**, justifying that designer handbag as an \"investment,\" and suddenly, \"affordable\" rent feels like a distant memory.\n\nThe problem? **You're living in a fog of financial ignorance.** No clue where your money actually goes? That's lifestyle creep's favorite breeding ground. It thrives on your lack of awareness, silently draining your bank account while you're blissfully unaware.\n\nThe Sneaky Signs You're a Victim\n================================\n\n![lifestyle creep](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flifestyle_creep_ad0f49470b.jpg)\n\nThat \"Treat Yo' Self\" Mentality\n-------------------------------\n\nThe sweet taste of success. Suddenly, \"treat yo' self\" isn't just a Parks and Rec quote; it's your new religion. Every extra dollar feels like a divine blessing, a cosmic permission slip to indulge. That perfectly serviceable car? Suddenly, it's so last year. _You deserve those heated seats, right?_ This isn't about a rare splurge. This is a full-blown lifestyle. Every raise, bonus, or side hustle gig becomes a justification for a new handbag, a fancy dinner, or a spontaneous shopping spree. That limited-edition sneaker collab? \"I earned it!\" That weekend getaway to Napa? \"I deserve it!\"\n\nBefore you know it, you get a second full-time job: it’s called _\"treating yourself\"_. Your bank account weeps, your closet overflows, and you're left, sitting among your latest “I deserve it” haul wondering where the hell all your money went. Maybe try treating yourself to, I don't know, saving that money? Just a thought.\n\nThe \"I Deserve This\" Syndrome\n-----------------------------\n\nAh, the sweet siren song of self-justification. _\"I work hard, I deserve nice things.\"_ It's a mantra as seductive as it is dangerous. Suddenly, that **designer handbag** isn't just a purchase that makes you feel giddy; it’s a well-deserved reward for putting so much effort into working, living, and existing. That weekend getaway to Aspen along with the luxurious resort? A well-deserved break from the grind. But here's the problem in your rationale: do you actually need those things? Or are you simply falling prey to the seductive allure of instant gratification?\n\nThis \"I Deserve This\" syndrome starts with a few harmless indulgences but quickly escalates into an insatiable desire for more, more, more. You justify every splurge, convinced you've “earned” it. _But at what cost?_ \n\nBefore you swipe that card, ask yourself: Do I need this, or do I just want this because _I think I deserve it_? You might be surprised by the answer.\n\nThe \"Keeping Up\" Comparison Game\n--------------------------------\n\nWelcome to the 21st century, where your worth is measured in likes and followers. Social media has transformed into a never-ending parade of curated perfection. Your online friends are jet-setting to exotic locales, flaunting designer bags, and living in impossibly chic apartments. Influencers around the world showcase their indulgent hauls while watching sunsets in exotic destinations, and you? You're stuck staring at your own decidedly less glamorous life, feeling increasingly inadequate. \n\nThe \"Keeping Up\" Comparison Game is a relentless state, constantly whispering toxic doubts: _Why don't I have that? Why can't I afford that?_ The constant barrage of curated perfection around us fuels a relentless pursuit of material possessions. You find yourself desperately trying to keep up, chasing that elusive _“perfect”_ lifestyle, all while your bank account dwindles and your anxiety skyrockets.\n\nDelete Instagram. Or, at the very least, unfollow those accounts that make you feel like a total loser. Your mental health will thank you; your bank account as well.\n\n![lifestyle creep](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flifestyle_creep_98ba14fbe0.jpg)\n\nThe \"I Can Afford It Now\" Trap \n-------------------------------\n\nRemember when \"affordable\" meant ramen noodles and bodega wine? Those were the days. Now, with a slightly higher paycheck, your definition of \"affordable\" has undergone a dramatic transformation. That rent that once felt like a Herculean effort to pay? Suddenly, it's _\"manageable.\"_ That designer dress you once lusted after from afar? Now, it's _\"within reach.\"_\n\nThis mentality subtly normalizes higher spending, slowly eroding your financial boundaries. What started as a rare became the new normal. Before you know it, you're living beyond your means, convinced that this inflated lifestyle is simply _\"sustainable.\"_\n\nDon't let your definition of affordable inflate with your income. Stick to a budget, and remember that just because you can afford something doesn't mean you should afford it.\n\nThe Hidden Costs\n================\n\nLifestyle creep apart from draining your bank account, has a profound impact on your mental well-being. The constant pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle (that is rooted in your head mainly, not your surroundings) can be incredibly **stressful**. You're always chasing the next upgrade, the next “level up,” leaving little room for relaxation or enjoyment. Even with a higher income, you're constantly on the brink of financial instability. And when you are into a lifestyle creep storm, _a sudden job loss or unexpected expense can quickly spiral into a debt crisis._ And at the end of the day, instead of spending the money on things you used to dream of, like the downpayment for a house, this island-hopping in Greece seems to get pushed further and further down the line as your expenses continue to climb.\n\nHow To Break Free\n=================\n\n![lifestyle creep](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flifestyle_creep_08c37096c7.jpg)\n\nTrack Your Spending\n-------------------\n\nThis is the foundation of any successful financial strategy. Get real about **where your money is actually going**. You might be surprised how quickly those daily lattes and impulse hauls add up. The good news is that you can easily track where your money is going. There is a plethora of apps that you can use to track your expenses and income. Download one today. \n\nCreate a Budget (and Stick To It)\n---------------------------------\n\nThis is where the rubber meets the road. No more guesswork, no more \"oh, I'll figure it out later.\" It's time to get real about where your hard-earned cash is going. How to create a budget? Well, we’ve got you covered. [Download this](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fbe-financially-fit-your-101-guide-ebook) and learn more about how finance works and how to manage your money more effectively. There are so many ways to create a budget, from the classic one (aka the 50\u002F30\u002F20 rule) to the most hardcore 80\u002F20. The choice is yours. However, _don't get bogged down in the minutiae_. The goal isn't to become a spreadsheet warrior (you won’t; it’s harsh, trust me). It's to gain awareness of your spending habits and make conscious choices about how you allocate your income.\n\nDefine Your Values\n------------------\n\nYes, I know you are a good person, and you follow your values and principles. But to stop spending irrationally, why don’t you ask yourself: _what truly sets my soul on fire?_ Is it that designer handbag or that once-in-a-lifetime trip to Bali? Sit down and reflect on what truly matters to you. Things? Experiences? Travel? Giving back? Whatever the answer is, align your spending with your values. If experiences truly matter to you, prioritize those over material possessions. Your bank account will thank you, and you'll feel a more profound sense of fulfillment.","you-re-not-richer-you-re-just-spending-more","lifestyle creep, what is lifestyle creep, earn more spend more, spending more money, how to overcome lifestyle creep","Congratulations! We got the raise and now what? Are you going to spend all the money and be a victim of lifestyle creep or you will prudent?",{"id":146,"name":147,"alternativeText":148,"caption":148,"width":53,"height":54,"formats":149,"hash":174,"ext":57,"mime":60,"size":175,"url":176,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":177,"updatedAt":177},841,"lifestyle creep.jpg","lifestyle creep",{"large":150,"small":156,"medium":162,"thumbnail":168},{"ext":57,"url":151,"hash":152,"mime":60,"name":153,"path":62,"size":154,"width":64,"height":65,"sizeInBytes":155},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_lifestyle_creep_7d1bf53938.jpg","large_lifestyle_creep_7d1bf53938","large_lifestyle creep.jpg",67.19,67186,{"ext":57,"url":157,"hash":158,"mime":60,"name":159,"path":62,"size":160,"width":72,"height":73,"sizeInBytes":161},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_lifestyle_creep_7d1bf53938.jpg","small_lifestyle_creep_7d1bf53938","small_lifestyle creep.jpg",21.12,21115,{"ext":57,"url":163,"hash":164,"mime":60,"name":165,"path":62,"size":166,"width":80,"height":81,"sizeInBytes":167},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_lifestyle_creep_7d1bf53938.jpg","medium_lifestyle_creep_7d1bf53938","medium_lifestyle creep.jpg",41.73,41731,{"ext":57,"url":169,"hash":170,"mime":60,"name":171,"path":62,"size":172,"width":88,"height":89,"sizeInBytes":173},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_lifestyle_creep_7d1bf53938.jpg","thumbnail_lifestyle_creep_7d1bf53938","thumbnail_lifestyle creep.jpg",6.26,6256,"lifestyle_creep_7d1bf53938",86.11,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flifestyle_creep_7d1bf53938.jpg","2025-01-07T23:13:59.254Z",{"id":6,"name":7,"slug":8,"createdAt":179,"updatedAt":180,"publishedAt":99},"2020-12-24T19:15:38.145Z","2020-12-24T19:15:38.158Z",{"id":6,"name":182,"slug":183,"instagram":184,"facebook":185,"bio":186,"createdAt":187,"updatedAt":188,"publishedAt":189,"linkedIn":190,"avatar":191},"Dimitra","dimitra","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fdimdimi\u002F","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002Fdimitra.lioliou.9","She worked in corporate, then embraced the freelancer dream and built two businesses. In the meantime, she learned five foreign languages, picked up a Master's in Digital Marketing, and somehow ended up deep in the world of AI Risk Strategy — because understanding people was always the strategy anyway.\nNow she spends her time between Greece and the US, meeting with clients, writing about whatever life brings, and helping businesses figure out what AI gets wrong before it costs them.\nJust a suggestion: don't ask her about languages. She will never stop talking.","2020-12-24T18:56:38.909Z","2026-02-19T19:46:02.745Z","2020-12-24T18:56:43.888Z","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fin\u002Fdimitra-lioliou\u002F",{"id":192,"name":193,"alternativeText":194,"caption":195,"width":114,"height":114,"formats":196,"hash":203,"ext":117,"mime":120,"size":204,"url":205,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":206,"updatedAt":206},1244,"Dimitra Lioliou.png","dimitra lioliou profile pic","dimitra lioliou the working gal",{"thumbnail":197},{"ext":117,"url":198,"hash":199,"mime":120,"name":200,"path":62,"size":201,"width":123,"height":123,"sizeInBytes":202},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_Dimitra_Lioliou_4c495e8044.png","thumbnail_Dimitra_Lioliou_4c495e8044","thumbnail_Dimitra Lioliou.png",47.83,47833,"Dimitra_Lioliou_4c495e8044",34.56,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FDimitra_Lioliou_4c495e8044.png","2025-04-09T22:06:21.464Z","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Flifestyle_creep_7d1bf53938.jpg",{"id":209,"title":210,"createdAt":211,"updatedAt":212,"publishedAt":213,"content":214,"slug":215,"coffees":14,"seo_title":210,"keywords":216,"seo_desc":217,"featuredImage":218,"category":251,"author":252,"img":276},235,"Jane Birkin: Style Icon, Actress & Inspiration | The Complete Story","2025-01-05T23:25:42.764Z","2025-10-25T00:03:55.214Z","2025-01-05T23:42:26.261Z","An Icon of Effortless Chic and Authenticity\n-------------------------------------------\n\nJane Birkin, the name alone evokes images of effortless Parisian chic, a captivating voice, and a life lived with a unique blend of artistic freedom and personal vulnerability. Jane Birkin was more than just a fashion icon; she was a multifaceted talent who transcended boundaries and inspired generations with her artistry, independence, and unwavering authenticity.   \n\n***\n\nBorn in London on December 14, 1946, Birkin was the daughter of Judy Campbell, a renowned stage actress, and David Birkin, a Royal Navy commander and a World War II spy. She grew up in Chelsea, London, and was described as a _“shy English girl.”_. Birkin attended Miss Ironside's School in Kensington and Upper Chine School on the Isle of Wight, and, according to her statement, she would be frequently bullied because of her physique. However, this environment likely nurtured her creative inclinations, exposing her to the world of theater and the arts from a young age. \n\nBirkin's career spanned decades, encompassing acting, singing, and modeling. Her films, from _\"Blow-Up\"_ to _\"Je t'aime, moi non plus,\"_ showcased her natural charisma and acting prowess. Though her heavy accent in French eventually did prevent her from getting some roles, it turned out to be an asset in her career, as French audiences found it charming. She later stated: _\"Without my accent, I would have had a different career.\"_ Her collaborations with Serge Gainsbourg, particularly their provocative and intimate songs, pushed the boundaries of French music and redefined **female sexuality.** \n\n\n![jane birkin inspiration](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fjane_birkin_inspiration_edc4182298.jpg)\n\n_[Photo](https:\u002F\u002Fgoodintention.co\u002Fblog\u002Fremembering-jane-birkin-an-icon-of-fashion-film-and-music\u002F)_\n\nBirkin married composer John Barry in 1965, with whom she had a daughter, Kate Barry. They divorced in 1968. However, her most famous and influential relationship was with French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. They had a daughter together, **Charlotte Gainsbourg**, who also became a successful actress. Their relationship was unconventional and often controversial, but it deeply impacted both their artistic careers. She had also a long-term relationship with French filmmaker Jacques Doillon, with whom she had a daughter, Lou Doillon, also a successful musician and actress. **Motherhood** played a significant role in her life. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters, who all pursued successful careers in the arts.\n\nMental Health Issues\n====================\n\nBirkin openly discussed her struggles with anxiety and **depression** throughout her life. She candidly discussed these mental health challenges in interviews and public appearances, helping to destigmatize these conditions. Birkin described herself as insecure and unhappy and said she wanted to be loved. She also said she had **stage fright** but thought it helped her perform better. She also said she had OCD when she was 16 and that it made her fear the air around her. She didn't leave the house for months.\n\nShe was also open about her **troubled relationships** with her daughters, Kate Barry, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Lou Doillon. She also described her relationship with Serge Gainsbourg as _“toxic.”_ Birkin said that she sang songs to overcome pain. She also wrote songs about the death of her daughter, Kate, who died tragically in 2013 in Paris after falling from her fourth-floor apartment.\n\n\n![jane birkin inspiration](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fjane_birkin_inspiration_b51d2214e8.jpg)\n\n_Photo: Getty Images_\n\nHer openness about her struggles likely resonated with many who faced similar challenges, demonstrating that even iconic figures experience mental health issues. By sharing her experiences, Birkin helped to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraged others to seek help and support.\n\nBirkin also faced public **scrutiny** and criticism, particularly regarding her relationship with Gainsbourg and their provocative music. The songs often featured explicit lyrics and imagery, which were considered shocking and provocative for the time. This led to **controversy** and even bans in some countries. Some critics viewed their relationship and music as exploitative and degrading to women.\n\nHowever, despite the criticism, Birkin and Gainsbourg defended their artistic expression, arguing that their work was a form of **artistic freedom** and a reflection of their own unique relationship.\n\nA Fashion Icon\n==============\n\nEven though Birkin had a career in French cinema, perhaps her personal style most resonated with the public. Her simple yet elegant look – flowing dresses, bare feet, and a basket bag – became synonymous with a carefree and bohemian spirit. Ironically, her casual complaint about the lack of a suitable travel bag during a flight led to the creation of the iconic [Hermès Birkin](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hermes.com\u002Fus\u002Fen\u002Fcontent\u002F106191-birkin\u002F) bag, a testament to her enduring influence on fashion.   \n\nThe Birkin Bag\n--------------\n\n\n![jane birkin inspiration](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fjane_birkin_inspiration_88a25fa969.jpg)\n\n_[Photo](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sothebys.com\u002Fen\u002Farticles\u002F7-secret-details-about-jane-birkins-original-birkin-revealed)_\n\nIn 1984, Jane Birkin was seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès, on a flight from Paris to London. Frustrated by the lack of a suitable travel bag, Birkin expressed her difficulties to Dumas. Her straw basket had just spilled its contents onto the airplane's floor.   Impressed by her candor, Dumas took it upon himself to design a perfect travel bag for her. The result was the now-legendary Hermès Birkin bag.\n\nHandcrafted from the finest leathers (crocodile, alligator, calfskin) with meticulous attention to detail. Simple yet elegant, the Birkin features rolled top handles, a padlock and keys, and a signature _\"saddle stitch.\"_ **Production is limited, and waiting lists for certain styles can be years long.** The Birkin bag quickly became a symbol of ultimate luxury, coveted by celebrities and collectors worldwide. It's a testament to the enduring power of a simple conversation and a designer's dedication to creating a truly exceptional product.\n\nAn Inspirational Woman\n----------------------\n\nBeyond her artistic achievements, Birkin was a woman of strong convictions. She was a vocal **advocate** for women's rights, animal welfare, and environmental causes. Her life, though filled with personal and professional triumphs, was not without its share of challenges. She faced public scrutiny and heartbreak with grace and resilience, inspiring others to accept their own **vulnerabilities** and pursue their passions with uncompromising honesty.   \n\nWhile Birkin is usually interconnected with the Birkin Bag and her effortless French style, she was an active climate change activist. While advocating for political action, Birkin likely also emphasized the importance of individual responsibility in addressing **climate change**. This could include actions such as reducing consumption, adopting sustainable practices, and supporting environmentally conscious businesses. Jane Birkin used her public platform to raise awareness about climate change and advocate for urgent action.\n\n![jane birkin inspiration](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fjane_birkin_inspiration_01b2630255.jpg)\n\n[Photo](https:\u002F\u002Fmastermindparis.com\u002Ffeatures\u002Fremembering-icon-jane-birkin\u002F)\n\nThe open letter in the French newspaper _“Le Monde,”_ signed by Jane Birkin and other prominent figures, called upon French politicians to take immediate and decisive action to combat climate change.\n\nThe letter likely emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis and how it could be prevented. The letter stressed the importance of international collaboration in addressing the global nature of climate change since increased public awareness and engagement are crucial for driving meaningful change and holding governments accountable.\n\n### Undoubtedly, Jane Birkin's legacy extends far beyond her artistic contributions. \n\nShe serves as a reminder that true style transcends trends and that authenticity, both in personal and professional life, is the ultimate form of self-expression. Her life and work continue to inspire and influence, reminding us to accept and embrace our **individuality**, pursue our passions with courage, and live life with a touch of effortless chic and unwavering authenticity that is still relevant.\n\nHer Famous Quotes\n-----------------\n\n_\"My look is a cocktail. I'm not as nicely turned out as the French, but I don't care like the English.\"_\n\n_\"It's impossible to be stylish without confidence.\"_   \n\n_\"My mother was right: When you've got nothing left, all you can do is get into silk underwear and start reading Proust.\"_   \n\n_\"When you start recognizing that you're having fun, life can be delightful.\"_   \n\n_\"A Birkin bag is a very good rain hat; just put everything else in a plastic bag.\"_\n\n_\"Love is a wonderful thing, but it's not everything.\"_\n\n_\"I'm not afraid of getting older. I'm more afraid of not having anything to say.\"_\n\n_\"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.\"_","inspirational-women-jane-birkin","jane birkin, jane birkin what is known for, birkin bag, jane birkin actress, who is jane birkin, why is jane birkin known","Who was Jane Birkin? Discover the life, style, and legacy of Jane Birkin - the British-French icon who inspired a generation and the iconic Birkin bag.",{"id":219,"name":220,"alternativeText":221,"caption":221,"width":53,"height":54,"formats":222,"hash":247,"ext":57,"mime":60,"size":248,"url":249,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":250,"updatedAt":250},836,"jane birkin inspiration.jpg","jane birkin inspiration",{"large":223,"small":229,"medium":235,"thumbnail":241},{"ext":57,"url":224,"hash":225,"mime":60,"name":226,"path":62,"size":227,"width":64,"height":65,"sizeInBytes":228},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_jane_birkin_inspiration_ced539f762.jpg","large_jane_birkin_inspiration_ced539f762","large_jane birkin inspiration.jpg",66,66000,{"ext":57,"url":230,"hash":231,"mime":60,"name":232,"path":62,"size":233,"width":72,"height":73,"sizeInBytes":234},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_jane_birkin_inspiration_ced539f762.jpg","small_jane_birkin_inspiration_ced539f762","small_jane birkin inspiration.jpg",20.87,20874,{"ext":57,"url":236,"hash":237,"mime":60,"name":238,"path":62,"size":239,"width":80,"height":81,"sizeInBytes":240},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_jane_birkin_inspiration_ced539f762.jpg","medium_jane_birkin_inspiration_ced539f762","medium_jane birkin inspiration.jpg",40.35,40355,{"ext":57,"url":242,"hash":243,"mime":60,"name":244,"path":62,"size":245,"width":88,"height":89,"sizeInBytes":246},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_jane_birkin_inspiration_ced539f762.jpg","thumbnail_jane_birkin_inspiration_ced539f762","thumbnail_jane birkin inspiration.jpg",6.87,6872,"jane_birkin_inspiration_ced539f762",103.96,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fjane_birkin_inspiration_ced539f762.jpg","2025-01-05T23:40:51.425Z",{"id":22,"name":23,"slug":24,"createdAt":97,"updatedAt":98,"publishedAt":99},{"id":26,"name":253,"slug":254,"instagram":255,"facebook":256,"bio":257,"createdAt":258,"updatedAt":259,"publishedAt":260,"linkedIn":261,"avatar":262},"Tonia","tonia","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fliolioutonia\u002F","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002Ftonia.lioliou","If you could find one person combining physical strength and mental ability it would have her name. Tonia is also a teacher, but she has serious experience in all kinds of jobs. She can do whatever you ask her. She is also a big fan of remote work -and she is not afraid to admit it. This is why she loves writing about it.","2020-12-24T18:57:03.277Z","2022-03-04T12:40:41.173Z","2020-12-24T18:57:04.381Z","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fin\u002Ftonia-lioliou-078949202\u002F",{"id":26,"name":263,"alternativeText":264,"caption":264,"width":114,"height":114,"formats":265,"hash":271,"ext":117,"mime":120,"size":272,"url":273,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":274,"updatedAt":275},"the working gal author.png","the working gal author",{"thumbnail":266},{"ext":117,"url":267,"hash":268,"mime":120,"name":269,"path":62,"size":270,"width":123,"height":123},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_tonia_614def26ea.png","thumbnail_tonia_614def26ea","thumbnail_tonia.png",52.63,"tonia_614def26ea",111.31,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Ftonia_614def26ea.png","2020-12-24T18:57:01.136Z","2025-02-22T08:34:14.859Z","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fjane_birkin_inspiration_ced539f762.jpg",{"id":278,"title":279,"createdAt":280,"updatedAt":281,"publishedAt":282,"content":283,"slug":284,"coffees":22,"seo_title":279,"keywords":285,"seo_desc":286,"featuredImage":287,"category":320,"author":321,"img":325},234,"Real Stories: My Biggest Challenge At Work","2025-01-05T03:39:45.644Z","2025-01-05T03:44:15.408Z","2025-01-05T03:44:15.405Z","Challenges and work usually come together. No matter how much we like our job, there is always something that is off, and it can seriously challenge our mental health and tolerance and can even lead to burnout. Things are never ideal, but this is life, right?\n\nHowever, each of us faces different challenges, so we asked our fellow working gals around to tell us what the most challenging thing they faced at work was and how they managed to solve it. Read below.\n\nAshley answered, “My boss didn’t like me -at all.”\n--------------------------------------------------\n\n![real story work challenges](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Freal_story_work_challenges_fb58a3d04f.jpg)\n\n_“I generally don’t have special issues at work; I was lucky enough to work with amazing people and build a rapport with them in almost every position I worked. So, basically, I didn’t face any particular challenges while trying to climb the career ladder. However, about a couple of years ago, after some time of being unemployed for personal reasons, I decided to start looking for a job, and I landed one quite fast. The scope of work was very okay, as were the salary and benefits, and I felt pretty comfortable working at the office, even though I prefer the hybrid or fully remote model. Anyway, everything looked cool in the beginning until I eventually met my manager. I have never felt such distant vibes ever. They were only a couple of years older than me and had an impressive resume but not remarkable behavior. I justified the cold behavior by thinking that they were my first days here, I was new, and they tried to ‘discipline’ me in some -weird- way. After all, they are my boss; I don’t have any expectations of being BFF with them from day 1. In the meantime, I realized they generally had amazing relationships with the rest of the team —not with me. Even though I am a very sociable and friendly person -as I’m told- I am not expecting to be friends with everyone, but I’m hoping to have a decent relationship with my colleagues and supervisors so the job is done and we all go home happy. But not this time for me. Even though I was performing well and my reviews were more than OK, they never seemed to try to get closer to me. They avoided inviting me to important meetings or filling me up about projects I was leading; they kept information from me, and, in general, they never showed appreciation for me. Our 1-1s were very off; we didn’t ever try to break the ice (while I was trying to do so every day), and everything in our communication was off. I put in 1 year of effort, but I gave up. They would never like me. And the fun fact was that they seemed like a cool and easy going person._ \n\n_This ended up being challenging because, frankly, even though my performance was good, I didn’t feel like progressing, considering that your manager is there to guide you and help you move forward and improve. Or not? Anyway, I started looking for another job, and finally, after 1.5 years, I quit and moved to another job. They didn’t even say goodbye. I still think from time to time what I did wrong to deserve such behavior but, at the end of the day, I didn’t have to put up with it. What I should have done, though, was to have an honest conversation with them and be straightforward. It may have helped.”_\n\nAngela answered, “Remote work ruined my life.”\n----------------------------------------------\n\n![real story work challenges](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Freal_story_work_challenges_85bb22ac5e.jpg)\n\n_”When COVID hit, I was recently employed in a company, working at the office, as most of us. However, we were instructed to work from home when the situation worsened. At first, it was quite a relief since I had a little kid in the house, and, like everyone, I was scared of what could happen and how the pandemic would end. Given that my company didn’t have much experience with remote work, we spent a significant amount of time trying to catch up and find the proper SOPs for the team to be productive and do the job. Some colleagues weren’t tech-savvy and saw that as one of their worst nightmares. I generally am very ok with tech, and, honestly, I learned so many new things and tips, so I didn’t mind working remotely from the coziness of my house. I need to note here that my job is not highly competitive or demanding, so I don’t usually exceed my regular working hours, but I benefit from a generous salary. Long story short, the dream. In the beginning, as I said, we all worked overtime just to familiarize ourselves with the new way of working and ensure that we can still be productive as a team, even though we work far away from each other. I didn’t care much because I had nowhere to go after work, right? The months passed, and the remote work kept going, but life kept going as well, and I found myself working not only overtime but literally double shifts. Given the lack of outdoor activities, I started spending more time in front of the laptop, finishing all the little tasks on my To-Do lists, and promising myself that I would benefit from the double shift during the weekend. But, the work became more and more demanding, the company expanded, and there I was, working almost 18 hours a day, 7 days a week. I started neglecting my family. I barely did anything at home, and despite my husband’s complaints, I got so focused on work that I could barely have a normal conversation with him. And if I decided to pay some attention and he asked about my job, I suddenly picked up my laptop, doing something that occurred to me at that moment. How rude! Yet, this went on for quite some time, and the company decided to keep the remote model post-COVID since it saved thousands from office use, giving us the option to go to the office 1-2 times a week -which was optional. And I didn’t even consider the option. So, I went on working and working and working. I gained a considerable amount of weight since I didn’t move anymore, and I was on the verge of a divorce since my husband couldn’t take any more responsibility for our kid, the household, and everything in between._ \n\n_I don’t exactly know what caused that, but when he threatened me with a divorce, I then realized what I had done. I got so into doing my job that I forgot I had a family and a life. The lack of boundaries I put myself into was unimaginable, and I really neglected not only my physical health but my emotional well-being._ \n\n_What happened next? Well, I took the option of going to the office at least 2-3 times per week and got home at normal hours. I left the laptop away from my sight, and I never turned it on after hours. By the way, the company had no requirement to do so. I did this to myself. I realized that I am an office person and I operate better in this way. And I saved my family’s well-being as well. I am never going back remote. Never!”_\n\nMaria answered, “I was never trained in my new role.”\n-----------------------------------------------------\n\n![real story work challenges](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Freal_story_work_challenges_3997bfda31.jpg)\n\n_“When I was hired in my previous position, I had a significant amount of experience in the field but no experience in the specific company, which was pretty different from the previous one. However, while I was interviewing, I mentioned that, and they reassured me that I would receive quite some training before diving into the projects; so far, so good. What they didn’t tell me was that the training would be a handbook of 400 pages and around 4-5 videos to watch. And that’s it. Nothing more; no person to show you or talk to since everyone was extremely busy with their own stuff. It took me a week to finish half the handbook while, at the same time, my To-Do list was piled up with tasks I didn’t even know how to execute, and my managers and colleagues didn’t even spend 5 minutes answering my questions. I felt so frustrated and I was trying to improvise every single day to finish a couple of tasks of the… many. I reached out to my supervisor and they suggested that I pay more attention to the handbook, which, btw, was the worst written thing I have ever read. As a result, in my first trimester, my performance was equal to an intern’s, which, considering my experience, was at least comic. I spent a lot of time after work and tried to find solutions by myself to be able to move forward, but I couldn’t do much without help from more experienced people who actually worked in the specific way that the company works. I get furious when I still think of the indifference they showed regarding the training. They practically paid me for nothing, and I was basically struggling. This seriously harmed my mental health, considering that I’m a very career-driven person, and I felt like I was put on hold without my wanting to. I lasted six months without gaining any experience and without being useful to the company, and then I quit. In my next job, I made it clear that training is very important for me in order to be able to help them, and thankfully, I got amazing training —from real people. Sometimes, I wonder how this company is still operating, considering the extensive lack of training. By chance, I guess?”_","real-stories-my-biggest-challenge-at-work","work challenges, work challenge, real story work, career challenges real, real stories for career","Three women shared what the biggest challenge of their careers was. Read what they told The Working Gal.",{"id":288,"name":289,"alternativeText":290,"caption":290,"width":53,"height":54,"formats":291,"hash":316,"ext":57,"mime":60,"size":317,"url":318,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":319,"updatedAt":319},831,"real story work challenges.jpg","real story work challenges",{"large":292,"small":298,"medium":304,"thumbnail":310},{"ext":57,"url":293,"hash":294,"mime":60,"name":295,"path":62,"size":296,"width":64,"height":65,"sizeInBytes":297},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_real_story_work_challenges_be138ad4b6.jpg","large_real_story_work_challenges_be138ad4b6","large_real story work challenges.jpg",83.91,83905,{"ext":57,"url":299,"hash":300,"mime":60,"name":301,"path":62,"size":302,"width":72,"height":73,"sizeInBytes":303},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_real_story_work_challenges_be138ad4b6.jpg","small_real_story_work_challenges_be138ad4b6","small_real story work challenges.jpg",27.97,27966,{"ext":57,"url":305,"hash":306,"mime":60,"name":307,"path":62,"size":308,"width":80,"height":81,"sizeInBytes":309},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_real_story_work_challenges_be138ad4b6.jpg","medium_real_story_work_challenges_be138ad4b6","medium_real story work challenges.jpg",52.98,52978,{"ext":57,"url":311,"hash":312,"mime":60,"name":313,"path":62,"size":314,"width":88,"height":89,"sizeInBytes":315},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_real_story_work_challenges_be138ad4b6.jpg","thumbnail_real_story_work_challenges_be138ad4b6","thumbnail_real story work challenges.jpg",9.29,9291,"real_story_work_challenges_be138ad4b6",107.8,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Freal_story_work_challenges_be138ad4b6.jpg","2025-01-05T03:41:04.651Z",{"id":6,"name":7,"slug":8,"createdAt":179,"updatedAt":180,"publishedAt":99},{"id":101,"name":102,"slug":103,"instagram":104,"facebook":105,"bio":106,"createdAt":107,"updatedAt":108,"publishedAt":109,"linkedIn":62,"avatar":322},{"id":111,"name":112,"alternativeText":113,"caption":113,"width":114,"height":114,"formats":323,"hash":124,"ext":117,"mime":120,"size":125,"url":126,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":127,"updatedAt":128},{"thumbnail":324},{"ext":117,"url":118,"hash":119,"mime":120,"name":121,"path":62,"size":122,"width":123,"height":123},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Freal_story_work_challenges_be138ad4b6.jpg",{"id":327,"title":328,"createdAt":329,"updatedAt":330,"publishedAt":331,"content":332,"slug":333,"coffees":14,"seo_title":328,"keywords":334,"seo_desc":335,"featuredImage":336,"category":369,"author":373,"img":377},233,"Guilty Pleasure: The shows we love but will never admit to anyone","2025-01-03T23:22:35.637Z","2025-01-03T23:54:37.395Z","2025-01-03T23:54:37.392Z","Life is better with guilty pleasures. Our life is stressful enough and the last thing we want while enjoying a nice dinner in front of the TV _(we shouldn’t, but we do eat while binge watching)_ after a long day at work is to think more. It’s ok if we don’t want to think more and just relax with some mindless TV. \n\nGuilty pleasures can trigger a sense of joy and happiness and, in some cases, can be an awesome reward after a very **productive**, yet, exhausting day. But, the good thing is that guilty pleasures can be as harmless as we want them to be. That said, a guilty pleasure could be to buy something small when things are going or not going well or succumb to a **very indulgent candy**. However, the first is going to drain our money and the second would probably burden us with unnecessary calories, if we keep doing it every day.\n\nOne of the most favorite and budget-friendly guilty pleasures is watching meaningless television that makes us blissfully happy without any particular cost _(or a small one for the subscription)_.\n\nAnd, below, we have the shows that fulfil all the requirements of what guilty pleasure means: fun, mindless entertainment and carefree vibe.\n\n![guilty pleasure shows](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fguilty_pleasure_shows_20f8460582.jpg)\n\n_Photo: [Variety](https:\u002F\u002Fvariety.com\u002F2024\u002Ftv\u002Fnews\u002Fthe-real-housewives-of-new-york-city-tv-news-roundup-1236105385\u002F)_\n\n## The Real Housewives (of any city)\n\nWe will never understand nor the drama, nor the fashion of this show, yet, considering that it aired 19 years ago, something tell us that people watch it. We do as well. Frankly, there isn’t anything intellectually appealing about the show but we still enjoy a couple of episodes once in a while. Is it the lavish and arrogantly luxurious lifestyle they present or the drama when we see women fighting for no particular reason? Well, we don’t know but, honestly, **who cares**? We sure won’t go around discussing the latest episode of the show; probably, will jump into judging anyone who does, but still, it’s the most easy, mindless binge watching.\n\n![guilty pleasure shows](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fguilty_pleasure_shows_c92051fac6.jpg)\n\n_Photo: [The Guardian](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Ftv-and-radio\u002F2022\u002Fapr\u002F14\u002Fkardashians-hulu-disney-plus-review)_\n\n## Keeping up with the Kardashians\n\nThis show has managed to do something impossible: it has made people who claim to \"hate\" reality TV, especially shows like \"Keeping Up With the Kardashians,\" to still find themselves drawn to it. The storyline? As cliché as it sounds; wealth, extravagance and celebrities that show how the dynamics of an influential family works. Lavish lifestyles, luxurious homes, expensive vacations, and high-fashion wardrobes along with sibling rivalries, **romantic relationships** among the three main characters, Kourtney, Kim and Chloé are somehow appealing when you want to just dive in the couch and stop thinking.\n\n![guilty pleasure shows](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fguilty_pleasure_shows_e2d4bae084.jpg)\n\n_Photo: [Ranker](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ranker.com\u002Flist\u002Fcast-of-gossip-girl-from-first-vs-last-season\u002Fjessica-lawshe)_\n\n## Gossip Girl\n\nAlright, we love it. But we want start going out admitting it. A group of extremely wealthy, spoiled and narcissist teenagers in the **Upper East Side**, who behave like adults, even though they are high school students, seems fun and appealing but, honestly, it is disturbing to even think about that as a real thing. However, the drama, the constant exchange of partners among the main group and the different celebrity-style events they all attend on a regular basis, makes the plot extremely appealing and the scandals that arise in each episode make you watch Serena and Blair at every opportunity. \n\n![guilty pleasure shows](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fguilty_pleasure_shows_f9a2d62a0e.jpg)\n\n_Photo: [Daily Mail](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dailymail.co.uk\u002Ftvshowbiz\u002Farticle-12599001\u002FSelling-Sunset-announces-debut-date-season-seven-BIG-cast-member-missing-new-poster-guess-is.html)_\n\n## Selling Sunset\n\nIf you want LA vibes, unnecessary drama and extravagant residencies, Selling Sunset has it all. We all understand that **real estate** can be a very competitive business but what is going on on this show is mind blowing. We basically don’t know how the agents manage to sell all these houses yet have the time to engage in arguments, rivalries and conflicts all the time. However, the impressive housing saves it and makes us turn the TV on to get a sneak peek of the luxurious Los Angeles lifestyle. \n\n![guilty pleasure shows](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fguilty_pleasure_shows_b42f8e5351.jpg)\n\n_Photo: [Medium](https:\u002F\u002Fbookmarkedd.medium.com\u002Fpretty-little-liars-part-1-tv-c5346f87a8f6)_\n\n## Pretty Little Liars\n\nAnother group of high schoolers that now have to deal with the disappearance and death of their best friend. The show’s plot can has potential but, frankly, it’s over-the-top and gets so melodramatic for no particular reason which makes it a good **“guilty pleasure”** show. It’s suspenseful, there are fast twists and turns but at the end of the day, we won’t be thinking about it after we turn off the TV. Exactly the kind of thriller we like; easy to digest, non-scary and as carefree as a drama can be.\n\n![guilty pleasure shows](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fguilty_pleasure_shows_b39794a17b.jpg)\n\nPhoto: [The Cornell Daily Sun](https:\u002F\u002Fcornellsun.com\u002F2022\u002F02\u002F06\u002Femily-in-paris-season-2-from-cliche-to-touche\u002F)\n\n## Emily In Paris\n\nYes, we love Emily in Paris and we actually believe the show gives some nice insights for the marketing field but overall, it’s nothing extremely sophisticated. But it’s cute; and it’s in Paris (currently in Italy!). Emily goes to Paris to cover her boss who got pregnant and, suddenly, her whole life **turned upside down**. Friendships, messy relationships and, again, unnecessary drama, with Paris as a background is the ideal way to end your day with a mindless plot. Add French accent to the list and some good fashion and there you go. Honestly, we can’t wait for the next season; and, we won’t be talking about it.\n\n\n\n","guilty-pleasure-the-shows-we-love-but-will-never-admit-to-anyone","guilty pleasure shows, guilty pleasure, trash TV shows, shows we like and won't admit, guilty pleasure reality","We all have a guilty pleasure, and ours is watching mindless TV. Read the shows that we all love but will never admit to anyone.",{"id":337,"name":338,"alternativeText":339,"caption":339,"width":53,"height":54,"formats":340,"hash":365,"ext":57,"mime":60,"size":366,"url":367,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":368,"updatedAt":368},827,"guilty pleasure shows.jpg","guilty pleasure shows",{"large":341,"small":347,"medium":353,"thumbnail":359},{"ext":57,"url":342,"hash":343,"mime":60,"name":344,"path":62,"size":345,"width":64,"height":65,"sizeInBytes":346},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_guilty_pleasure_shows_82f4949a56.jpg","large_guilty_pleasure_shows_82f4949a56","large_guilty pleasure shows.jpg",123.93,123933,{"ext":57,"url":348,"hash":349,"mime":60,"name":350,"path":62,"size":351,"width":72,"height":73,"sizeInBytes":352},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_guilty_pleasure_shows_82f4949a56.jpg","small_guilty_pleasure_shows_82f4949a56","small_guilty pleasure shows.jpg",40.29,40287,{"ext":57,"url":354,"hash":355,"mime":60,"name":356,"path":62,"size":357,"width":80,"height":81,"sizeInBytes":358},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_guilty_pleasure_shows_82f4949a56.jpg","medium_guilty_pleasure_shows_82f4949a56","medium_guilty pleasure shows.jpg",77.39,77390,{"ext":57,"url":360,"hash":361,"mime":60,"name":362,"path":62,"size":363,"width":88,"height":89,"sizeInBytes":364},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_guilty_pleasure_shows_82f4949a56.jpg","thumbnail_guilty_pleasure_shows_82f4949a56","thumbnail_guilty pleasure shows.jpg",12.67,12666,"guilty_pleasure_shows_82f4949a56",258.99,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fguilty_pleasure_shows_82f4949a56.jpg","2025-01-03T23:46:42.058Z",{"id":10,"name":11,"slug":12,"createdAt":370,"updatedAt":371,"publishedAt":372},"2024-12-23T20:58:07.737Z","2024-12-23T21:00:14.455Z","2024-12-23T21:00:14.453Z",{"id":101,"name":102,"slug":103,"instagram":104,"facebook":105,"bio":106,"createdAt":107,"updatedAt":108,"publishedAt":109,"linkedIn":62,"avatar":374},{"id":111,"name":112,"alternativeText":113,"caption":113,"width":114,"height":114,"formats":375,"hash":124,"ext":117,"mime":120,"size":125,"url":126,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":127,"updatedAt":128},{"thumbnail":376},{"ext":117,"url":118,"hash":119,"mime":120,"name":121,"path":62,"size":122,"width":123,"height":123},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fguilty_pleasure_shows_82f4949a56.jpg",{"id":379,"title":380,"createdAt":381,"updatedAt":382,"publishedAt":383,"content":384,"slug":385,"coffees":26,"seo_title":380,"keywords":386,"seo_desc":387,"featuredImage":388,"category":421,"author":422,"img":426},232,"20 Things We Love About January","2025-01-01T02:53:38.957Z","2025-01-01T02:59:30.117Z","2025-01-01T02:59:30.114Z","Happy New Year!\n===============\n\nNamed after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, and transitions, January was depicted with two faces, symbolizing looking back at the past and forward to the future.\n\nThe Roman calendar originally began in March. However, during the reign of King Numa Pompilius, January was established as the first month of the year.\n\nIn 46 BCE, Julius Caesar reformed the Roman calendar (the Julian Calendar). This solidified January 1st as the beginning of the year.\n\nNot all cultures immediately adopted January 1st as New Year's Day. Some continued to use other dates, such as March 25th or December 25th.\n\n### However, nowadays, January 1st is the most widely recognized start of the year globally.\n\nAnd we have 20 reasons why we love the first month of the year!\n***\n\n**A Fresh Start:** New Year, new beginnings! It's a time for reflection and setting new goals.\n\n**Cozy Nights In:** Enjoying warm drinks, reading, and [watching movies](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F5-social-media-documentaries-you-need-to-watch) by the fire.\n\n**Winter Wonderland:** Experiencing the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.\n\n**Winter Sports:** Hitting the slopes for skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating.\n\n**Holiday Leftovers:** Indulging in delicious leftover holiday treats.\n\n**Planning for the Future:** Dreaming of upcoming vacations and adventures.\n\n**Cozying Up with Loved Ones:** Spending quality time with family and friends.\n\n![blog 900x550 (68).jpg](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fblog_900x550_68_fa2dfb09ac.jpg)\n\n**Trying New Things:** Stepping outside your comfort zone and exploring new hobbies or interests.\n\n[**Setting New Goals:**](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fnew-years-resolutions-have-you-made-yours) Defining your aspirations for the year ahead.\n\n**Decluttering and Organizing:** A fresh start for your home and life.\n\n**Hot Chocolate:** Indulging in warm, comforting beverages.\n\n**Watching Winter Sports:** Cheering on your favorite athletes in winter games.\n\n**The Crisp Winter Air:** Enjoying the invigorating feeling of fresh winter air.\n\n**Anticipation of Spring:** Looking forward to the warmer months ahead.\n\n**The Quadrantid Meteor Shower:** One of the [best meteor showers of the year,](https:\u002F\u002Fearthsky.org\u002Fastronomy-essentials\u002Feverything-you-need-to-know-quadrantid-meteor-shower\u002F) offering a dazzling celestial display.\n\n**Feeling Accomplished:** The sense of achievement that comes with setting and achieving goals.\n\n**Learning New Skills:** Taking advantage of online courses, workshops, or classes to learn something new.\n\n**Slow Cooker Meals:** Cozy up with delicious and comforting slow cooker meals on cold evenings.\n\n[**Starting a New Book Series**](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F5-books-that-every-working-gal-should-read)**:** Diving into a captivating new series to escape the winter blues.\n\n**Hope for the Future:** Looking forward to the promise of a new year and all the possibilities it holds.","20-things-we-love-about-january","1 month of the year, happy new year, happy new year 2025, new year 2025, january 1, first day of the year","Our Working Gal editors tell us what are the things that they like most about January, the first month of the year!",{"id":389,"name":390,"alternativeText":391,"caption":391,"width":53,"height":54,"formats":392,"hash":417,"ext":57,"mime":60,"size":418,"url":419,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":420,"updatedAt":420},820,"20 things we love about january.jpg","20 things we love about 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january.jpg",24.11,24108,{"ext":57,"url":406,"hash":407,"mime":60,"name":408,"path":62,"size":409,"width":80,"height":81,"sizeInBytes":410},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_20_things_we_love_about_january_cfe380ba68.jpg","medium_20_things_we_love_about_january_cfe380ba68","medium_20 things we love about january.jpg",50.61,50614,{"ext":57,"url":412,"hash":413,"mime":60,"name":414,"path":62,"size":415,"width":88,"height":89,"sizeInBytes":416},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_20_things_we_love_about_january_cfe380ba68.jpg","thumbnail_20_things_we_love_about_january_cfe380ba68","thumbnail_20 things we love about 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