[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fRdy4Ph-Pr3_YSRANo4UELfNtlCWM9i03GPoJzUPa93A":3,"$fB6IErdmP3LqSwmz-vPuQtqRqgvqmJJeziCG3g7uO9KQ":37,"$f3LQt92c1OPauYUtdVkEKSdygHHcNklPyidI4zouhHEc":134},{"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":132},[39],{"id":40,"title":41,"createdAt":42,"updatedAt":43,"publishedAt":44,"content":45,"slug":46,"coffees":6,"seo_title":41,"keywords":47,"seo_desc":48,"featuredImage":49,"category":97,"author":101,"img":131},340,"Energy Balls Recipe: Boost Your Energy With The Most Delicious Snack","2025-05-11T23:59:19.035Z","2025-05-12T00:07:54.496Z","2025-05-12T00:07:54.493Z","\u003Cp>We live in a world that often demands constant motion, leaving little time for proper nourishment between meals, especially if don’t work from the comfort of our house. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for this reason, we need something practical, easy to make and nutritious to keep us going.This is where the magic of energy balls truly shines. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These little powerful balls are more than just a trendy snack; they represent a delicious and convenient way to fuel our bodies with wholesome ingredients. Their inherent versatility allows for endless flavor combinations, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs, from the nut-butter enthusiast to the chocolate lover and beyond. The simple act of rolling a few ingredients together transforms them into portable bursts of energy, making them an irresistible and practical choice for busy people who they just want to be healthy and satisfy their palates as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The appeal of energy balls as a snack solution lies in their ability to bridge the gap between hunger pangs and mealtime without the drawbacks of processed or sugary alternatives. They offer a balanced blend of carbohydrates for quick energy, healthy fats for sustained satiety, and protein for muscle support, all packed into a conveniently sized treat. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002FEnergy_balls_recipe_407d21ec50.webp\" alt=\"dates and dark chocolate and cocoa\">\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can have them as a pre-workout boost, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or they can successfully substitute your need for dessert, as they are a guilt-free and effective way to nourish your body and keep your energy levels stable throughout the day. \nNot to mention that their no-bake nature and customizable recipes also make them an accessible and enjoyable option for anyone looking to take control of their snacking habits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you are looking for a recipe that combines tastiness, nutrients and easiness to make, try the following. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and you can refrigerate the balls for a week. Just make sure you don’t eat them all in a day!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>On the plus, it's vegan as well!\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Ch1>What You’ll Need\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>This recipe is so simple and you probably already have those ingredients at home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>5 oz of unsalted almonds\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>10 dates pitted\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>½ tsp vanilla extract\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>2 oz oat \u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>1.5 oz unsweetened cocoa powder\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>1 tbsp peanut butter (or any nut butter)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>a pinch of salt\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch1>How To Make Them\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>We put the almonds in a food processor and grind them until they become very finely ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>We add the cocoa, salt, oats, and beat again to homogenize the mixture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>We add the dates and the nut butter and beat a little more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>If the mixture looks dry and doesn't mold, we add a little water (1 tablespoon), and if it is too wet, we add a little oats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cp>We put a little more cocoa on a plate, mold into small balls, and cover them with the cocoa.\nWe either enjoy them directly or put them in the refrigerator for later. We can keep them in the refrigerator for about a week and get our daily boost when we need it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n","energy-balls-recipe","Energy balls recipe, healthy energy balls, vegan energy balls recipe, energy balls with dates, how to use dates in cooking","The best, easiest and most delicious energy balls recipe that are ideal for a snack or to fulfill your need for dessert without extra sugars or fats. ",{"id":50,"name":51,"alternativeText":52,"caption":53,"width":54,"height":55,"formats":56,"hash":92,"ext":58,"mime":61,"size":93,"url":94,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":96,"updatedAt":96},1286,"Energy balls with dates.webp","energy balls with cocoa","energy balls with dates",1600,900,{"large":57,"small":68,"medium":76,"thumbnail":84},{"ext":58,"url":59,"hash":60,"mime":61,"name":62,"path":63,"size":64,"width":65,"height":66,"sizeInBytes":67},".webp","https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_Energy_balls_with_dates_e59656a406.webp","large_Energy_balls_with_dates_e59656a406","image\u002Fwebp","large_Energy balls with dates.webp",null,37.13,1000,562,37134,{"ext":58,"url":69,"hash":70,"mime":61,"name":71,"path":63,"size":72,"width":73,"height":74,"sizeInBytes":75},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_Energy_balls_with_dates_e59656a406.webp","small_Energy_balls_with_dates_e59656a406","small_Energy balls with dates.webp",15.52,500,281,15520,{"ext":58,"url":77,"hash":78,"mime":61,"name":79,"path":63,"size":80,"width":81,"height":82,"sizeInBytes":83},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_Energy_balls_with_dates_e59656a406.webp","medium_Energy_balls_with_dates_e59656a406","medium_Energy balls with dates.webp",25.92,750,422,25924,{"ext":58,"url":85,"hash":86,"mime":61,"name":87,"path":63,"size":88,"width":89,"height":90,"sizeInBytes":91},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_Energy_balls_with_dates_e59656a406.webp","thumbnail_Energy_balls_with_dates_e59656a406","thumbnail_Energy balls with dates.webp",5.4,245,138,5400,"Energy_balls_with_dates_e59656a406",67.66,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FEnergy_balls_with_dates_e59656a406.webp","aws-s3","2025-05-12T00:07:03.078Z",{"id":30,"name":31,"slug":32,"createdAt":98,"updatedAt":99,"publishedAt":100},"2024-10-01T02:28:53.114Z","2026-04-15T18:14:01.461Z","2024-10-01T02:29:00.529Z",{"id":102,"name":103,"slug":104,"instagram":105,"facebook":106,"bio":107,"createdAt":108,"updatedAt":109,"publishedAt":110,"linkedIn":63,"avatar":111,"avatarImg":130},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":112,"name":113,"alternativeText":114,"caption":114,"width":115,"height":115,"formats":116,"hash":125,"ext":118,"mime":121,"size":126,"url":127,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129},108,"Untitled-7.png","",250,{"thumbnail":117},{"ext":118,"url":119,"hash":120,"mime":121,"name":122,"path":63,"size":123,"width":124,"height":124},".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\u002FEnergy_balls_with_dates_e59656a406.webp",{"pagination":133},{"page":6,"pageSize":35,"pageCount":6,"total":6},{"data":135,"meta":470},[136,209,277,328,399],{"id":137,"title":138,"createdAt":139,"updatedAt":140,"publishedAt":141,"content":142,"slug":143,"coffees":14,"seo_title":138,"keywords":144,"seo_desc":145,"featuredImage":146,"category":180,"author":184,"img":208},339,"How To Not Let Your Job Define You","2025-05-05T19:53:59.120Z","2025-05-05T19:57:19.535Z","2025-05-05T19:57:19.532Z","**Can Our Work Define Us?**\n\nOne of the first things that comes up when you get to know someone and start chatting with them is usually about your work. When asked to say a bit more about yourself, you will spontaneously answer the question of what you do for a living. These subtle interactions with others make it clear how important our work is not only for us but also for the rest of the world. Our very society has been created in such a way that our primary goal since our childhood is to prepare ourselves to go out into the adult world as successful professionals and land a job.\n\nThe one who doesn't want to work simultaneously is usually considered the scapegoat for their environment. And this could make sense, we would say, since we wonder what they do with their life, how they make ends meet, etc. Being an active part of the workforce guarantees our survival, our chances of getting entertained and enjoying the little happy moments in life, and ensures that we have everything else that is necessary for our well-being, in general.\n\n### We all understand that work is of great importance to our society and is part of our lives\n\nBut what effect does it have on our personality? Or do we choose our profession based on our personality? Whatever the answer, the only thing that is certain is that work determines our lives in one way or another. Right or wrong... it happens. There are professions where the personality traits of the professional play a decisive role in their modus operandi at work. Via their profession, they project their personality in some way to achieve their desired results (e.g., teachers, lawyers, and many more). But there are also professions, especially the more technical ones, where one’s personality is not in the spotlight.\n\nNevertheless, most professionals are identified in one way or another by their profession. A very typical example is, of course, the earnings and the social status we receive. It is common for those with a high income to automatically have social prestige, since society often considers people with good salaries to be respected.\n\n## In that case, what do you admire most?\n\nThe salary or the person? And that's where the question comes in... are we really our profession? Should our profession define us? And if yes, to what extent?\n\nOne trap we all fall into is that we associate our entire identity with our professional status. And it’s undeniable that in some professions, personality is the means actually to do the job.\n\n### But it is merely the means, not the result or the goal\n\n![rocks creating a balance ](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fcan_our_job_define_us_85a9b56fac.webp)\n\nOur work, especially when we do something we love, is a massive part of our lives. But how much will it affect us outside working hours? Will we bring work home? For example, does my working as a teacher mean that I have to be a \"teacher\" and treat my friends that way outside of work? I work on teaching every day, and certainly my personality affects my work, but that's about it. I should not be defined by that alone. I agree with the view that _your profession can reveal things about you, but it doesn't give the whole picture._\n\n## You're not just your profession\n\nMost people think they can tell who someone is by their profession. And it is partly true. But what about those who do a job out of necessity? How are they defined? So does the profession fully define our personality? Does how you do your job matter more than what job you do?\n\nThis trap that we all fall into, of defining ourselves by our work, becomes even clearer when we consider the cases of people who have lost their jobs and lost themselves along with them. When someone build their life around their job and all they think about is this and cannot function without it, if they lose their job (sh\\*t happens, the economy is not quite blooming yet), then they lose the meaning of life. I won’t get into the economic challenges that come with a job loss, which are clearly very important. I'm talking about the fact that if one loses their job, they lose their perception of themselves. They feel inadequate, and here come the other issues. Many people, unfortunately, experience severe psychological challenges when they lose their jobs. And sometimes it's tough to recover from that.\n\nFounding the whole meaning of your life on your work is not the same as founding the meaning of your work.\n\n### Is it important?\n\nOf course it is. Will it keep you busy after hours? Many times. Does it have to be the only thing that gives your life meaning? No. Everyone needs to find meaning in life beyond work. Have a personal goal and have time with yourself. This meaning is enough to help us improve professionally, set high personal and family goals, etc. All this belongs to a cycle where the focus is not on our work but on ourselves. Our work is just an important part of this cycle.\n\nTo be fulfilled, there [must be a balance](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fhow-to-maintain-your-work-life-balance) between our professional and personal lives.\n\nWork is a very important factor in our personal happiness and development. It is through work that we complete our personality, and it indeed determines our lives to a great extent. After all, we understand its importance if we think about the hours we spend on it every day.\n\nBut... our work gives us meaning in life, it is not THE meaning of life. Our work is a part of ourselves, not our whole selves. You're not just your job. And we will only understand this if we are outside of it.\n\nThat's where we will realize that other things take priority in our lives.","job-define-us","why we define ourselves from our jobs, how important is my job for me, How To Not Let Your Job Define You, ","Why do we define ourselves from our jobs? Why work is so important that we operate according to what we do? Read the article and learn how to avoid being defined by your job.",{"id":147,"name":148,"alternativeText":149,"caption":150,"width":54,"height":55,"formats":151,"hash":176,"ext":58,"mime":61,"size":177,"url":178,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":179,"updatedAt":179},1284,"can our job define us.webp","woman sitting on a chair waiting for an interview","can our job define us",{"large":152,"small":158,"medium":164,"thumbnail":170},{"ext":58,"url":153,"hash":154,"mime":61,"name":155,"path":63,"size":156,"width":65,"height":66,"sizeInBytes":157},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_can_our_job_define_us_4921ff0fe1.webp","large_can_our_job_define_us_4921ff0fe1","large_can our job define us.webp",20.53,20526,{"ext":58,"url":159,"hash":160,"mime":61,"name":161,"path":63,"size":162,"width":73,"height":74,"sizeInBytes":163},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_can_our_job_define_us_4921ff0fe1.webp","small_can_our_job_define_us_4921ff0fe1","small_can our job define us.webp",7.72,7720,{"ext":58,"url":165,"hash":166,"mime":61,"name":167,"path":63,"size":168,"width":81,"height":82,"sizeInBytes":169},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_can_our_job_define_us_4921ff0fe1.webp","medium_can_our_job_define_us_4921ff0fe1","medium_can our job define us.webp",13.69,13692,{"ext":58,"url":171,"hash":172,"mime":61,"name":173,"path":63,"size":174,"width":89,"height":90,"sizeInBytes":175},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_can_our_job_define_us_4921ff0fe1.webp","thumbnail_can_our_job_define_us_4921ff0fe1","thumbnail_can our job define us.webp",2.95,2950,"can_our_job_define_us_4921ff0fe1",51.49,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fcan_our_job_define_us_4921ff0fe1.webp","2025-05-05T19:56:52.385Z",{"id":6,"name":7,"slug":8,"createdAt":181,"updatedAt":182,"publishedAt":183},"2020-12-24T19:15:38.145Z","2020-12-24T19:15:38.158Z","2024-06-26T07:27:59.419Z",{"id":14,"name":185,"slug":186,"instagram":187,"facebook":188,"bio":189,"createdAt":190,"updatedAt":191,"publishedAt":192,"linkedIn":193,"avatar":194},"Amalia","amalia","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Famalia.ka__\u002F","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002Famalia.kakampakou","Amalia is the Teacher. She loves what she does. She is addicted to detail: if it isn’t perfect, it’s not good enough. She loves her job and she loves writing. She wants to learn new things and she is very curious about everything. Her favorite question: Why? She usually answers the questions by herself, though.","2020-12-24T18:58:59.684Z","2020-12-27T14:58:33.474Z","2020-12-24T18:59:01.010Z","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fin\u002Famalia-kakampakou-963945202\u002F",{"id":14,"name":195,"alternativeText":196,"caption":196,"width":115,"height":115,"formats":197,"hash":203,"ext":118,"mime":121,"size":204,"url":205,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":206,"updatedAt":207},"the working gal author.png","the working gal author",{"thumbnail":198},{"ext":118,"url":199,"hash":200,"mime":121,"name":201,"path":63,"size":202,"width":124,"height":124},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_amalia_fcd74699a4.png","thumbnail_amalia_fcd74699a4","thumbnail_amalia.png",57.6,"amalia_fcd74699a4",118.47,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Famalia_fcd74699a4.png","2020-12-24T18:58:30.657Z","2025-02-22T08:34:20.998Z","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fcan_our_job_define_us_4921ff0fe1.webp",{"id":210,"title":211,"createdAt":212,"updatedAt":213,"publishedAt":214,"content":215,"slug":216,"coffees":14,"seo_title":211,"keywords":217,"seo_desc":218,"featuredImage":219,"category":253,"author":254,"img":276},338,"5 Salads We Are Craving This Month","2025-05-04T01:04:40.648Z","2025-05-04T01:13:58.012Z","2025-05-04T01:13:58.009Z","One of the things that I love about May (and there are a lot!) is starting to refresh my diet with more fresh food and fewer heavy meals. Even though I try to follow a balanced diet, aka having to cook a lot every week, during the period from May to September, I always strive for more light yet nutritious food options. Maybe my desire comes from the fact that the weather gets warmer and frankly, a bowl of soup is not what I really need to comfort me, or because this time of the year it gets a bit busy at work, and I don’t have time for slow cooking and spending much time to the kitchen, especially when I want to spend time outdoors.\n\nFor this reason, one of my go-tos in my meal prep is salads. They are delicious, they are nutritious, and they are refreshing. Pretty much everything we need for a comforting and easy meal. The good thing about salads is that, depending on the ingredients, they can be a full meal that gives us all the nutrients we need without the extra calories. And as much as I like a classic cheeseburger from time to time, I insist on eating as many salads as I can.\n\nAnd if you feel that talking about salads means boring bowls of limp lettuce, you don’t have to worry! Before I even got the chance to write this article, I have been testing and absolutely devouring five incredible salads that are currently rocking my culinary world. These aren't just side dishes; they are a complete meal, packed with seasonal goodies and designed to make your taste buds sing.\n\nGet inspired and start the new month with fresh and delicious ideas!\n\n## [Chicken Pasta Salad](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Frecipe-chicken-pasta-salad)\n\n![chicken pasta salad](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fchicken_pasta_salad_fd62bf3160.webp)\n\nOk, this is my favorite so far and the most fulfilling dish that not only do I meal prep pretty much all year round, but it also makes the perfect dinner combined with a chilled glass of white wine and [the appropriate movie](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fthese-are-the-movies-you-need-to-watch-if-you-re-a-wine-lover). Nothing more refreshing and nothing more nutritious than this chicken pasta salad.\n\n## [Greek Salad](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F5-1-mouthwatering-greek-recipes-to-incorporate-in-your-meal-prep)\n\n![greek salad recipe.webp](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fgreek_salad_recipe_33fff7fe95.webp)\n\nGreek salad is more than a salad. One of the most renowned Greek dishes and the world’s favorite and most nutritious salad. And it has it all so that you don’t have to worry about pairing it with some food. Protein (from the feta cheese), fresh vegetables, omega-3, and antioxidants, all in one dish. Serve with some croutons to support your carb intake and ta-da! A complete, healthy and hearty salad ready for you!\n\n## [Salmon Niçoise Salad](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.foodandwine.com\u002Fsalmon-nicoise-salad-6411057)\n\n![favorite spring salads](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Ffavorite_spring_salads_a96aff841b.webp)\n\nInspired by the French classic, this salad is packed with protein and healthy fats. Flaked grilled or pan-seared salmon sits atop a bed of mixed greens, along with hard-boiled eggs, new potatoes, Niçoise olives, green beans, and ripe tomatoes. A Dijon vinaigrette brings all the flavors together beautifully. This salad is both nutritious and incredibly satisfying, and can be your [meal prep favorite](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F5-tips-for-meal-prep) of the month!\n\n## [Turkey and Wild Rice Salad With Cranberries and Pecans](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thescramble.com\u002Frecipes\u002Fturkey-cranberry-and-wild-rice-salad\u002F)\n\n![favorite spring salads](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Ffavorite_spring_salads_a186f64a95.webp)\n\nThis salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors and can be a complete and very healthy meal. Cooked wild rice forms a nutty base, topped with shredded cooked turkey breast (leftovers work great!), dried cranberries for sweetness, and crunchy toasted pecans. Celery and green onions add a bit of freshness and crunch. A light vinaigrette with a touch of maple syrup complements the other ingredients beautifully. Also, if you are not a fan of turkey, you can substitute it with chicken or tofu.\n\n## [Greek Bowl with Haloumi](https:\u002F\u002Fcookingwithayeh.com\u002Fgreek-bowls\u002F)\n\n![favorite spring salads](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Ffavorite_spring_salads_76feb1f2e4.webp)\n\nThis bowl-style salad is packed with protein and delicious Mediterranean flavors. Roasted chickpeas are combined with grilled or pan-fried halloumi cheese, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley. A lemon-herb vinaigrette ties everything together, and warm whole wheat pita bread on the side is perfect for scooping. Trust me, you won’t go back after this!","salads-of-the-month","spring salads, salads to eat in spring, meal prep salads, mediterranean salads, favorite spring salads","If you are looking for easy, delicious and healthy salads that serve as a complete meal, our choices are the ones you need. Read and enjoy!",{"id":220,"name":221,"alternativeText":222,"caption":222,"width":54,"height":55,"formats":223,"hash":248,"ext":58,"mime":61,"size":249,"url":250,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":251,"updatedAt":252},1281,"favorite spring salads.webp","favorite spring salads",{"large":224,"small":230,"medium":236,"thumbnail":242},{"ext":58,"url":225,"hash":226,"mime":61,"name":227,"path":63,"size":228,"width":65,"height":66,"sizeInBytes":229},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_favorite_spring_salads_34e22229f2.webp","large_favorite_spring_salads_34e22229f2","large_favorite spring salads.webp",60.23,60228,{"ext":58,"url":231,"hash":232,"mime":61,"name":233,"path":63,"size":234,"width":73,"height":74,"sizeInBytes":235},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_favorite_spring_salads_34e22229f2.webp","small_favorite_spring_salads_34e22229f2","small_favorite spring salads.webp",24.74,24740,{"ext":58,"url":237,"hash":238,"mime":61,"name":239,"path":63,"size":240,"width":81,"height":82,"sizeInBytes":241},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_favorite_spring_salads_34e22229f2.webp","medium_favorite_spring_salads_34e22229f2","medium_favorite spring salads.webp",41.9,41902,{"ext":58,"url":243,"hash":244,"mime":61,"name":245,"path":63,"size":246,"width":89,"height":90,"sizeInBytes":247},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_favorite_spring_salads_34e22229f2.webp","thumbnail_favorite_spring_salads_34e22229f2","thumbnail_favorite spring salads.webp",9.24,9244,"favorite_spring_salads_34e22229f2",109.4,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Ffavorite_spring_salads_34e22229f2.webp","2025-05-04T01:08:41.425Z","2025-05-04T01:08:47.944Z",{"id":30,"name":31,"slug":32,"createdAt":98,"updatedAt":99,"publishedAt":100},{"id":26,"name":255,"slug":256,"instagram":257,"facebook":258,"bio":259,"createdAt":260,"updatedAt":261,"publishedAt":262,"linkedIn":263,"avatar":264},"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":195,"alternativeText":196,"caption":196,"width":115,"height":115,"formats":265,"hash":271,"ext":118,"mime":121,"size":272,"url":273,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":274,"updatedAt":275},{"thumbnail":266},{"ext":118,"url":267,"hash":268,"mime":121,"name":269,"path":63,"size":270,"width":124,"height":124},"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\u002Ffavorite_spring_salads_34e22229f2.webp",{"id":278,"title":279,"createdAt":280,"updatedAt":281,"publishedAt":282,"content":283,"slug":284,"coffees":26,"seo_title":279,"keywords":285,"seo_desc":286,"featuredImage":287,"category":320,"author":323,"img":327},337,"20 Things We Love About May","2025-05-03T22:57:27.390Z","2025-05-03T23:02:17.695Z","2025-05-03T23:02:17.692Z","### Ah, May! \n\nPicnics in sun-dappled meadows, toes wriggling in freshly sprouted grass, and the sweet, sweet symphony of birdsong that drowns out the last whispers of winter. May is the month when Mother Nature finally throws off her fuzzy blanket and struts her stuff in a dazzling display of floral fireworks and emerald finery. Forget January's resolutions; May is the real fresh start, a time for shaking off the winter blues and rediscovering the sheer, unadulterated joy of being alive! It’s the time for [a good spring clean right before summer](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fcareer-spring-clean) and the month when spring dinners outdoors are our top priority.\n\nSo, what is it about this magical month that makes our hearts sing and our spirits soar? Is it the intoxicating aroma of lilacs, the thrill of firing up the grill for the first time, or the simple pleasure of feeling the sun kiss our skin without a biting wind trying to steal our hats? Keep reading, because we are counting down twenty of the reasons why we think this month is the absolute bee's knees!\n\n**The explosion of green:** After the browns and grays of winter, the world suddenly bursts into vibrant shades of green as leaves return to the trees.\n\n![20 things we love about may](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F20_things_we_love_about_may_9152594159.webp)\n\n**Blooming flowers everywhere:** Gardens and parks become a riot of color with tulips, daffodils, lilacs, and so many other beautiful blossoms.\n\n**Pleasant temperatures:** The weather generally becomes milder and more comfortable, perfect for being outdoors without being too hot or too cold.\n\n**Longer daylight hours:** We start to enjoy more sunshine in the evenings, making it feel like the day stretches out.\n\n**The anticipation of summer:** May acts as a lovely bridge between spring and the full warmth of summer, filling us with exciting anticipation.\n\n**Outdoor activities become appealing again:** Whether it's hiking, biking, picnics, or simply strolling, the pleasant weather beckons us outside.\n\n**Gardening season kicks into high gear:** For those with green thumbs, May is a busy and rewarding time to plant and nurture.\n\n**Farmers markets come alive:** Fresh, locally grown produce starts to become available, offering delicious flavors and supporting local communities.\n\n**Birdsong fills the air:** With nesting season in full swing, the cheerful melodies of birds create a lovely soundtrack to our days.\n\n**A sense of renewal and fresh starts:** There's an invigorating feeling of new beginnings that comes with the vibrant growth of nature.\n\n**Mother's Day celebrations:** A special day to honor and appreciate the wonderful mothers in our lives.\n\n![20 things we love about may](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F20_things_we_love_about_may_ef6157dca4.webp)\n\n**Memorial Day weekend:** For many in the US, this marks the unofficial start of summer with an extra day off and opportunities for gatherings.\n\n**Outdoor dining becomes enjoyable:** Restaurants and cafes often set up outdoor seating, allowing us to savor meals in the fresh air.\n\n**Spring cleaning energy:** The brighter days often inspire us to declutter and refresh our homes, our careers, our lives.\n\n**The air smells fresh and clean:** The combination of blooming flowers and new growth creates a lovely scent in the air.\n\n**Opportunities for outdoor adventures:** Camping, kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits become much more inviting.\n\n**Less rain in many regions:** While spring showers are common, May often brings drier and sunnier days compared to earlier spring months.\n\n**School events and celebrations:** Many schools have spring concerts, field days, and other fun events in May.\n\n**A feeling of optimism and hope:** The beauty and vitality of May can lift our spirits and fill us with a sense of optimism.\n\n**It's simply a beautiful time of year:** Overall, May is a month where the world feels vibrant, alive, and full of promise.","love-may","why we love may, things to do in may, why may is a nice month, last month of spring","May is one of the most popular and frankly favorite month of the year. And these are the 20 things we love more about this month.",{"id":288,"name":289,"alternativeText":290,"caption":290,"width":54,"height":55,"formats":291,"hash":316,"ext":58,"mime":61,"size":317,"url":318,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":319,"updatedAt":319},1277,"20 things we love about may.webp","20 things we love about may",{"large":292,"small":298,"medium":304,"thumbnail":310},{"ext":58,"url":293,"hash":294,"mime":61,"name":295,"path":63,"size":296,"width":65,"height":66,"sizeInBytes":297},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_20_things_we_love_about_may_ebc2796167.webp","large_20_things_we_love_about_may_ebc2796167","large_20 things we love about may.webp",33.8,33798,{"ext":58,"url":299,"hash":300,"mime":61,"name":301,"path":63,"size":302,"width":73,"height":74,"sizeInBytes":303},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_20_things_we_love_about_may_ebc2796167.webp","small_20_things_we_love_about_may_ebc2796167","small_20 things we love about may.webp",13.36,13356,{"ext":58,"url":305,"hash":306,"mime":61,"name":307,"path":63,"size":308,"width":81,"height":82,"sizeInBytes":309},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_20_things_we_love_about_may_ebc2796167.webp","medium_20_things_we_love_about_may_ebc2796167","medium_20 things we love about may.webp",22.76,22760,{"ext":58,"url":311,"hash":312,"mime":61,"name":313,"path":63,"size":314,"width":89,"height":90,"sizeInBytes":315},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_20_things_we_love_about_may_ebc2796167.webp","thumbnail_20_things_we_love_about_may_ebc2796167","thumbnail_20 things we love about may.webp",4.49,4488,"20_things_we_love_about_may_ebc2796167",64.43,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F20_things_we_love_about_may_ebc2796167.webp","2025-05-03T23:01:22.835Z",{"id":22,"name":23,"slug":24,"createdAt":321,"updatedAt":322,"publishedAt":183},"2020-12-24T19:16:11.810Z","2025-10-01T19:49:12.086Z",{"id":102,"name":103,"slug":104,"instagram":105,"facebook":106,"bio":107,"createdAt":108,"updatedAt":109,"publishedAt":110,"linkedIn":63,"avatar":324},{"id":112,"name":113,"alternativeText":114,"caption":114,"width":115,"height":115,"formats":325,"hash":125,"ext":118,"mime":121,"size":126,"url":127,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":128,"updatedAt":129},{"thumbnail":326},{"ext":118,"url":119,"hash":120,"mime":121,"name":122,"path":63,"size":123,"width":124,"height":124},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002F20_things_we_love_about_may_ebc2796167.webp",{"id":329,"title":330,"createdAt":331,"updatedAt":332,"publishedAt":333,"content":334,"slug":335,"coffees":14,"seo_title":330,"keywords":336,"seo_desc":337,"featuredImage":338,"category":371,"author":372,"img":398},336,"Is It That Bad To Work During The Weekends?","2025-04-30T16:50:06.260Z","2026-02-19T22:28:12.289Z","2025-04-30T16:57:34.812Z","Recently, I had an interesting conversation about [work-life balance](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fhow-to-maintain-your-work-life-balance) and how we can manage to finally achieve this very wanted balance we are all looking for. Is it possible to actually maintain a healthy relationship with our work, or should we just admit that, as adults, our jobs consume mainly the totality of our existence? And then, I started to think a bit deeper about whether “no-work weekends” are actually the solution to the problem, or, at the end of the day, if our work makes us happy, then we should go for it and spend as much time as we want.\n\nOver the last decades, the shift towards a more balanced life has been in the spotlight, and many people strive for more sustainable work-life conditions, aiming to reduce the time spent on their job or at least spend a couple of days off from it.\n\nExperts warn us that [working excessive hours](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fdon-t-be-busy-be-productive) and being preoccupied with our job all the time is bad not only for our mental and physical health but also for our [productivity and performance](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F5-proven-ways-to-increase-productivity-in-the-workplace) at work, and there have been numerous initiatives to protect employees from overworking and possible burnout.\n\nHowever, despite improvements in the quality of working conditions and the protection of employees regarding their free time, especially during the weekends, and despite the importance of these initiatives, we have almost demonized the “working during the weekend” topic. And no matter how cool it is to have two full days off work, it can be equally dangerous to feel that it's almost illegal if we do.\n\n## Why Is Working Weekends Bad?\n\nThe truth is that the societal narrative is pretty clear: weekends are for rest, rejuvenation, and everything _but_ work. We’re bombarded with articles preaching the gospel of unplugging, the [importance of setting boundaries](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fhow-to-set-and-preserve-boundaries), and the dangers of burnout. And while these messages should be taken into consideration, especially in our increasingly “always-on” world, the reality is often a little more complex and a little less black and white.\n\nFor many of us, the idea of a completely work-free weekend feels like a distant fantasy. Perhaps you’re juggling a demanding career on top of a bustling family life, and those extra hours on Saturday morning are the only time you can [truly focus](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F7-ways-to-improve-concentration-in-everything-you-do). Maybe you’re a passionate entrepreneur like me, and your business feels less like a job and more like an extension of yourself, with ideas bubbling up at all hours. Or perhaps, simply put, you _enjoy_ aspects of your work and find a quiet satisfaction in tackling a small task on a Sunday afternoon.\n\nThe truth is, whether or not working during the weekend is “bad” isn’t a universal decree etched in stone. It’s a deeply personal question with an answer that depends on individual circumstances, personality traits, and the very nature of our work.\n\n## The “On” or “Off” Rule\n\nThe first thing to consider is what “working” actually looks like for you on a weekend. Is it a frantic, stress-induced scramble to meet a critical deadline, leaving you feeling depleted and resentful? Or is it a mindful hour spent catching up on emails at your own pace, allowing you to start the week feeling more organized and in control?\n\nThere’s a vast spectrum between being chained to your desk for eight hours on a Saturday and simply spending 30 minutes responding to a few urgent messages on a Sunday evening. Perhaps your weekend work involves creative brainstorming in a relaxed setting, something that actually fuels your energy rather than draining it. Maybe it’s dedicating a couple of hours to a passion project that aligns with your professional skills, blurring the lines between work and hobby.\n\nThe key lies in understanding the _impact_ of your weekend work. Does it leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and like you’ve sacrificed precious personal time? Or does it provide a sense of accomplishment, reduce weekday stress, or even bring you genuine enjoyment?\n\n## The Balancing Act: It’s About Integration, Not Just Separation\n\nThe concept of “work-life balance” often evokes an image of two perfectly balanced scales, with work neatly confined to one side and life to the other. However, for many modern women, this rigid separation is simply not realistic or desirable. Instead, perhaps we should be striving for “work-life integration,” a more fluid approach where the different aspects of our lives can coexist and even complement each other.\n\nFor instance, if tackling a few small work tasks on a Saturday morning allows you to fully immerse yourself in family time on Sunday without the nagging feeling of unfinished business, then perhaps it’s a worthwhile trade-off. If spending an hour on a passion project on a Sunday afternoon leaves you feeling creatively fulfilled and energized for the week ahead, then who’s to say that’s “bad”?\n\nThe danger arises when work consistently bleeds into our weekends in an uncontrolled and demanding way, leaving us feeling constantly on edge and unable to actually switch off. This is where boundaries become absolutely essential.\n\n## Should I Work on Weekends? | Setting Your Own Weekend Rules & What Works for _You_\n\n![Should I work on weekends](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FShould_I_work_on_weekends_cb7ef84c41.webp)\n\nSo, how do you navigate this complex terrain and decide what’s right for your own weekends? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:\n\n- **What is the nature of my work?** Are there truly urgent tasks that can’t wait until Monday, or is it more about personal pressure and a fear of falling behind?\n- **What are my energy levels like?** Do I genuinely feel rested and capable of tackling a small task on the weekend, or am I already running on empty by Friday evening?\n- **What are my priorities for the weekend?** What activities and connections truly nourish me and help me recharge? Am I consistently sacrificing these for work?\n- **What is the impact on my mental and physical well-being?** Does working on the weekend leave me feeling more stressed, anxious, or physically drained?\n- **Am I setting healthy boundaries?** Am I allowing work demands to constantly intrude on my personal time, or am I proactively protecting my weekends?\n- **Am I doing it out of necessity or choice?** Is weekend work a genuine requirement of my job, or am I driven by internal pressure or external expectations?\n\nOnce you’ve reflected on these questions, you can start to create your own set of weekend rules. These might include:\n\n![Should I work on weekends](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FShould_I_work_on_weekends_1145ec3f16.webp)\n\n- **Designated “no work” zones and times:** Perhaps you commit to a completely work-free Sunday, or you decide that after a certain hour on Saturday, your laptop stays closed and you do something fun and relaxing.\n- **Batching smaller tasks:** If you know you’ll feel better starting the week with a clear inbox, dedicate a specific, limited time slot on the weekend to respond to urgent emails rather than letting them linger or to create your weekly to-do list.\n- **Prioritizing rest and rejuvenation:** Ensure your weekends include activities that genuinely help you unwind and recharge, whether it’s spending time in nature, pursuing a hobby, or simply enjoying quiet moments. Something that will reboot your brain.\n- **Communicating your boundaries:** If you need to limit your availability on weekends, make this clear to colleagues and clients and avoid replying to emails and messages, especially if they are not urgent.\n- **Being** [**mindful of your “why”**](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fintenional-living)**:** If you choose to work on the weekend, be conscious of your motivations. Is it driven by genuine need or a fear of not being productive enough? Is it a way to motivate yourself to progress, or do you just not have the luxury of staying away from your computer?\n\n## The Guilt-Free Weekend\n\nThere’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether it’s “bad” to work during the weekend. What matters most is that you are making conscious choices that support your overall well-being and allow you to live a fulfilling life, both professionally and personally.\n\nSo, the next time you find yourself tempted to peek at your emails on a Saturday morning, take a moment to pause. Ask yourself what truly serves you in that moment. Maybe the answer is to close your laptop and savor that extra cup of coffee. Or maybe it’s to spend a focused hour tackling a task that will bring you peace of mind.\n\nThe key is to move away from the rigid notion of the “sacred seven days” and instead embrace a more flexible and compassionate approach to work-life integration. Listen to your body, honor your needs, and create a weekend rhythm that makes you happy.\n\nBecause a well-lived life isn’t about never working on a Saturday or not touching work stuff during the weekend; it’s about feeling empowered to choose how you spend your precious time, every single day of the week, even if you feel like spending your weekend on your desk creating an amazing project.\n\n### Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy it to the fullest.","work-during-weekend","work from home weekend, is is normal to work on weekends, should you work weekends, why working weekends is bad, should i work on weekends, why working weekends is bad","Do you feel guilty if you work during the weekends and thinking that work-life balance is more like a burden to you? Read the article and normalize working whenever you want!",{"id":339,"name":340,"alternativeText":341,"caption":341,"width":54,"height":55,"formats":342,"hash":367,"ext":58,"mime":61,"size":368,"url":369,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":370,"updatedAt":370},1274,"Should I work on weekends.webp","Should I work on weekends",{"large":343,"small":349,"medium":355,"thumbnail":361},{"ext":58,"url":344,"hash":345,"mime":61,"name":346,"path":63,"size":347,"width":65,"height":66,"sizeInBytes":348},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_Should_I_work_on_weekends_97bba0568f.webp","large_Should_I_work_on_weekends_97bba0568f","large_Should I work on weekends.webp",47.53,47532,{"ext":58,"url":350,"hash":351,"mime":61,"name":352,"path":63,"size":353,"width":73,"height":74,"sizeInBytes":354},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_Should_I_work_on_weekends_97bba0568f.webp","small_Should_I_work_on_weekends_97bba0568f","small_Should I work on weekends.webp",17.84,17840,{"ext":58,"url":356,"hash":357,"mime":61,"name":358,"path":63,"size":359,"width":81,"height":82,"sizeInBytes":360},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_Should_I_work_on_weekends_97bba0568f.webp","medium_Should_I_work_on_weekends_97bba0568f","medium_Should I work on weekends.webp",31.28,31280,{"ext":58,"url":362,"hash":363,"mime":61,"name":364,"path":63,"size":365,"width":89,"height":90,"sizeInBytes":366},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_Should_I_work_on_weekends_97bba0568f.webp","thumbnail_Should_I_work_on_weekends_97bba0568f","thumbnail_Should I work on weekends.webp",6.79,6794,"Should_I_work_on_weekends_97bba0568f",104.69,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FShould_I_work_on_weekends_97bba0568f.webp","2025-04-30T16:56:21.948Z",{"id":6,"name":7,"slug":8,"createdAt":181,"updatedAt":182,"publishedAt":183},{"id":6,"name":373,"slug":374,"instagram":375,"facebook":376,"bio":377,"createdAt":378,"updatedAt":379,"publishedAt":380,"linkedIn":381,"avatar":382},"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":383,"name":384,"alternativeText":385,"caption":386,"width":115,"height":115,"formats":387,"hash":394,"ext":118,"mime":121,"size":395,"url":396,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":397,"updatedAt":397},1244,"Dimitra Lioliou.png","dimitra lioliou profile pic","dimitra lioliou the working gal",{"thumbnail":388},{"ext":118,"url":389,"hash":390,"mime":121,"name":391,"path":63,"size":392,"width":124,"height":124,"sizeInBytes":393},"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\u002FShould_I_work_on_weekends_97bba0568f.webp",{"id":400,"title":401,"createdAt":402,"updatedAt":403,"publishedAt":404,"content":405,"slug":406,"coffees":14,"seo_title":401,"keywords":407,"seo_desc":408,"featuredImage":409,"category":442,"author":443,"img":469},335,"It’s not AI, It’s People Skills for the Win","2025-04-29T19:32:52.977Z","2025-04-29T19:39:06.493Z","2025-04-29T19:39:06.488Z","There's so much buzz about AI these days—but the real power move in your career and organization? People skills. While knowing how to use AI is a must, let's ground ourselves in a more enduring truth for your career: **Your people skills are your ultimate differentiator in this evolving landscape.**\n\n## Why AI is Super Buzzy\n\nEveryday, new headlines about generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) promise both that the future is brighter with more possibilities than ever AND that it’ll bring the world (or humans) to a painful end. A little balance, please!\n\nIt’s true. [Experts](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mckinsey.com\u002Fmgi\u002Four-research\u002Fgenerative-ai-and-the-future-of-work-in-america) estimate that up to 12 million jobs will be automated by 2030 (about 8% of the workforce). However, many more jobs will be reshaped or updated. **We need to make AI our teammate, not our enemy.** To do that, we’ll all need to brush up on new digital skills AND our human magic.\n\n## Why People Skills are the Ultimate Differentiator\n\nWith gen AI sucking most of the air out of the #futureofwork conversation, I wouldn’t blame you if you thought digital skills were your number one asset. But they are not... People skills are.\n\nIn fact, more and [more employers are prioritizing people skills](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cornerstoneondemand.com\u002Fresources\u002Farticle\u002Fdrop-hierarchy-why-people-skills-more-important\u002F) during the hiring process. The work we do ultimately revolves around understanding the needs of, working with, and delivering value to other people, whether that’s our coworkers, customers, partners, or any other stakeholder. As technology handles more of the technical \"hard skills,\" **what truly makes you stand out becomes your unique superpower.** And employers agree that your ability to connect with colleagues, lead with empathy, navigate complex relationships and decisions, and communicate persuasively are standout skills. These are the skills that AI simply can't replicate.\n\n## Using AI to Free Up Time for People Skills: A Two-Step Approach\n\nInstead of getting lost in the AI hype, consider how you can use AI to augment your intelligence and free up time for what truly matters: human interaction and impact.\n\n- **Step 1: AI or human needed?** First, do a task breakdown for your day-to-day work. Then, for each task, decide whether AI can automate that task, augment, or assist you.\n- **Step 2: Update your work mix**! You can think about work being three types of activities: transactional (tasks), relational (building relationships and collaborating), and transformational (applying expertise). Today, the average work mix for knowledge-based workers is about 50% transactional, 30% relational, and 20% transformational. Researchers suggest we should expect a [10-30% increase in productivity](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mercer.com\u002Fassets\u002Fglobal\u002Fen\u002Fshared-assets\u002Flocal\u002Fattachments\u002Fpdf-2024-global-talent-trends-report-en.pdf) in the coming years by mixing more AI into our workflows.\n\n![AI & People's Skills](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FAI_and_People_s_Skills_82c7f6dcda.webp)\n\nBy automating tasks and using AI to help you with your more complicated work, you should aim to cut your transactional work by over 50%. Yay! **That gives you almost 2x more time to make work more meaningful and fun.** Let your expertise shine!\n\n## The \"Easy\" 80% of People Skills: A Top 10 list\n\nOK. Let’s dive into the core people skills that will boost your career and confidence no matter where you work. Thankfully, it’s not that hard.\n\n### Here’s a Top 10 list that will take you far\n\n1. **Listen**: Truly take time to hear and understand what someone is saying.\n2. **Remember names**: People love this (and hate it when you don’t remember!) Bonus points for remembering a fun fact about them as well.\n3. **Communicate clearly**: Keep things short, simple, and focused on why it matters.\n4. **Show up on time**: Be there when you’re needed.\n5. **Cameras on**: Showing up and meeting people face-to-face builds trust. Have trust? Give people the grace to turn the camera off from time to time.\n6. **Give credit where credit is due**: Recognize and thank others.\n7. **Ask insightful questions**: And you’ll look interested, engaged, and smart.\n8. **Don’t pass the blame, and also don’t apologize frequently**: Focus on what’s been learned and how to improve.\n9. **Ask if you don’t know**: Most people like to help.\n10. **Don’t complain**: OK, occasionally we all do it; don’t make it a regular habit.\n\n### Additional Pro Tip\n\n![AI & People's Skills](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FAI_and_People_s_Skills_796b4c4136.webp)\n\nThere’s an endless debate about women being perceived as “bossy” or “aggressive.” We’ve been told, _We’re not bossy; we’re the boss_. Others say women are expected by both men and women to be softer and are rewarded when we fit the stereotype.\n\nIt’s all true. And it’s not. I recommend ignoring any advice in this category. Instead, focus on what truly gives you confidence. If direct language and a focus on data is your natural mode of operation, then do that. If a softer language and reliance on EQ is your jam, then do that. You can be strong and empathetic, and a good communicator in multiple styles. It’s confidence that’s the key.\n\n## The \"Harder\" 20% of People Skills: Moving Onward and Upward\n\n### Feedback. Self-Advocacy. Leadership\n\nThese are the people skills that are harder for most of us to navigate. BUT, **they are also the skills that help us move onward and upward**. Investing in these skills is totally worth your while. Let’s try it out:\n\nFeedback. It’s supposed to be a “gift,” right? Insert eyeroll. Feedback’s often not delivered well and feels super personal in an ouch kind of way. Let’s flip the narrative. A different view: feedback is just information. It tells us as much or more about the person giving it as it does about us.\n\nAn example:\n\nThe Boss: You’re late getting your report to me every week.\n\nMe: (grrrr) But you told us end of week is fine! And I sent the last one on Friday by 4:00.  \nThe Boss: Other team members are getting theirs in earlier. And, if it was easy to read, maybe that’d be fine, but you could organize it better.\n\nMe: (WTF!?! I used the Boss’s template!) Ok, I’ll work on it. (Double grrrr!)\n\nAfter asking around and doing a little investigation on the down low, I discover that the real problem for the Boss is this: Their boss just added an early Monday morning meeting to go over team updates. AND, the Boss isn’t a fast reader, so they need a day or so to digest things. Rewrite:\n\nThe Boss: You’re late getting your report into me every week.\n\nMe: (pause) Ok. Definitely want you to get it when you need it. Can you tell me what a good time is to send it over? And it’d help to understand what’s driving the timing for you.  \nThe Boss: Hey, thanks. My boss is now asking for team updates first thing Monday morning, and I want to represent us well. If you could send it over by the end of the day on Thursday, that’ll give me Friday to prep.\n\nMe: Gotcha. I’ll adjust my schedule to make it happen.\n\nThe Boss: Thanks! You’re always on top of things.\n\n## Ready to amplify your \"human magic\" and thrive in the age of AI?\n\n![AI & People's Skills](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FAI_and_People_s_Skills_da3122f8c7.webp)\n\nGet the tips, tools, and truth to master these essential skills in my book, \"Making Work Work for You.\" [www.jomcrell.com\u002Fbook](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.jomcrell.com\u002Fbook)\n\n### Now is the time to skill up… and the future’s yours","ai-people-skills","ai in work, peoples skill, professional skills and AI, AI success","Jo McRell is introducing us in an innovative approach on how to use AI along with our skillset to reach professional success. Read the article and found out how to do it.",{"id":410,"name":411,"alternativeText":412,"caption":412,"width":54,"height":55,"formats":413,"hash":438,"ext":58,"mime":61,"size":439,"url":440,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":441,"updatedAt":441},1271,"AI & People's Skills.webp","AI & People's Skills",{"large":414,"small":420,"medium":426,"thumbnail":432},{"ext":58,"url":415,"hash":416,"mime":61,"name":417,"path":63,"size":418,"width":65,"height":66,"sizeInBytes":419},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_AI_and_People_s_Skills_21b74c3a22.webp","large_AI_and_People_s_Skills_21b74c3a22","large_AI & People's Skills.webp",32.38,32378,{"ext":58,"url":421,"hash":422,"mime":61,"name":423,"path":63,"size":424,"width":73,"height":74,"sizeInBytes":425},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_AI_and_People_s_Skills_21b74c3a22.webp","small_AI_and_People_s_Skills_21b74c3a22","small_AI & People's Skills.webp",14.59,14586,{"ext":58,"url":427,"hash":428,"mime":61,"name":429,"path":63,"size":430,"width":81,"height":82,"sizeInBytes":431},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_AI_and_People_s_Skills_21b74c3a22.webp","medium_AI_and_People_s_Skills_21b74c3a22","medium_AI & People's Skills.webp",23.39,23394,{"ext":58,"url":433,"hash":434,"mime":61,"name":435,"path":63,"size":436,"width":89,"height":90,"sizeInBytes":437},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_AI_and_People_s_Skills_21b74c3a22.webp","thumbnail_AI_and_People_s_Skills_21b74c3a22","thumbnail_AI & People's Skills.webp",6.01,6008,"AI_and_People_s_Skills_21b74c3a22",59.21,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002FAI_and_People_s_Skills_21b74c3a22.webp","2025-04-29T19:36:06.703Z",{"id":6,"name":7,"slug":8,"createdAt":181,"updatedAt":182,"publishedAt":183},{"id":444,"name":445,"slug":446,"instagram":447,"facebook":63,"bio":448,"createdAt":449,"updatedAt":450,"publishedAt":451,"linkedIn":452,"avatar":453},18,"Jo McRell","jo","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fjmcrell\u002F","Jo McRell is the author of “Making Work Work for You” and founder of employee experience strategy company Jo McRell Consulting. She’s helped organizations like Google, Intuit, Meta, and Gusto better empower their employees. Jo understands the challenges young professionals face as the dynamics of the workplace change. Through her book, work, and the AI ERA Community she co-founded, Jo equips employees and leaders with the tools to navigate disruptions in tech, employee culture, and work models so they can thrive in the future of work.","2025-04-24T00:31:02.160Z","2025-04-24T00:31:14.659Z","2025-04-24T00:31:14.656Z","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fin\u002Fjomcrell\u002F",{"id":454,"name":455,"alternativeText":456,"caption":457,"width":115,"height":115,"formats":458,"hash":465,"ext":58,"mime":61,"size":466,"url":467,"previewUrl":63,"provider":95,"provider_metadata":63,"createdAt":468,"updatedAt":468},1258,"jo mcrell.webp","jo mcrell","jomcrell consultant",{"thumbnail":459},{"ext":58,"url":460,"hash":461,"mime":61,"name":462,"path":63,"size":463,"width":124,"height":124,"sizeInBytes":464},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_jo_mcrell_e32a1cb281.webp","thumbnail_jo_mcrell_e32a1cb281","thumbnail_jo mcrell.webp",4.5,4496,"jo_mcrell_e32a1cb281",9.52,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fjo_mcrell_e32a1cb281.webp","2025-04-24T00:30:55.719Z","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002FAI_and_People_s_Skills_21b74c3a22.webp",{"pagination":471},{"start":472,"limit":473,"total":474},0,5,324]