[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fRdy4Ph-Pr3_YSRANo4UELfNtlCWM9i03GPoJzUPa93A":3,"$fzpiDdNW9JdvDbNl_KlDabtnNtq60tduGPbal6nCVBnA":37,"$fFyUuC7HMggk3lkQA14rWO4iIdxIiO5vLfX3F3eeECnA":128},{"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":126},[39],{"id":40,"title":41,"createdAt":42,"updatedAt":43,"publishedAt":44,"content":45,"slug":46,"coffees":26,"seo_title":41,"keywords":47,"seo_desc":48,"featuredImage":49,"category":96,"author":100,"img":125},189,"Self-sabotage: The Signs That You Undermine Your Relationships","2024-10-30T22:28:32.862Z","2024-10-30T22:46:52.538Z","2024-10-30T22:46:52.536Z","\u003Chr>\n\u003Cp>Self-sabotage in our relationships often passes \u003Cstrong>unnoticed,\u003C\u002Fstrong> and we pay little attention to it. It is a behavior in which we hinder our success, consciously or unconsciously. It is as if we ourselves put obstacles in our way, preventing the achievement of our goals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to psychology, self-sabotage can stem from insecurities, fears, or past traumas and create barriers to healthy communication and connection with others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>Why are we doing this?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The reasons leading to self-sabotage are varied and may include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fear of success:\u003C\u002Fstrong> We may fear that success will bring greater responsibilities, change us as individuals, or require us to deal with greater commitments and obligations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Low self-esteem:\u003C\u002Fstrong> We may think we're not good enough to succeed; hence, we don't deserve success and believe we will ultimately fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Effort to confirm our negative beliefs:\u003C\u002Fstrong> We may have negative beliefs about ourselves and look for evidence to confirm them, the so-called confirmation bias.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fear of failure:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Paradoxically, we may be so afraid of failure that we cause situations that lead us to it, aka we fall into the trap of self-fulfilling prophecy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Defenses:\u003C\u002Fstrong> We may use self-sabotage as a defense mechanism to protect ourselves from the pain of frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>How Does Self-sabotage Manifest?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fsigns_of_self_sabotage_ad61398c50.webp\" alt=\"signs of self-sabotage\">\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it is not noticed easily, there are ways that self-sabotage can manifest itself, including:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>1. Fear of intimacy\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>The fear of getting too close emotionally to others can cause us to avoid connecting with our partner. Fear of rejection or emotional exposure is often the cause. According to research from the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fjournals.sagepub.com\u002Fhome\u002Fspr\">Journal of Social and Personal Relationships\u003C\u002Fa>, people who fear intimacy tend to develop defense mechanisms that undermine their relationships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>2. Excessive self-criticism\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Constant self-criticism can lower our self-esteem, leading us to believe we do not deserve love. Research shows that people with low self-esteem tend to sabotage their relationships by projecting their insecure feelings onto their partner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>3. Procrastination in critical conversations\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Avoiding critical conversations can create accumulated problems, later becoming obstacles in the relationship. This postponement shows a lack of confidence and a fear of dealing with problems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>4. Tendency for drama\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Unconsciously creating conflict can be a way to avoid intimacy or affirm our insecurities. Research from the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.apa.org\u002F\">American Psychological Association\u003C\u002Fa> shows that creating dramatic situations can be a form of self-defense when we fear rejection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>5. Conflict avoidance\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Fear of conflict can cause us to avoid expressing our true feelings, which can create distance. Lack of communication is one of the most common causes of relationship failure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsigns_of_self_sabotage_66e31fee98.webp\" alt=\"signs of self-sabotage\">\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>6. Perfectionism\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>The need for everything to look perfect can sabotage the natural flow of the relationship. Research shows that the obsession with perfection is associated with stress and pressure in our relationships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>7. Doubt and jealousy\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Excessive jealousy and doubts towards the partner can lead to tension and distancing. Research shows that jealousy stems from a lack of self-confidence and can erode trust within the relationship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In order to be able to deal with self-sabotage, it’s essential to cultivate and develop self-awareness and opt for better communication with others, which are the first steps to building balanced and meaningful connections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n","self-sabotage-the-signs-that-you-undermine-your-relationships","self-sabotage, self-destructive behavior, fear of failure, sabotage","In this article, our psychologist reveals the signs of self-sabotage that could ruin your relationships with the people around you. Read them and take care of yourself!",{"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},624,"signs of self-sabotage.webp","signs of self-sabotage",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},".webp","https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_signs_of_self_sabotage_b7b018eed7.webp","large_signs_of_self_sabotage_b7b018eed7","image\u002Fwebp","large_signs of self-sabotage.webp",null,127.55,1000,562,127552,{"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_signs_of_self_sabotage_b7b018eed7.webp","small_signs_of_self_sabotage_b7b018eed7","small_signs of self-sabotage.webp",35.65,500,281,35654,{"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_signs_of_self_sabotage_b7b018eed7.webp","medium_signs_of_self_sabotage_b7b018eed7","medium_signs of self-sabotage.webp",76.92,750,422,76920,{"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_signs_of_self_sabotage_b7b018eed7.webp","thumbnail_signs_of_self_sabotage_b7b018eed7","thumbnail_signs of self-sabotage.webp",9.19,245,138,9194,"signs_of_self_sabotage_b7b018eed7",365.31,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsigns_of_self_sabotage_b7b018eed7.webp","aws-s3","2024-10-30T22:45:23.495Z",{"id":26,"name":27,"slug":28,"createdAt":97,"updatedAt":98,"publishedAt":99},"2020-12-24T19:15:46.057Z","2025-10-01T19:50:39.801Z","2024-06-26T07:27:59.419Z",{"id":18,"name":101,"slug":102,"instagram":62,"facebook":62,"bio":103,"createdAt":104,"updatedAt":105,"publishedAt":106,"linkedIn":62,"avatar":107,"avatarImg":124},"Mariana","mariana","Mariana is our amazing psychologist. She is generally shy, but she has the answers to all questions. She is calm but can be pretty sarcastic if she wants to! She is working with women who are struggling in their jobs. She also loves knitting. She helps our Working Gal Team with her valuable insights and tips for a balanced work life.","2023-11-12T05:43:27.688Z","2023-11-12T05:47:04.640Z","2023-11-12T05:47:04.619Z",{"id":108,"name":109,"alternativeText":110,"caption":110,"width":111,"height":111,"formats":112,"hash":119,"ext":57,"mime":60,"size":120,"url":121,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":122,"updatedAt":123},248,"1.webp","",250,{"thumbnail":113},{"ext":57,"url":114,"hash":115,"mime":60,"name":116,"path":62,"size":117,"width":118,"height":118},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_1_ead45d4a4f.webp","thumbnail_1_ead45d4a4f","thumbnail_1.webp",4.51,156,"1_ead45d4a4f",8.67,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F1_ead45d4a4f.webp","2023-11-12T05:43:16.157Z","2023-11-12T05:43:16.165Z","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002F1_ead45d4a4f.webp","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fsigns_of_self_sabotage_b7b018eed7.webp",{"pagination":127},{"page":6,"pageSize":35,"pageCount":6,"total":6},{"data":129,"meta":447},[130,208,278,327,398],{"id":131,"title":132,"createdAt":133,"updatedAt":134,"publishedAt":135,"content":136,"slug":137,"coffees":14,"seo_title":132,"keywords":138,"seo_desc":139,"featuredImage":140,"category":176,"author":179,"img":207},188,"10 Hard Truths About Your Career Nobody Will Ever Tell You","2024-10-21T01:41:43.142Z","2025-03-17T20:38:57.823Z","2024-10-21T01:56:40.416Z","****\n\nSince I left school, I haven’t stopped working. I worked throughout my entire university years and through my master’s as well, and for a fair amount of time, I had not only a regular job but also a side hustle.\n\nApart from the fact that I always wanted to be independent and be able to **treat myself** to everything I needed (you know, drinks, trips, clothes, etc.), I liked being busy, learning new skills, and making progress in my career. While I certainly gained much experience from all these years of hard work, more importantly, I learned many **valuable** lessons, not only for my professional career but also for my personal life. And I’m still learning…\n\nNo matter how you feel about your work life, whether you are a **career-oriented** person or just want to make ends meet with no particular interest in progressing further, it’s a given that your career and, generally, your professional life will consume a lot of your time. We can use our workplace experiences to teach us valuable lessons to help us grow as people and professionals.\n\nThe truth is, those lessons may be even more critical and valuable than the professional skills we gain from university, lifelong learning, etc. So, after a recent wretched work\u002Fpersonal situation, and when I reflected on the lessons learned, I jotted down the 10 hardest truths that my professional life has taught me so far.\n\n# You Won’t Get Your Dream Job Immediately\n\n![10 hard truths about work](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F10_hard_truths_about_work_10_c21dd6a008.jpg)\n\nSince we were kids (at least in Greece), the classic parent-preaching fairytale indicated how our lives would be in the future. We would finish school, get into university, find a fabulous job (which wouldn’t be possible to land without a university degree), and live happily ever after. **So far, so good**. You get into university, you study and study and study, and you are ready to get the managerial position you have always dreamed of. I’m sorry to ruin it for you, but the reality is slightly different. You will have to land many -not dream- jobs until you finally find the one you had always hoped for. If it was so easy, we would be full of managers and no employees to do the job. I am really in favor of studying something that you like since you get the necessary knowledge and skills, but it doesn’t guarantee that the ideal job is that easy to handle. University education is essential; so is work experience. And considering that you want your **dream job**, you need to learn from more experienced people how to maintain it. And I am not talking only about management positions. Say you want to be a freelancer. How will you manage to be one and get the experience without doing things that you don’t like and things that are far away from what you want to do? So, the sooner you understand that dream jobs are not assigned to you and you have to earn them, the better your professional and personal life will be.\n\n# Forget The 8 Hour Shifts\n\n![10 hard truths about work](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F10_hard_truths_about_work_9_310b2d5f4a.jpg)\n\nIn a world where we talk about the importance of work-life balance and in a society where everyone struggles to juggle life, work, friends, kids, and family, talking about working more than the 8-hour shifts sounds almost **illegal**. However, if you want to progress, you should drop your expectations around only working 40 hours a week. That doesn’t mean you should be at work for more than 8 hours. That means that to excel in your work, you will probably _need more time to focus on your skills_. And no matter how much you want to, it won’t always be easy to grab your bag and leave when everyone struggles to do the work. Also, I count the hours I spend on education, extra training, and keeping up with my industry **as working hours**. And to be honest, even though companies nowadays offer a tremendous amount of training within working hours, for you to take it to that next level, you will need to study far beyond that. If that’s not for you, you can skip the rest of the article and I wish you well! If this is you, keep reading! This article is for more career-focused people that want to get ahead.\n\n# Friends & Business Don’t Work Well Together\n\n![10 hard truths about work](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F10_hard_truths_about_work_8_396c4514c6.jpg)\n\nThis is not only a good one, but also the most important. Don’t work with friends; repeat after me: **don’t work with friends**. No matter how many years you know each other, how much fun you have together, or whether you know them so well, there is a sour spot there. The interaction with a person in your personal life and dealing with them professionally is entirely different. _Some people are one person at home and a whole different person at work._ This means that working with a friend doesn’t mean it will be the same as going out for drinks and talking about your job. And no matter how good of friends you are, your career aspirations may not match up and may end up being catastrophic for your relationship. So, keep your **business and friendships separate**, and don’t give in to the social media hype of how life would be working with your friends. Difficult and, sometimes, unpleasant.\n\n# Not All Companies Have a Company Culture\n\n![10 hard truths about work](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F10_hard_truths_about_work_7_d55d2ccce9.jpg)\n\nCompany culture is paramount for employees' well-being and the business's success. However, not all companies have a culture that makes them worth working for. During my professional career, I have changed multiple working environments, and I have seen many different setups, some of them good but some of them bad, and I mean _really_ bad, and it took me some time to recover from when I left (yes, I usually just quit to save my mental health). It’s normal for a company to focus completely on **bringing money to the table**, and it’s reasonable to make it happen and to want to make it happen fast. However, among all the responsibilities an employer has is to ensure that their employees can work in decent conditions, where respect and trust are cultivated and toxicity gets thrown out the window. Unfortunately, even nowadays, it’s not always possible to run into ideal working environments where you can’t wait to wake up and go to work. So, build up your resilience. Trust me, you will get there.\n\n# Your Employer Cares About You -Not More Than Their Company\n\n![10 hard truths about work](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F10_hard_truths_about_work_6_f07b327126.jpg)\n\nContinuing the conversation about work culture, let’s clarify something. Let’s say that you got a fantastic job. Your employer not only is generous financially but also respects you as a professional and a human being, and your work life is more than ideal. Excellent! Even if that is the case, keep in mind that an employer, no matter the size of a company, whether it’s a big corporation or a small business, put their money and energy into building **not** because they want to give people a chance to work in great company, but simply because they found an opportunity, they took it, and they basically want to make money out of it. Why would they take the risk otherwise? So, next time you are asked to cancel your doctor’s appointment or sacrifice your kid’s birthday due to an urgent (as always) matter, remember that in case things don’t go as planned, you could end up jobless. Remember not to sacrifice your personal life and health for a job. If they are a good employer, they will respect that, but they will also make sure that THEY are covered in any case.\n\n# Networking Is Vital For Your Survival\n\n![10 hard truths about work](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F10_hard_truths_about_work_5_3ca40bc2c8.jpg)\n\nI can’t even begin to count how many times my networking skills have helped me not only land a job but also facilitate my job in any way. For instance, when you need to do your job or contact someone you can’t by default, your **network** may be able to help you. Take every chance to meet new people and be open to discussion, even if they are unrelated to your industry. Sometimes, being friendly and having connections with the right people, even if **unrelated to your job**, is valuable and completely helpful. You never know what life brings and how your connections (the real ones, not the social media ones) can help you move forward. Be **social** and try to meet new people all the time.\n\n# Your Degree Doesn’t Matter As Much As You Think\n\n![10 hard truths about work](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F10_hard_truths_about_work_4_4ef36b2bc2.jpg)\n\nAs a person who always values education and a holder of 2 bachelor's degrees and a master's degree, I can assure you that if you don’t put effort and develop your soft skills, then your degrees won’t matter; they are just a nice **decoration** for your home office. I am not against getting degrees and qualifications, but if you don’t get actual working experience, working with teams, and learning _“how to work,”_ then nobody will care about your degrees. Please, don’t take that as “cool, I don’t need a degree; I will jump into work directly,” I will stop you here by saying that, depending on your career path, a degree is always a plus and may be quite necessary. You learn the principles and the basics to apply them in your work, and you learn how to be disciplined and understand whether the industry you chose is what you actually want to work on. However, I have worked with people with PhDs who don’t have a clue about what they are talking about when it comes to the real work at the workplace, and I have also worked with people who were not **Ivy League graduates**, but they were so inspiring and unique in what they brought to the table that nobody could argue their professionalism and value. So, apart from the degree, make sure you develop other skills.\n\n# The Sooner The Boundaries, The Later The Burnout\n\n![10 hard truths about work](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F10_hard_truths_about_work_3_3df1cdd69b.jpg)\n\nWhen I started working, I was so career-oriented that I didn’t care about anything but my job, climbing the **career ladder**, and how to make more money. This put me in a position where I was practically working many weekends, being the party pooper because I had to go to work the next day, or canceling plans and vacations with friends because I had to -guess what?- work. Even though there were reasons that I couldn’t afford to lose my job, I realized that I couldn’t set boundaries and used to be the go-to person to make everyone’s life easier, sacrificing my time and well-being. I don’t think I will ever stop working in a fast-paced mode because, being honest, I love it, but there are times when I need to close the laptop and just enjoy my life outside of work. I came close to burnout, and for the first time in my life, I felt so unmotivated to go to work when I realized that I needed to set boundaries because nobody would do that for me. So, next time your boss, colleague, or whoever wants something from you or calls you **during your PTO** (they are not illegal, btw, use them!) to ask you for a favor, you can easily say “no”. And if you don’t know how to do it, read this, where you can find great alternatives to the word no. A wise person once told me, _“you don’t build a career by saying yes all the time,”_ and now I know how right they are. You should expect some **backlash** from the people who are used to you not having boundaries, but it will pass; your employer will get used to it soon.\n\n# If You Don’t Ask For What You Want, You Probably Won’t Get It\n\n![10 hard truths about work](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F10_hard_truths_about_work_2_d2d291d496.jpg)\n\nYou work hard and enjoy every piece of your work life, but you feel it’s time for a promotion. Or you don’t think you get the **credit for your accomplishments** at work. Or you need a day off. Then, why don’t you ask for it? According to many studies and research, women usually hesitate to ask for what they want because we were mostly raised to be polite, easygoing, and docile. We were made to believe that we would never get what we wanted. Well, that is dead wrong, and I am saying that from the position of an easygoing person who wouldn’t ask for more money and acknowledgment and would always stay **backstage**, letting others get the credits (and the money) for my work. I am not saying you should get in there and start throwing a tantrum; that’s unprofessional. Just ask. I had an experience with a person who wanted more money, never asked for it -they would have gotten them, by the way- and decided to write an incredibly aggressive and insulting email, which -of course- didn’t end up the way they wanted. I understood the source of the venting, but it’s always better to ask for what you want. At the end of the day, you will **feel better about yourself**, avoid misunderstandings, and won’t randomly vent to people who don’t know your issue. And the worst thing that could happen would be to be denied what you asked for. Then, at least, you know where you stand.\n\n# You Won’t Love Every Single Part of Your Job\n\n![10 hard truths about work](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F10_hard_truths_about_work_1_0c15552bbc.jpg)\n\nWhoever says that they love their job, every day, all day -trust me- they are lying. Every job has pros and cons, and not every task will be pleasant, especially in the beginning. For instance, I always despised spreadsheets. But life happens, and I end up running my own business, hiring people, and doing finances, which automatically means that spreadsheets are now a massive part of my work life. **Do I like it? No. Do I do it?** Yes. I don’t have a choice. Instead of focusing my energy on whining about having to do something I don’t like, I focus my attention on the fact that we have money coming in, and we can all live doing what we want, at least for most of the day. As you understand, you probably won’t find a job that is **utterly pleasing** to you, but, in general, many of the things you don’t like doing are the things that will help you excel and make progress.\n\n","10-hard-truths-about-your-career-nobody-will-ever-tell-you","hard truths about work, work myths, truths about work, ","Read this article to learn what are the 10 hard truths about your work and career that nobody will ever reveal to you. ",{"id":141,"name":142,"alternativeText":143,"caption":143,"width":53,"height":54,"formats":144,"hash":172,"ext":146,"mime":149,"size":173,"url":174,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":175,"updatedAt":175},610,"10 hard truths about work.jpg","10 hard truths about work",{"large":145,"small":154,"medium":160,"thumbnail":166},{"ext":146,"url":147,"hash":148,"mime":149,"name":150,"path":62,"size":151,"width":64,"height":152,"sizeInBytes":153},".jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_10_hard_truths_about_work_62078d5287.jpg","large_10_hard_truths_about_work_62078d5287","image\u002Fjpeg","large_10 hard truths about work.jpg",73.86,563,73861,{"ext":146,"url":155,"hash":156,"mime":149,"name":157,"path":62,"size":158,"width":72,"height":73,"sizeInBytes":159},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_10_hard_truths_about_work_62078d5287.jpg","small_10_hard_truths_about_work_62078d5287","small_10 hard truths about work.jpg",23.39,23393,{"ext":146,"url":161,"hash":162,"mime":149,"name":163,"path":62,"size":164,"width":80,"height":81,"sizeInBytes":165},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_10_hard_truths_about_work_62078d5287.jpg","medium_10_hard_truths_about_work_62078d5287","medium_10 hard truths about work.jpg",46.23,46230,{"ext":146,"url":167,"hash":168,"mime":149,"name":169,"path":62,"size":170,"width":88,"height":89,"sizeInBytes":171},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_10_hard_truths_about_work_62078d5287.jpg","thumbnail_10_hard_truths_about_work_62078d5287","thumbnail_10 hard truths about work.jpg",7.45,7450,"10_hard_truths_about_work_62078d5287",154.43,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002F10_hard_truths_about_work_62078d5287.jpg","2024-10-21T01:51:18.789Z",{"id":6,"name":7,"slug":8,"createdAt":177,"updatedAt":178,"publishedAt":99},"2020-12-24T19:15:38.145Z","2020-12-24T19:15:38.158Z",{"id":6,"name":180,"slug":181,"instagram":182,"facebook":183,"bio":184,"createdAt":185,"updatedAt":186,"publishedAt":187,"linkedIn":188,"avatar":189},"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":190,"name":191,"alternativeText":192,"caption":193,"width":111,"height":111,"formats":194,"hash":203,"ext":196,"mime":199,"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":195},{"ext":196,"url":197,"hash":198,"mime":199,"name":200,"path":62,"size":201,"width":118,"height":118,"sizeInBytes":202},".png","https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_Dimitra_Lioliou_4c495e8044.png","thumbnail_Dimitra_Lioliou_4c495e8044","image\u002Fpng","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\u002F10_hard_truths_about_work_62078d5287.jpg",{"id":209,"title":210,"createdAt":211,"updatedAt":212,"publishedAt":213,"content":214,"slug":215,"coffees":26,"seo_title":210,"keywords":216,"seo_desc":217,"featuredImage":218,"category":251,"author":254,"img":277},187,"6 Hormonal Changes That Affect You During Fall","2024-10-09T00:02:55.119Z","2024-10-09T00:18:31.295Z","2024-10-09T00:06:55.475Z","\nAutumn marks a transitional period, not only for **nature** but also for the human body. As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, apart from the cozy evenings and rainy nights, our hormones also change. This means that we experience **hormonal balance changes** that can affect our mood, psychology, appetite, and overall well-being. These changes, particularly in women, can affect their menstruation, libido, and mood.\n\nThe 6 most critical hormonal changes that you should pay attention to are below.\n\n# Serotonin: The mood hormone\n\n![hormonal imbalance at fall.jpg](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fhormonal_imbalance_at_fall_4b76d3114a.jpg)\n\nDue to a decrease in sunlight, serotonin, which regulates mood and emotional well-being, decreases in the fall months. This can cause feelings of sadness or even symptoms of [Seasonal Affective Disorder](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hopkinsmedicine.org\u002Fhealth\u002Fconditions-and-diseases\u002Fseasonal-affective-disorder#:~:text=Seasonal%20affective%20disorder%20%28SAD%29%20is,leading%20to%20symptoms%20of%20depression.) (SAD), particularly in people who are sensitive to seasonal changes.\n\n**How to deal with it:** In order to boost the levels of serotonin in your body, it’s advisable to increase your physical activity, follow a balanced diet with **tryptophan-rich** foods (such as nuts and dark chocolate), and expose yourself to daylight. Also, a [good night's sleep](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F5-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important-for-your-physical-and-mental-health) can boost your mood and help you feel happier and emotionally stable.\n\n# Cortisol: The stress hormone\n\nFall can also be accompanied by an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone. Changes in routine, the pressures of everyday life, and the transition from summer holidays to work or college increase stress levels and can cause imbalances in our cortisol levels. If you feel extra stressed during the fall, there is probably an imbalance in your stress-related hormones.\n\n**How to deal with it:** Stress is not always easy to overcome, especially when we have to deal with many obligations and a tight schedule. However, [proper stress management](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fstress-management-these-5-techniques) and some relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, and reasonable time organization, can help reduce cortisol levels. If you think your stress levels are high, reduce your caffeine intake and substitute one cup of coffee with tea.\n\n# Leptin and Ghrelin: Hormones that regulate appetite\n\n![hormonal imbalance at fall.jpg](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fhormonal_imbalance_at_fall_a82383bdfe.jpg)\n\nAs temperatures drop, leptin and ghrelin, the hormones that work together to regulate appetite, show modifications. Leptin, which reduces appetite, decreases, while ghrelin, which increases it, goes up, thus causing a natural tendency for increased food consumption, especially fast food and unhealthy snacks. Combined with a poor sleep schedule and limited time to follow a [balanced diet](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fhow-to-balance-healthy-eating-and-work), these hormones can show a significant imbalance.\n\n**How to deal with it:** Nutrition is essential in this case, so a balanced diet and consuming nutritious and healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can help maintain weight and reduce overeating. Pay specific attention to snacking as well.\n\n# Melatonin: The sleep regulator\n\nWith less sunshine in the fall, **melatonin** production, the hormone that regulates sleep, increases. Increased melatonin can cause drowsiness, fatigue, and disturbances in the circadian rhythm, which is the natural sleep-wake rhythm. This negatively affects mood and can lead to lower energy and concentration levels during the day.\n\n**How to deal with it:** To mitigate the effects of this hormonal change, it is essential to ensure you are exposed to natural light in the **morning** and maintain a stable sleep schedule.\n\n# Hormonal changes in the period\n\nHormonal changes during fall can affect women's menstrual cycles. Shorter days and elevated cortisol levels may disrupt the cycle, making it more irregular or painful. Also, the increase in melatonin can affect the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, exacerbating any premenstrual symptoms.\n\n**How to deal with it:** Regular exercise and a balanced diet with foods rich in vitamin D and magnesium can help regulate the cycle and relieve menstrual symptoms.\n\n# Changes in libido\n\nReduced exposure to sunlight and hormonal fluctuations also affect testosterone and estrogen levels linked to sex drive. In the fall, there is likely to be a decrease in libido, especially in women, due to the reduction in serotonin levels and energy.\n\nHow to deal with it: Regular physical activity, avoiding excessive stress, and communicating with your partner are key strategies for maintaining **sexual** well-being.\n\nHormonal changes in the fall are normal but can significantly affect our **_psychology, mood, appetite, and overall well-being._**\n\nHowever, a balanced lifestyle, with adequate physical activity, good nutrition, and proper stress management, can help reduce the effects of these hormonal fluctuations and promote psychosomatic health.","6-hormonal-changes-that-affect-you-during-fall","hormones, how to cure hormonal imbalance in females, what is hormonal imbalance in females, treatment of hormonal imbalance, ","Fall is the time of cozyness but also of hormone imbalance. Check which hormones may need regulations this fall and make it happen.",{"id":219,"name":220,"alternativeText":62,"caption":221,"width":53,"height":54,"formats":222,"hash":247,"ext":146,"mime":149,"size":248,"url":249,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":250,"updatedAt":250},605,"hormonal imbalance at fall.jpg","hormonal imbalance at fall",{"large":223,"small":229,"medium":235,"thumbnail":241},{"ext":146,"url":224,"hash":225,"mime":149,"name":226,"path":62,"size":227,"width":64,"height":152,"sizeInBytes":228},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_hormonal_imbalance_at_fall_bea218e199.jpg","large_hormonal_imbalance_at_fall_bea218e199","large_hormonal imbalance at fall.jpg",34.37,34373,{"ext":146,"url":230,"hash":231,"mime":149,"name":232,"path":62,"size":233,"width":72,"height":73,"sizeInBytes":234},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_hormonal_imbalance_at_fall_bea218e199.jpg","small_hormonal_imbalance_at_fall_bea218e199","small_hormonal imbalance at fall.jpg",10.96,10963,{"ext":146,"url":236,"hash":237,"mime":149,"name":238,"path":62,"size":239,"width":80,"height":81,"sizeInBytes":240},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_hormonal_imbalance_at_fall_bea218e199.jpg","medium_hormonal_imbalance_at_fall_bea218e199","medium_hormonal imbalance at fall.jpg",20.18,20180,{"ext":146,"url":242,"hash":243,"mime":149,"name":244,"path":62,"size":245,"width":88,"height":89,"sizeInBytes":246},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_hormonal_imbalance_at_fall_bea218e199.jpg","thumbnail_hormonal_imbalance_at_fall_bea218e199","thumbnail_hormonal imbalance at fall.jpg",3.75,3748,"hormonal_imbalance_at_fall_bea218e199",81.71,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fhormonal_imbalance_at_fall_bea218e199.jpg","2024-10-09T00:06:02.316Z",{"id":14,"name":15,"slug":16,"createdAt":252,"updatedAt":253,"publishedAt":99},"2020-12-24T19:16:00.904Z","2025-02-19T20:04:41.159Z",{"id":10,"name":255,"slug":256,"instagram":257,"facebook":62,"bio":258,"createdAt":259,"updatedAt":260,"publishedAt":261,"linkedIn":262,"avatar":263},"Evelina","evelina","https:\u002F\u002Finstagram.com\u002Fevelina_vl?utm_source=qr&igshid=NGExMmI2YTkyZg%3D%3D","The cool kid of the office! Everyone wants to be friends with Evelina since she is a combination of sweetness, coolness, and calmness. She is very dedicated to her profession, and she is always willing to help, from giving a nutrition tip to... participating in a TikTok video! She is also a patient listener and a very talented editor!\n","2023-08-11T12:29:50.319Z","2023-08-11T12:33:13.815Z","2023-08-11T12:29:57.690Z","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fin\u002Fevgenia-eleni-vlachogianni-a78246234",{"id":264,"name":265,"alternativeText":110,"caption":110,"width":111,"height":111,"formats":266,"hash":272,"ext":146,"mime":149,"size":273,"url":274,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":275,"updatedAt":276},174,"evelina-working-gal.jpg",{"thumbnail":267},{"ext":146,"url":268,"hash":269,"mime":149,"name":270,"path":62,"size":271,"width":118,"height":118},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_evelina_working_gal_ca402d27d4.jpg","thumbnail_evelina_working_gal_ca402d27d4","thumbnail_evelina-working-gal.jpg",3.84,"evelina_working_gal_ca402d27d4",8.43,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fevelina_working_gal_ca402d27d4.jpg","2023-08-11T12:25:54.964Z","2023-08-11T12:25:54.973Z","https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fhormonal_imbalance_at_fall_bea218e199.jpg",{"id":279,"title":280,"createdAt":281,"updatedAt":282,"publishedAt":283,"content":284,"slug":285,"coffees":14,"seo_title":280,"keywords":286,"seo_desc":287,"featuredImage":288,"category":321,"author":322,"img":326},186,"The Art of Failure: How to Turn Mistakes into Actual Success","2024-10-09T00:00:26.887Z","2024-10-09T00:18:13.199Z","2024-10-09T00:15:44.046Z","****\nOne of the biggest fears I had in my life was failure. It has always been an obstacle for my **development** and I dreaded the time that I would fail, whatever fail meant in the particular time: I feared that I would get a bad grade at school, I feared that I would be reprimanded for not being able to tidy my room on time, or I was terrified every time I had to deliver a project that they would return it back, giving me feedback that I failed. What a life, huh?\n\nHowever, no matter how hard we try, failure is inevitable, and it’s almost certain that we will face it sometime in our lives, whether it’s something important like failing a language test or something small, like failing to keep your promise to a loved one about something.\n\nFailure is generally considered a **negative outcome**, and most of us think it’s unnecessary. However, the fear of failure can be even more destructive and have a more _severe impact_ on our lives. The fear of failure hides feelings of low esteem and increased anxiety that can worsen if we don’t accept the fact that we will fail at some point. P[erfectionism and lower productivity](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Fperfectionism-at-work-how-to-manage-it-and-increase-your-productivity) are also common situations caused by our fear of failure.\n\nHowever, if we take a step back and reflect on failure, then we can have one of the greatest teachers. Learning to accept failure can help us turn it into a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth that can lead us to success (add whatever you think of success for you here).\n\n![how to turn failure into success 1.jpg](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fhow_to_turn_failure_into_success_1_3e8bf2a86b.jpg)\n\nFailure often makes us feel inadequate, but in reality, it is proof that we tried. Failures help us learn, evolve, and ultimately find new ways to achieve our goals. Think of the most successful people: Their failure was not the end, but the starting point for something bigger.\n\nTake Oprah Winfrey as an example: most people know her as one of the most **iconic faces on TV** and one of the richest and most successful women in the world. However, her road was not all roses since she faced a lot of challenges throughout her route, from a rough and often abusive childhood and numerous career setbacks, including being fired from her job as a television reporter because she was _“unfit for TV.”_\n\nAlso, another terrific example of using failure as a powerhouse for success was [Merilyn Monroe, an inspirational person](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002Finspirational-women-marilyn-monroe) still considered one of the most influential women on earth. While Monroe’s star burned out early, her great success is indisputable. However, Monroe experienced a rough upbringing, and she was told by modeling agents that she should instead consider being a secretary. She didn’t give up, though; she became a pin-up model and actress and despite her sudden and early death, she is still relevant.\n\nAnd if you are not yet convinced about the importance of embracing failure, then remember what you used to watch on TV when you were a kid: Disney, right? Could you ever imagine how your childhood would be without Disney movies? Well, I guess you couldn’t. However, what is worth mentioning is that Walt Disney himself had a bit of a bumpy start. He was fired by a newspaper editor because _“he lacked imagination and had no good ideas.”_ After his firing, Disney started several businesses that didn’t last too long and ended with bankruptcy. However, he never stopped and he found his recipe for success.\n\nAnd what did he think of failure?\n\n### “I think it’s important to have a good hard failure when you’re young… Because it makes you kind of aware of what can happen to you. Because of it, I’ve never had any fear in my whole life when we’ve been near collapse and all of that. I’ve never been afraid.”\n\n# How to Turn Failure into A Lesson\n\n![how to turn failure into success 2.jpg](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fhow_to_turn_failure_into_success_2_5626c7ff87.jpg)\n\n## 1\\. Embrace Your Emotions\n\nIt's perfectly normal to feel **frustrated** after a failure. But instead of trying to ignore these feelings, accept them. This is the first step to moving forward. The goal is **NOT** to never be disappointed again -because it’s inevitable that you will- but to learn how to manage disappointment effectively. Life has ups and downs, and you cannot completely predict or control the future. Nobody can **guarantee** you that you won’t fail again, but the earlier you acknowledge that, the more effective it will be to embrace your emotions and move forward.\n\n## 2\\. Acknowledge What Went Wrong\n\nEvery failure you experience is always an **opportunity** for you to learn something. Disengage yourself from the situation (which will be easier when you acknowledge and accept your feelings) and try to see the situation from a distance. Then, analyze what went wrong. Was it a lack of preparation, the wrong approach, or external factors you could not control? When you understand what happened, you will be able to avoid the same **mistakes** in the future. For instance, if you failed to deliver a project on time, you can sit and jot down all the factors that contributed to the failure. Did you manage the expectations of the stakeholders properly? Did you hire the right people for the right job? Maybe there was an **unexpected delay** that couldn’t be controlled. Write those down and understand what happened and what you could have done differently. Next time, you will be prepared.\n\n## 3\\. Learn from the Greats\n\n![how to turn failure into success 3.jpg](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fhow_to_turn_failure_into_success_3_9b0b785916.jpg)\n\nAs a general advice, keep in mind that **people before us** have probably made the same mistakes and have equally failed. For this reason, it’s very helpful to learn about them, their failures, and how they managed to turn them into success. Study the stories of those people who succeed despite their failures and get inspiration from them. Countless people have failed, yet they turned it into successful and profitable businesses. From Steve Jobs to Winston Churchill to J.K. Rawling and Abraham Lincoln, great leaders and **innovators** faced many failures before they succeeded. These stories can inspire you to keep going.\n\n## 4\\. Start Again with a New Strategy\n\nEvery failure is an opportunity for a new **approach**. That said, after learning from your mistake, make a new plan and try again. Also, notice the pattern every time you fail. Do you follow the same steps? Do you keep moving based on a specific strategy? Maybe the problem is that you do not change your plan and strategy and fall into the trap of not recognizing the cause of failure.\n\nFailure is inevitable, but what really matters is our reaction to it. Resilience is the ability to recover from adversity and keep trying. The more we learn to embrace our failures, the more we develop resilience. Never forget that failure is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards growth.\n\n","the-art-of-failure-how-to-turn-mistakes-into-actual-success","failure, turn failure into success, what to do in a failure, what to do if I failed, successful failures","Can failure be the path to future success? If you don't think so, then read the article and learn how to turn failures into success.",{"id":289,"name":290,"alternativeText":62,"caption":291,"width":53,"height":54,"formats":292,"hash":317,"ext":146,"mime":149,"size":318,"url":319,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":320,"updatedAt":320},606,"how to turn failure into success.jpg","how to turn failure into success",{"large":293,"small":299,"medium":305,"thumbnail":311},{"ext":146,"url":294,"hash":295,"mime":149,"name":296,"path":62,"size":297,"width":64,"height":152,"sizeInBytes":298},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_how_to_turn_failure_into_success_4005e2815c.jpg","large_how_to_turn_failure_into_success_4005e2815c","large_how to turn failure into success.jpg",39.14,39135,{"ext":146,"url":300,"hash":301,"mime":149,"name":302,"path":62,"size":303,"width":72,"height":73,"sizeInBytes":304},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_how_to_turn_failure_into_success_4005e2815c.jpg","small_how_to_turn_failure_into_success_4005e2815c","small_how to turn failure into success.jpg",14.19,14191,{"ext":146,"url":306,"hash":307,"mime":149,"name":308,"path":62,"size":309,"width":80,"height":81,"sizeInBytes":310},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_how_to_turn_failure_into_success_4005e2815c.jpg","medium_how_to_turn_failure_into_success_4005e2815c","medium_how to turn failure into success.jpg",25.37,25369,{"ext":146,"url":312,"hash":313,"mime":149,"name":314,"path":62,"size":315,"width":88,"height":89,"sizeInBytes":316},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_how_to_turn_failure_into_success_4005e2815c.jpg","thumbnail_how_to_turn_failure_into_success_4005e2815c","thumbnail_how to turn failure into success.jpg",4.96,4955,"how_to_turn_failure_into_success_4005e2815c",78.81,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fhow_to_turn_failure_into_success_4005e2815c.jpg","2024-10-09T00:13:01.102Z",{"id":26,"name":27,"slug":28,"createdAt":97,"updatedAt":98,"publishedAt":99},{"id":18,"name":101,"slug":102,"instagram":62,"facebook":62,"bio":103,"createdAt":104,"updatedAt":105,"publishedAt":106,"linkedIn":62,"avatar":323},{"id":108,"name":109,"alternativeText":110,"caption":110,"width":111,"height":111,"formats":324,"hash":119,"ext":57,"mime":60,"size":120,"url":121,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":122,"updatedAt":123},{"thumbnail":325},{"ext":57,"url":114,"hash":115,"mime":60,"name":116,"path":62,"size":117,"width":118,"height":118},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fhow_to_turn_failure_into_success_4005e2815c.jpg",{"id":328,"title":329,"createdAt":330,"updatedAt":331,"publishedAt":332,"content":333,"slug":334,"coffees":14,"seo_title":329,"keywords":335,"seo_desc":336,"featuredImage":337,"category":370,"author":373,"img":397},185,"Ask The Gals: Sexism and Family Business","2024-10-01T04:11:18.013Z","2025-02-19T20:04:14.268Z","2024-10-01T04:19:46.023Z","## _If you have a question about your career, friends, love life, or everything random, [fill up this form](https:\u002F\u002Fforms.gle\u002FovnsXzrcahDPp2z56) and the Gals will answer it as soon as possible!_\n\n****\n\n## Sam Asks: This Competitive Colleague\n\n_“My problem is that my colleague seems to be very competitive and looks like they are waiting for my mistake in the corner. I haven’t been in this job for a long time, but it is a great opportunity and I’m generally happy here, apart from the said colleague. I know that they have been with the company for a long time and for this reason, I don’t want to make a big deal out of it. I really don’t know what to do and I am thinking that maybe I should start looking for another job, even though I like this so much. Any tips?”_\n\n## The Gal Answers\n\n![ask the gals column.webp](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_1ca87902b6.webp)\n\nHey, Sam! Unfortunately, this seems indeed to be an uncomfortable situation, especially when you haven’t established yourself in the new job. However, what you need to keep in mind is that having to deal with a competitive colleague is very common and, from my personal experience, at the end of the day, it doesn’t worth it. So, to give you a more realistic approach, what you should do is first of all to relax and accept the fact that their are competitive. Now, having that in mind, you can assess the situation and understand whether they are competitive and actually causing problem to others or it’s something they enjoy to motivate them. Try to monitor their behavior and whether this is a pattern.\n\nIf it’s actually their **modus operandi**, aka they are there to give you a hard time, then having a straightforward conversation with them could minimize the problem. You don’t have to argue with them, just express your concerns and state (in a cordial and professional manner) that you are doing what you have to do for the company’s benefit and your personal aspirations follow. They will get the message and, if they are smart, they will understand that you are not willing to go personal.\n\nIn general, competitive employees are pretty much everywhere and the best thing you should do is focus on your work. A chat may help; it may not. Eitherway, you do your job, keep being excited for the opportunity, and -believe me- your supervisor or manager knows.\n\nIf the situation gets out of hand, though, I would address the issue to **HR** or to a **manager**, just to be clear and have the necessary support.\n\nDon’t stress a lot, and enjoy your professional journey; don’t let one person define your next professional step. If you are to leave your job, do it because it’s something you want and something that will take you to the next level. I hope this helps!\n\n****\n\n## Bethany Asks: Do I Want To Work With My Husband?\n\n_“I recently had an offer to work to the company that my husband works. It is a great job opportunity and the salary is more than enough. My concern is that in case I accept this, I will be working closely with my husband and I am afraid that this is going to cause problems, not only at work but also at home, considering that we will be spending all day together. It’s a tough call since, in my current position, even though I like my job, the remuneration is not enough for what I am doing and the new job would definitely upgrade our family’s income. Will it, though, ruin my relationship with my husband?”_\n\n## The Gal Answers\n\n![ask the gals column.webp](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_a9c49fd889.webp)\n\nFirst of all, congratulations on the job offer! It’s nice to hear that there are opportunities out there! Now, to answer your question, you need to have this **conversation** with your husband. You didn’t mention his opinion on the matter. Does he think that this is a good idea? Is he positive of working with you? Is it something that you both wanted or he is reluctant as you are? It seems that you skipped the most important part in the equation: **discussing** with him.\n\nIt’s better to have an honest discussion and understand his **intentions**, and then you can make a more informed decision. For instance, if he believes that this is a great opportunity and you shouldn’t miss it,then it will be easier for both of you to set some boundaries from the very beginning to avoid friction and arguments in the future.\n\nOn the other hand, if he is negative in working with you, then you know how to approach the offer, and decide whether it’s beneficial. But, before you do anything, talk with your husband and make a decision based on the **outcome of your chat**. Your concerns are legit and this is why you need to address them with the person on the other side of the conversation. Whatever you decide, make sure it makes you feel comfortable and that you set your own rules. I hope this helps!\n\n****\n\n## Feminist Asks: Sexism At First Sight\n\n_“Hello to the Working Gal Team! So, I am convinced that we live in a very sexist society and that we have all been victims of sexism. However, since I am done spending my time with sexist people, I was wondering whether there is a way to identify them before we need to spend even an hour with them. I get that nobody is going to be like “hey, I think that women are inferior to men and you should all go home” but are there any other subtle red flags that could prevent us from having to put up with such behaviors in the future? I know that sometimes it’s on the little things, and there are not a lot of signs, but are we doomed to coexist with them? Any thoughts\u002Fsigns\u002Ftips I can work on?_\n\n## The Gal Answers\n\n![ask the gals column.webp](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_98e21a5721.webp)\n\nHey Feminist! I understand that you must have had some unfortunate experiences with sexism. You are right to wonder, as sexism is ubiquitous.\n\nUnfortunately, there is no magic wand that could identify a **sexist with no trouble**, but there are a couple of things you can do. In early phases, exploratory discussions about other persons, more theoretical and distant, are indicative. For instance, when they casually slut-shaming a female celebrity or show that even though they desire her, on the other hand, they despise her, then, there you go; this is a terrible sign of misogyny.\n\nAlso, a good criterion is their opinion on women's self-determination over their bodies: the right to **abortion** or the attitude towards the choice of childbearing or breastfeeding. Other ominous signs that you are dealing with a sexist man are perceptions that fall into the ownership over women. For instance, excessive possessiveness and jealousy are not passion and love; they are the \"right\" of the master over his slave, aka the woman and is a clear sign that the man is sexist. Also, ask them about their feelings toward financially successful women; in general, the economic subordination of the woman is a clear sign that this man is not going to feel good about a financially **independent** woman.\n\nAs you can see, **no general rule** applies to uncovering sexism, but the good news is that the signs are easy to see if you are careful and don't get carried away and attribute them to interest. You may have to spend a couple of hours with them, though. I hope this helps!","ask-the-gals-sexism-and-family-business","ask the gals, Q&A, women problems, working women issues, problems for women, sexism, competitive colleague, ask column","Ask The Gals for whatever problem you have and they will answer it! All you have to do is send an email to info@workingal.com.",{"id":338,"name":339,"alternativeText":62,"caption":340,"width":53,"height":54,"formats":341,"hash":366,"ext":146,"mime":149,"size":367,"url":368,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":369,"updatedAt":369},602,"ask the gals column.jpg","ask the gals column",{"large":342,"small":348,"medium":354,"thumbnail":360},{"ext":146,"url":343,"hash":344,"mime":149,"name":345,"path":62,"size":346,"width":64,"height":152,"sizeInBytes":347},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_ask_the_gals_column_71de91f409.jpg","large_ask_the_gals_column_71de91f409","large_ask the gals column.jpg",145.17,145169,{"ext":146,"url":349,"hash":350,"mime":149,"name":351,"path":62,"size":352,"width":72,"height":73,"sizeInBytes":353},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_ask_the_gals_column_71de91f409.jpg","small_ask_the_gals_column_71de91f409","small_ask the gals column.jpg",36.2,36203,{"ext":146,"url":355,"hash":356,"mime":149,"name":357,"path":62,"size":358,"width":80,"height":81,"sizeInBytes":359},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_ask_the_gals_column_71de91f409.jpg","medium_ask_the_gals_column_71de91f409","medium_ask the gals column.jpg",81.94,81943,{"ext":146,"url":361,"hash":362,"mime":149,"name":363,"path":62,"size":364,"width":88,"height":89,"sizeInBytes":365},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_ask_the_gals_column_71de91f409.jpg","thumbnail_ask_the_gals_column_71de91f409","thumbnail_ask the gals column.jpg",8.6,8600,"ask_the_gals_column_71de91f409",355.81,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fask_the_gals_column_71de91f409.jpg","2024-10-01T04:19:08.891Z",{"id":22,"name":23,"slug":24,"createdAt":371,"updatedAt":372,"publishedAt":99},"2020-12-24T19:16:11.810Z","2025-10-01T19:49:12.086Z",{"id":374,"name":375,"slug":376,"instagram":377,"facebook":378,"bio":379,"createdAt":380,"updatedAt":381,"publishedAt":382,"linkedIn":62,"avatar":383},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":384,"name":385,"alternativeText":110,"caption":110,"width":111,"height":111,"formats":386,"hash":392,"ext":196,"mime":199,"size":393,"url":394,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":395,"updatedAt":396},108,"Untitled-7.png",{"thumbnail":387},{"ext":196,"url":388,"hash":389,"mime":199,"name":390,"path":62,"size":391,"width":118,"height":118},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_Untitled_7_b2bf764bcd.png","thumbnail_Untitled_7_b2bf764bcd","thumbnail_Untitled-7.png",12.8,"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\u002Fask_the_gals_column_71de91f409.jpg",{"id":399,"title":400,"createdAt":401,"updatedAt":402,"publishedAt":403,"content":404,"slug":405,"coffees":26,"seo_title":400,"keywords":406,"seo_desc":407,"featuredImage":408,"category":441,"author":442,"img":446},184,"20 Things We Love About October","2024-09-30T23:00:37.244Z","2024-09-30T23:06:05.495Z","2024-09-30T23:06:05.493Z","## Hello October! \n\nCheers to the month that whispers of cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and the promise of a crisp autumn breeze.\n\nEven though September is the month that marks the beginning of fall, October is when you actually feel it. It is the time when the sky gets cloudy but cozy, and you actually notice the leaves on the sidewalk. You smell the pumpkin everywhere and already wear your cozy sweaters. Halloween is getting into the spotlight, and you are probably already thinking about your next cozy, [fall-like getaway](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workingal.com\u002Farticles\u002F5-destinations-for-a-quick-getaway-on-the-west-coast)!\n\nIn order to kick-start October with the best fall, cozy vibe, here are 20 reasons why we absolutely adore October and why we are so glad it’s here!\n\n**The Crisp Autumn Air:** There's nothing quite like the feeling of a cool, crisp breeze on your skin. It's a sensory delight that invigorates the senses and makes you want to bundle up in a cozy sweater.\n\n**Cozy Sweaters and Scarves:** October is the perfect excuse to break out your favorite cozy sweaters and scarves. There's something undeniably comforting about wrapping yourself up in a warm, soft knit.\n\n**Pumpkin Spice Everything:** From lattes to cookies to candles, pumpkin spice has become synonymous with fall. And who can resist the delicious aroma and flavor of this seasonal treat?\n\n**Falling Leaves:** The sight of leaves turning vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow is a breathtaking natural phenomenon. It's like the world is putting on a colorful show just for our enjoyment.\n\n**Halloween Decorations:** There's something magical about seeing homes and neighborhoods transformed into spooky and festive displays. From jack-o-lanterns to ghosts and goblins, Halloween decorations add a touch of whimsy to the season.\n\n**Apple Picking:** There's nothing quite like the experience of picking your own apples at a local orchard. It's a fun and family-friendly activity that yields delicious rewards.\n\n**Corn Mazes and Hayrides:** Corn mazes and hayrides are classic fall activities that are perfect for people of all ages. They offer a chance to get outdoors, have fun, and create lasting memories.\n\n**Pumpkin Carving:** Carving pumpkins is a beloved Halloween tradition that allows us to unleash our creativity and add a personal touch to our decorations.\n\n**Cozy Movie Nights:** October is the perfect time to curl up on the couch with a blanket, a bowl of popcorn, and a scary movie.\n\n**Bonfires and Campfires:** There's something undeniably romantic and nostalgic about sitting around a bonfire or campfire on a crisp autumn evening.\n\n**Haunted Houses and Spooky Attractions:** If you're looking for a thrill, haunted houses and spooky attractions are a must-visit during October.\n\n**Pumpkin Patches:** Visiting a pumpkin patch is a quintessential fall experience. You can pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.\n\n**Thanksgiving Preparations:** The anticipation of Thanksgiving dinner is enough to make anyone's mouth water. From planning the menu to decorating the table, there's so much to look forward to.\n\n**Football Season:** For many people, football season is a beloved pastime that culminates in the Super Bowl.\n\n**Autumn Festivals:** There are countless autumn festivals held throughout the country, offering everything from food and crafts to music and entertainment.\n\n**Cider Mills:** Visiting a cider mill is a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall. You can sample delicious apple cider, donuts, and other treats.\n\n![things we love about october.jpg](https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthings_we_love_about_october_8e23999981.jpg)\n\n**The Changing of the Seasons:** The transition from summer to fall is a beautiful and natural process that reminds us of the cyclical nature of life.\n\n**The Smell of Burning Leaves:** The smell of burning leaves is a classic fall scent that evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort.\n\n**The Feeling of Gratitude:** As the year draws to a close, many people take time to reflect on their blessings and express gratitude for the good things in their lives.\n\n**The Promise of Winter:** While October marks the real beginning of fall, it also hints at the cozy and magical days of winter that are just around the corner.","20-things-we-love-about-october","october, october inspiration, things we love about october, why we love october","October is the true beginning of fall; and we love this month. Read all the reasons why we love October.",{"id":409,"name":410,"alternativeText":62,"caption":411,"width":53,"height":54,"formats":412,"hash":437,"ext":146,"mime":149,"size":438,"url":439,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":440,"updatedAt":440},597,"things we love about october.jpg","things we love about october",{"large":413,"small":419,"medium":425,"thumbnail":431},{"ext":146,"url":414,"hash":415,"mime":149,"name":416,"path":62,"size":417,"width":64,"height":152,"sizeInBytes":418},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Flarge_things_we_love_about_october_00c78c1254.jpg","large_things_we_love_about_october_00c78c1254","large_things we love about october.jpg",77.23,77232,{"ext":146,"url":420,"hash":421,"mime":149,"name":422,"path":62,"size":423,"width":72,"height":73,"sizeInBytes":424},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fsmall_things_we_love_about_october_00c78c1254.jpg","small_things_we_love_about_october_00c78c1254","small_things we love about october.jpg",26.36,26364,{"ext":146,"url":426,"hash":427,"mime":149,"name":428,"path":62,"size":429,"width":80,"height":81,"sizeInBytes":430},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fmedium_things_we_love_about_october_00c78c1254.jpg","medium_things_we_love_about_october_00c78c1254","medium_things we love about october.jpg",49.08,49084,{"ext":146,"url":432,"hash":433,"mime":149,"name":434,"path":62,"size":435,"width":88,"height":89,"sizeInBytes":436},"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthumbnail_things_we_love_about_october_00c78c1254.jpg","thumbnail_things_we_love_about_october_00c78c1254","thumbnail_things we love about october.jpg",8.88,8877,"things_we_love_about_october_00c78c1254",155.62,"https:\u002F\u002Fworkingal.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fthings_we_love_about_october_00c78c1254.jpg","2024-09-30T23:04:14.669Z",{"id":22,"name":23,"slug":24,"createdAt":371,"updatedAt":372,"publishedAt":99},{"id":374,"name":375,"slug":376,"instagram":377,"facebook":378,"bio":379,"createdAt":380,"updatedAt":381,"publishedAt":382,"linkedIn":62,"avatar":443},{"id":384,"name":385,"alternativeText":110,"caption":110,"width":111,"height":111,"formats":444,"hash":392,"ext":196,"mime":199,"size":393,"url":394,"previewUrl":62,"provider":94,"provider_metadata":62,"createdAt":395,"updatedAt":396},{"thumbnail":445},{"ext":196,"url":388,"hash":389,"mime":199,"name":390,"path":62,"size":391,"width":118,"height":118},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedia.workingal.com\u002Fthings_we_love_about_october_00c78c1254.jpg",{"pagination":448},{"start":449,"limit":450,"total":451},0,5,177]