[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":671},["ShallowReactive",2],{"cms:/api/categories?fields[0]=name&fields[1]=slug&pagination[pageSize]=100&sort=documentId":3,"cms:/api/categories?filters[slug]=career-and-finance":45,"cms:/api/homepage?fields[0]=updatedAt&populate[navigation][fields][0]=name&populate[navigation][fields][1]=slug":53,"cms:/api/articles?populate=*&filters[category][id]=2&pagination[limit]=9&pagination[start]=90&sort[0]=bylineDate:DESC&sort[1]=createdAt:DESC":58},{"data":4,"meta":40},[5,10,15,20,25,30,35],{"id":6,"documentId":7,"name":8,"slug":9},8,"agm3bwiivq9ytkopje139uoj","Voices","voices",{"id":11,"documentId":12,"name":13,"slug":14},6,"fxhrufaspnwq0yurrk98sas3","Wellness","wellness",{"id":16,"documentId":17,"name":18,"slug":19},14,"gj8d0n6sxxe1mqfb0ticcamv","Style","style",{"id":21,"documentId":22,"name":23,"slug":24},12,"pra84h71qx5yo2kq8g18uy9h","After Hours","after-hours",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29},2,"pregl64gjxpa6tec7l94j5fb","Career & Finance","career-and-finance",{"id":31,"documentId":32,"name":33,"slug":34},10,"vf2luiz1aic436stak4yr339","Nourish","food",{"id":36,"documentId":37,"name":38,"slug":39},4,"y4wuht99krufymt1c62zqtk1","Mindset","mindset",{"pagination":41},{"page":42,"pageSize":43,"pageCount":42,"total":44},1,100,7,{"data":46,"meta":50},[47],{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},"2026-09-06T10:31:16.599Z","2026-09-06T10:31:16.613Z",{"pagination":51},{"page":42,"pageSize":52,"pageCount":42,"total":42},25,{"data":54,"meta":57},{"id":42,"documentId":55,"updatedAt":56},"nhhccnp3ibbyv1cn1er78o9h","2026-09-06T10:40:24.841Z",{},{"data":59,"meta":667},[60,157,235,312,367,423,479,559,613],{"id":61,"documentId":62,"title":63,"content":64,"slug":65,"coffees":66,"seo_title":63,"keywords":67,"seo_desc":68,"bylineDate":69,"bylineTimezone":70,"createdAt":71,"updatedAt":72,"publishedAt":73,"featuredImage":74,"category":127,"author":128,"img":124},288,"muj1hyv1demx6p0ew3uqsrxt","15 Financial Mistakes That Keep You Broke (And How to Fix Them)","You work hard. You earn a decent paycheck. Yet somehow, you still feel like you're barely keeping your head above water. Sound familiar?\n\nIf you've ever wondered why your bank account doesn't reflect all that effort, the answer might lie in some common financial mistakes—ones most of us make without even realizing it. And honestly? You're not alone. According to the [*Federal Reserve's Report on Economic Well-Being*](https://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerscommunities/sheddataviz/unexpectedexpenses.html), nearly 40% of Americans would struggle to cover an unexpected $400 expense. That's a lot of smart, hardworking people caught in the same frustrating cycle.\n\n![financial mistakes that keep you poor.webp](https://assets.workingal.com/financial_mistakes_that_keep_you_poor_6cadaf8fde.webp)\n\nThe good news? Once you identify these money mistakes, you can actually fix them. Let's break down the 15 most common financial mistakes that could be keeping you broke—and more importantly, how to turn things around.\n\n# Spending Mistakes\n\n## \\#1. Living Beyond Your Means\n\nThis is the big one—the financial mistake that underpins almost everything else. Living beyond your means simply means spending more than you earn, and it's shockingly easy to do. That new phone upgrade, the subscription you forgot about, the \"treat yourself\" moments that somehow happen every week... it all adds up.\n\nWhen your expenses consistently exceed your income, you end up relying on credit cards or loans to bridge the gap. And that's where the debt spiral begins.\n\nThe fix: Create a budget (even a [tight budget](https://www.workingal.com/articles/tight-budget-savings)) and actually stick to it. Track your spending for one month—every coffee, every online order, everything. You might be surprised where your money is actually going. And remember: nobody cares if you have the latest iPhone. Truly. Your financial peace of mind matters more than keeping up appearances.\n\n## \\#2. Not Having a Budget\n\nSpeaking of [budgets](https://www.workingal.com/articles/anti-budget-money-management)—do you actually have one? A *budget is one of the most powerful tools* for managing your finances, yet so many of us operate without one. Without a budget, you're essentially driving blindfolded and hoping you don't crash.\n\nA budget isn't about restriction—it's about intention. It tells your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.\n\nThe fix: Start simple. Write down your monthly income, then list your fixed expenses (rent, utilities, subscriptions). What's left is what you have to work with for everything else. Apps like YNAB or even a basic spreadsheet can make this feel less overwhelming. If you're looking to *stop spending money* impulsively, a budget is your first line of defense.\n\n## \\#3. Impulse Buying\n\nWe've all been there. You're scrolling through Instagram, you see something cute, and before you know it, you've added it to your cart and checked out—all in under two minutes. Online shopping has made impulse buying dangerously easy.\n\nThe problem is that impulse purchases rarely bring lasting satisfaction and you end up [buying things you don’t need](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-deinfluence-yourself). That dopamine hit fades fast, but the charge on your credit card doesn't.\n\nThe fix: Implement the 48-hour rule. Before buying anything non-essential (especially online), wait 48 hours. If you still want it after two days—and it fits your budget—go for it. More often than not, you'll realize you didn't actually need it.\n\n## \\#4. Not Comparing Prices and Deals\n\nTime is valuable, yes. But a few minutes of research can save you hundreds of dollars over time. Whether it's insurance, utilities, groceries, or big purchases—not comparing prices is essentially leaving money on the table.\n\nThe fix: Make price comparison a habit, especially for recurring expenses. Your [*home expenses*](https://www.workingal.com/articles/10-ways-to-save-money-on-home-expenses) are a great place to start—insurance, internet, and utilities are all negotiable. Many companies offer better rates to new customers, so don't be afraid to shop around or ask for a loyalty discount.\n\n# Debt & Credit Mistakes\n\n## \\#5. Misusing Credit Cards\n\n![financial mistakes that keep you poor.webp](https://assets.workingal.com/financial_mistakes_that_keep_you_poor_f5b4d002d1.webp)\n\n\nCredit cards aren't inherently bad—they can build credit, offer rewards, and provide purchase protection. The problem is when they become a crutch for spending money you don't have.\n\nCarrying a balance means paying high interest rates, and those charges compound quickly. What started as a $500 purchase can balloon into much more if you're only making minimum payments.\n\nThe fix: Use credit cards like debit cards—only spend what you can pay off in full each month. If you already have credit card debt, prioritize paying it down aggressively. Consider the avalanche method (paying off the highest interest first) or the snowball method (paying off the smallest balances first for motivation).\n\n## \\#6. Ignoring Your Credit Score\n\nYour credit score affects way more than you might think. It influences the interest rates you'll pay on loans, your ability to rent an apartment, and sometimes even job opportunities. Yet many people have no idea what their score is.\n\nAccording to the [*Consumer Financial Protection Bureau*](https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/fix-my-low-credit-score-debt-finance/), a lower credit score can cost you thousands of dollars in higher interest rates over the life of a mortgage or car loan.\n\nThe fix: Check your credit score regularly—many banks and apps offer free monitoring. Pay your bills on time (this is the most significant factor), keep your credit utilization below 30%, and review your credit report annually for errors.\n\n## \\#7. Overspending on Housing\n\nHousing is typically the largest expense in anyone's budget, which means overspending here can throw everything else off balance. It's tempting to stretch for that dream apartment or buy more house than you need, but doing so can leave you \"house poor\"—asset rich but cash-strapped.\n\nThe fix: Aim to keep housing costs (rent or mortgage, plus utilities and insurance) at or below 30% of your gross income. If you're currently spending more than that, consider downsizing, getting a roommate, or exploring more affordable areas. Your living situation should support your financial goals, not sabotage them.\n\n# Savings & Emergency Fund Mistakes\n\n## \\#8. Not Having an Emergency Fund\n\nLife is unpredictable. Cars break down, medical bills appear, jobs get lost. Without an emergency fund, these unexpected expenses force you into debt—often high-interest credit card debt that's hard to escape.\n\n![how to reduce home expenses](https://assets.workingal.com/blog_900x550_5_011174af31.webp)\n\n\nAn emergency fund is your financial safety net. It's what allows you to handle life's curveballs without derailing your entire financial situation.\n\nThe fix: Start building an emergency fund with a goal of 3-6 months of essential expenses. If that feels overwhelming, start with $1,000—it's enough to handle most minor emergencies. Keep this money in a high-yield savings account where it's accessible but separate from your regular spending.\n\n## \\#9. Only Having One Income Stream\n\nRelying solely on one paycheck is risky in today's economy. Layoffs happen, companies downsize, and industries shift. If your single income disappears, you're immediately in crisis mode.\n\nThe fix: Explore ways to diversify your income. This doesn't have to mean working a second job—it could be freelancing in your field, starting a small [side gig](https://www.workingal.com/articles/the-gig-economy-is-it-right-for-you), investing in dividend-paying stocks, or renting out a spare room. Even a small secondary income stream provides a cushion and accelerates your financial goals.\n\n## \\#10. Ignoring Inflation\n\nInflation is the silent wealth killer. If your savings are sitting in a traditional savings account earning 0.01% interest while inflation runs at 3-4%, your money is actually losing purchasing power every year.\n\nAccording to [*Bureau of Labor Statistics data*](https://www.bls.gov/cpi/factsheets/purchasing-power-constant-dollars.htm), the purchasing power of the dollar has decreased significantly over the past few decades. Money that just sits there doesn't stay the same—it shrinks.\n\nThe fix: Move your savings to a high-yield savings account (many now offer 4-5% APY). For long-term savings, consider investments that historically outpace inflation, like index funds or real estate.\n\n# Investment & Retirement Mistakes\n\n## \\#11. Not Investing\n\nMany people avoid investing because it feels complicated, risky, or like something only \"rich people\" do. But not investing is actually one of the biggest financial mistakes you can make. Savings accounts won't build wealth—investing will.\n\nThanks to compound interest, even small amounts invested consistently can grow into significant sums over time. The key is starting—even if you don't feel ready.\n\nThe fix: Start with what you have. Many brokerages have no minimums, and you can begin investing with as little as $50. Consider low-cost index funds, which provide diversification without requiring you to pick individual stocks. The best time to start investing was yesterday; the second-best time is today.\n\n## \\#12. Not Saving for Retirement Early Enough\n\nRetirement feels impossibly far away when you're in your 20s or 30s. There are so many competing priorities—student loans, rent, saving for a house. It's easy to tell yourself you'll start saving for retirement \"later.\"\n\nBut time is your greatest asset when it comes to retirement savings. Thanks to compound interest, money invested in your 20s has decades to grow—and can end up worth significantly more than larger contributions made in your 40s.\n\nThe fix: If your employer offers a 401(k) match, contribute at least enough to get the full match—it's literally free money. If you don't have access to an employer plan, open a Roth IRA. Even contributing $100/month in your 20s can make a meaningful difference by retirement.\n\n# Mindset & Knowledge Mistakes\n\n## \\#13. Lacking Financial Literacy\n\n![financial mistakes that keep you poor.webp](https://assets.workingal.com/financial_mistakes_that_keep_you_poor_5517f2520c.webp)\n\n\nMost of us were never taught how money actually works. Schools rarely cover personal finance, and somehow we're expected to figure out taxes, investing, credit scores, and retirement planning on our own. It's no wonder so many people make financial mistakes—we were never given the tools to avoid them.\n\nThe fix: Invest in your financial education. Listen to personal finance podcasts, read books, take online courses, or follow reputable financial educators. Or, even better, download our [Financial Fit Ebook](https://www.workingal.com/articles/be-financially-fit-your-101-guide-ebook) —a 101 guide on your finances— that will teach you how to create a budget, the basics of investing, as well as more financial tips from our financial experts. \n\nUnderstanding basic concepts like compound interest, tax-advantaged accounts, and debt management will serve you for the rest of your life. Knowledge really is power when it comes to money.\n\n## \\#14. Not Setting Financial Goals\n\nWithout clear financial goals, it's easy to spend money without purpose. Why save when there's nothing specific you're saving for? Why budget when you don't know what you're working toward?\n\nGoals give your money meaning. They turn abstract \"should save more\" feelings into concrete targets you can actually hit.\n\nThe fix: Set [SMART financial goals](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-set-smart-financial-goals) for the short-term (emergency fund, vacation), medium-term (car, down payment), and long-term (retirement, financial independence). Write them down, attach numbers and timelines, and review them regularly. Seeing progress toward a meaningful goal is incredibly motivating.\n\n## \\#15. Financial Procrastination\n\nMaybe you know you need to start a budget, pay off that credit card, or open a retirement account. But there's always something else demanding your attention, and financial tasks keep getting pushed to \"later.\" The problem is that later has a cost. [*Decision fatigue*](https://www.workingal.com/articles/decision-fatigue) is real, and it's easy to let important financial decisions slide.\n\nEvery month you delay paying off high-interest debt, you pay more in interest. Every year you delay investing, you miss out on potential growth. Procrastination is expensive.\n\nThe fix: Take one small action today. Just one. Open that savings account. Set up automatic transfers. Schedule a debt payoff date on your calendar. Momentum builds from small steps, and done is better than perfect.\n\n# How to Start Fixing Your Financial Mistakes Today\n\nFeeling overwhelmed? That's completely normal. You don't need to fix everything at once. Here's a simple starting point:\n\nThis week: Track every single expense. Don't change anything—just observe. Awareness is the first step.\n\nThis month: Create a simple budget based on what you learned. Identify one spending category you can reduce.\n\nThis quarter: Start building your emergency fund, even if it's just $50/paycheck. Set up automatic transfers so you don't have to think about it.\n\nThis year: Open an investment account and make your first contribution. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, increase your contribution to capture the full match.\n\nRemember: financial stability isn't built overnight. It's built through consistent, intentional choices over time. Every small step forward counts.\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions\n\n### What is the biggest financial mistake people make?\n\nThe biggest financial mistake is living beyond your means—spending more than you earn and relying on credit to cover the gap. This creates a cycle of debt that becomes increasingly difficult to escape and prevents you from building any real wealth or financial security.\n\n### How do I stop making bad financial decisions?\n\nStart by tracking every expense for 30 days, then create a realistic budget based on your actual spending patterns. Before any purchase over $50, wait 48 hours. Build financial literacy through books, podcasts, or courses, and set clear financial goals to guide your decisions. Awareness and intentionality are key.\n\n### What financial mistakes should I avoid in my 20s and 30s?\n\n![woman looking at her purchases unhappy](https://assets.workingal.com/blog_900x550_2_1_09bcbb08da.webp)\n\nThe most important mistakes to avoid in your 20s and 30s include: not starting retirement savings early (even small amounts matter), accumulating credit card debt, skipping an emergency fund, lifestyle inflation as your income grows, and not investing in your financial education. These early years are crucial for building good money habits.\n\n### How much should I have in an emergency fund?\n\nFinancial experts recommend having 3-6 months of essential living expenses in your emergency fund. If that feels overwhelming, start with a goal of $1,000—it's enough to handle most minor emergencies. Then gradually build up to cover rent, utilities, food, insurance, and other necessities for several months.\n\nMaking financial mistakes doesn't make you bad with money—it makes you human. The difference between staying broke and building wealth isn't perfection; it's awareness and course-correction. Now that you know what to look for, you have the power to change your financial trajectory.\n\n*Last Updated: December 2025*","15-financial-mistakes-that-keep-you-broke",3,"financial mistakes, money mistakes, common financial mistakes, bad money habits, financial mistakes to avoid","Struggling with money? These 15 common financial mistakes might be why. 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Bringing together shared stories, practical career insight, and modern lifestyle perspectives.","2026-09-06T10:31:21.475Z","2026-09-06T10:31:21.487Z",{"id":138,"documentId":139,"name":140,"alternativeText":78,"caption":78,"focalPoint":80,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":142,"hash":153,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":154,"url":155,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":156,"updatedAt":156,"publishedAt":156},5,"wjqyp2hu8gbfmc8z6tm46b47","Untitled-7-23388bce2c185874b0150ef7b15669a3512bc94b01650602e6df4e42ec59e547.png",250,{"thumbnail":143},{"ext":144,"url":145,"etag":146,"hash":147,"mime":148,"name":149,"path":80,"size":150,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":152},".png","https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_Untitled_7_23388bce2c185874b0150ef7b15669a3512bc94b01650602e6df4e42ec59e547.png","18a930235d0aa447f29ed44c5fe9fbe5","thumbnail_Untitled_7_23388bce2c185874b0150ef7b15669a3512bc94b01650602e6df4e42ec59e547","image/png","thumbnail_Untitled-7-23388bce2c185874b0150ef7b15669a3512bc94b01650602e6df4e42ec59e547.png",11.83,156,11829,"Untitled_7_23388bce2c185874b0150ef7b15669a3512bc94b01650602e6df4e42ec59e547",5.86,"https://assets.workingal.com/Untitled_7_23388bce2c185874b0150ef7b15669a3512bc94b01650602e6df4e42ec59e547.png","2026-09-06T10:31:21.358Z",{"id":158,"documentId":159,"title":160,"content":161,"slug":162,"coffees":66,"seo_title":160,"keywords":163,"seo_desc":164,"bylineDate":165,"bylineTimezone":70,"createdAt":166,"updatedAt":167,"publishedAt":168,"featuredImage":169,"category":210,"author":211,"img":208},278,"faknbweyhct777mqew3tsnpd","5 Toxic Phrases Used By Colleagues With A Huge Ego -And How To Deal With Them","Egoism, the belief in prioritizing one's own self-interest, is a pervasive force in life. While often associated with negative connotations like selfishness and greed, a healthy dose of egoism can be a driving factor for individual success and organizational growth.\n\n### The truth is that we are all inherently selfish to some degree\n\nThe real challenge, however, is to achieve a balance of **\"healthy selfishness\"** that allows us to focus on our goals without selfishness getting in the way. Apart from the negative impact egoism can have in our lives, here are arguments in favor:\n\n**Individual happiness:** Egoism, when balanced, can help us achieve personal **fulfillment** and happiness. When we focus on our own needs and goals, we can attain a greater sense of satisfaction in our lives.\n\n**Economic efficiency:** [Some](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9729783/) claim that egoism can drive economic growth and innovation. When individuals are motivated by self-interest, they may be more likely to take risks, create new businesses, and develop new products or ideas.\n\n**Motivation:** A healthy dose of self-interest can drive us to work hard and achieve our goals, even if this motivation derives from self-focus and the intent to do something good for ourselves.\n\n**Self-preservation:** Egoism can be seen as an instinct for self-preservation. By prioritizing our own needs, we may be better equipped to survive in a challenging and demanding world when our attention is always somewhere and the need for [concrete boundaries](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-set-and-preserve-boundaries) is more important than ever.\n\nThat said, egoism also has negative consequences. It can lead to social problems, such as inequality, conflict, and a lack of cooperation. In multiple situations, it is important to consider the needs of others and to act in a way that benefits the **community** as a whole, which egotists tend to ignore.\n\nWhether egoism is good or bad depends on each situation and each individual's values. There may be times when it is appropriate to prioritize one's own needs, but it is also essential to be mindful of the impact of one's actions on others.\n\n****\n\nHowever, things can get tricky when it comes to the workplace and egotist people. It doesn’t matter whether the egotist is your team member or your manager; a person's arrogance and know-it-all attitude can harm morale and team spirit. People who show extreme egoism in the workplace tend to create a hostile and [toxic work environment](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-recover-from-a-toxic-workplace), making people feel incompetent or reluctant to share their thoughts and end up showing decreased performance. According to experts, it’s not that challenging to notice selfish and egotistical behaviors, and egocentric people can’t help but show where they stand.\n\nHere are 5 toxic phrases that experts say are often used by egocentric people and those who generally feel entitled that _\"the world owes them\"_ in a professional environment.\n\n![blog-900x550-_8_ (1).webp](https://assets.workingal.com/blog_900x550_8_1_a3bd5c1c2e.webp)\n\n## \"This comment offends me\"\n\nEgotists interpret any constructive criticism of feedback as a personal attack. They refuse to accept the reality: _there is always room for improvement and growth_. They believe they can make no mistakes, which makes them hypersensitive and touchy to any suggestion that their work may be open to improvement. If you are a manager and try to give some constructive feedback to a team member and they find it offensive, then you probably have an egotist in front of you. On the other hand, if you express your opinion to your boss/manager/supervisor and they immediately shut you down, stating that this is offensive, then you hit the [narcissistic boss](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-deal-with-a-passive-aggressive-manager) jackpot.\n\n## \"My ideas are valuable and worthy of serious consideration\"\n\nNo matter how **mediocre** they actually are, egotists tend to assume that they always deliver excellent work. They show complete ignorance of the fact that most ideas, opinions, and proposals are flawed, regardless of the effort we invest in them, and they are incredibly **competitive** towards anyone who dares to challenge that. They also tend to impose their ideas and modus operandi on the rest of the team members, expecting them to be adopted immediately.\n\n## \"Their success comes at the expense of mine\"\n\nA very selfish person tends to be less successful than someone who channels his self-centered tendencies to help others. Since they cannot see the value of support, they believe that others' victories are unfair and the result of special treatment. If you are about to get a promotion or be praised for a successful project you carried out, beware of the selfish colleague who is waiting in the corner: they will try and undermine your efforts because they simply think that when someone succeeds, they have lost something.\n\n## \"Why are you always trying to control me?\"\n\nToxic egotists dislike bosses who give instructions or have clear expectations from their team. To them, a manager's instructions are, at best, merely suggestions or, at worst, an attempt to mistreat them. They believe they are above all, and any guidance is not well-received. If you are a manager and you have to give instructions or advice on any project, or if you work with an egotist colleague on a project, then good luck with providing instructions -it’s doubtful if they will even hear.\n\n## \"You are disrespectful because you don't agree with me\"\n\nYet another toxic phrase that truly selfish people may use at work. Expecting total recognition and respect for their expertise and ideas often leads them to show little interest in learning from others. So, when someone may have a different viewpoint, they don't see it as an opportunity to learn but as a sign of disrespect. Egotists don’t actually have any sense of what respect is, and most importantly, they cannot even perceive that someone may know something better than them. Let alone disagree.\n\n# How to deal with selfish people at work\n\n![blog-900x550-_7_ (1).webp](https://assets.workingal.com/blog_900x550_7_1_39491189c9.webp)\n\nSelfish people and egotistical people can be a substantial challenge in the workplace. While in your personal life, you can always stop communication and let them go, in a **professional** environment, things are not that simple. However, there are some tricks to take a break from them.\n\n## Avoid them if and when possible\n\nDealing with toxic people, in or out of the workplace, is a recipe for **failure**. Unfortunately, however, they are among us. Therefore, choose your battles wisely and avoid getting caught up in unnecessary conflicts and arguments. On the other hand, if something offends you as a person and a professional, communicate it without straying from your values. Sometimes, you need to **speak up**, if only for your own peace of mind.\n\n## Set clear boundaries\n\nThe importance of setting **boundaries** is indispensable, whether it involves our personal and our professional life. In case you are dealing with an **egotist** in the workplace, even when their behavior goes off the rails, make sure to call them to order. At the very least, you can make it clear that their behavior is unacceptable and harmful to your working relationship.\n\n## Talk to them about the risks they face\n\nSelfishness has many adverse effects in a work environment, which you can highlight to the egotist directly. For example, you could try saying, _\"If you only focus on what suits your needs, you're not seeing the big picture. This affects everything and, in the long run, can hinder your development.\"_ or, _\"If you see everything as a personal insult, you will constantly feel frustrated and be burdened by negative thoughts about others. Isn't that exhausting?\"_.\n\nRemember to be prepared that you may not get the response you're hoping for in either case, but, at least, you will give them some food for thought, and they may back off a bit.\n\nIf the workplace is becoming too toxic for you, maybe it’s time you started looking for another job.","5-toxic-phrases-used-by-colleagues-with-a-huge-ego","selfish people at work, egotist phrases, egoist phrases at work, egoism in the workplace, ego in the workplace, challenges in the workplace","If you are dealing with a colleague who is an egotist, you need to recognize the signs and be prepared. Read the article and beware of the ego.","2024-08-20","2024-08-19T23:42:38.066Z","2024-08-19T23:49:00.508Z","2024-08-19T23:49:00.505Z",{"id":170,"documentId":171,"name":172,"alternativeText":78,"caption":173,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":174,"hash":206,"ext":176,"mime":180,"size":207,"url":208,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":209,"updatedAt":209,"publishedAt":209},155,"gio75d7zuveh8yocl0wceuqt","egoist colleague in the workplace-a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5.jpg","egoist colleague in the workplace",{"large":175,"small":185,"medium":192,"thumbnail":199},{"ext":176,"url":177,"etag":178,"hash":179,"mime":180,"name":181,"path":80,"size":182,"width":92,"height":183,"sizeInBytes":184},".jpg","https://assets.workingal.com/large_egoist_colleague_in_the_workplace_a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5.jpg","15184acbcaddf4222b70daa34b9b5204","large_egoist_colleague_in_the_workplace_a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5","image/jpeg","large_egoist colleague in the workplace-a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5.jpg",48.32,563,48322,{"ext":176,"url":186,"etag":187,"hash":188,"mime":180,"name":189,"path":80,"size":190,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":191},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_egoist_colleague_in_the_workplace_a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5.jpg","1b67294b7c30b9833255ffe57fa04ad6","small_egoist_colleague_in_the_workplace_a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5","small_egoist colleague in the workplace-a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5.jpg",15.96,15964,{"ext":176,"url":193,"etag":194,"hash":195,"mime":180,"name":196,"path":80,"size":197,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":198},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_egoist_colleague_in_the_workplace_a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5.jpg","1d285009b73130d1d535fd0f3e0e08fe","medium_egoist_colleague_in_the_workplace_a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5","medium_egoist colleague in the workplace-a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5.jpg",30.35,30351,{"ext":176,"url":200,"etag":201,"hash":202,"mime":180,"name":203,"path":80,"size":204,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":205},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_egoist_colleague_in_the_workplace_a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5.jpg","4de018ca5bfc7e7ed492b98a209bc260","thumbnail_egoist_colleague_in_the_workplace_a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5","thumbnail_egoist colleague in the workplace-a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5.jpg",5.21,5205,"egoist_colleague_in_the_workplace_a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5",103.93,"https://assets.workingal.com/egoist_colleague_in_the_workplace_a63337c9b1b2ee0c05ffc340cd1f2edf35995a9afd908f5e99f8471e1462fae5.jpg","2026-09-06T10:33:35.870Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":212,"documentId":213,"name":214,"slug":215,"instagram":80,"facebook":80,"bio":216,"linkedIn":80,"createdAt":217,"updatedAt":217,"publishedAt":218,"avatar":219},22,"wyt3u257aw7uw0dwu7iyp43t","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.","2026-09-06T10:31:24.439Z","2026-09-06T10:31:24.476Z",{"id":220,"documentId":221,"name":222,"alternativeText":78,"caption":78,"focalPoint":80,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":223,"hash":231,"ext":85,"mime":89,"size":232,"url":233,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":234,"updatedAt":234,"publishedAt":234},11,"fheiaa5f5erfp90gy58ro2z5","1-4e8c14f9a17f874e48d1483a84a5e11eff6bee5c825f8de8b99f80ea39cc3be7.webp",{"thumbnail":224},{"ext":85,"url":225,"etag":226,"hash":227,"mime":89,"name":228,"path":80,"size":229,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":230},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_1_4e8c14f9a17f874e48d1483a84a5e11eff6bee5c825f8de8b99f80ea39cc3be7.webp","4b4c936585b7dd1c23ef309e30c37e86","thumbnail_1_4e8c14f9a17f874e48d1483a84a5e11eff6bee5c825f8de8b99f80ea39cc3be7","thumbnail_1-4e8c14f9a17f874e48d1483a84a5e11eff6bee5c825f8de8b99f80ea39cc3be7.webp",4.15,4148,"1_4e8c14f9a17f874e48d1483a84a5e11eff6bee5c825f8de8b99f80ea39cc3be7",8.36,"https://assets.workingal.com/1_4e8c14f9a17f874e48d1483a84a5e11eff6bee5c825f8de8b99f80ea39cc3be7.webp","2026-09-06T10:31:24.366Z",{"id":236,"documentId":237,"title":238,"content":239,"slug":240,"coffees":26,"seo_title":238,"keywords":241,"seo_desc":242,"bylineDate":243,"bylineTimezone":70,"createdAt":244,"updatedAt":245,"publishedAt":246,"featuredImage":247,"category":285,"author":286,"img":283},276,"s8a5gn64m698u420cpetgiqi","16 Ways to Save Money on Home Expenses in 2025 (That Actually Work)","Let's be honest: saving money on home expenses feels like trying to catch water with your hands sometimes. You turn around, and there's another bill, another thing that broke, another reminder that simply existing in a home costs money.\n\nIf you've noticed your monthly expenses creeping up over the past few years, you're not imagining it. [According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/consumer-expenditures/2023/), household spending increased by 8.3% in 2023 alone, and energy costs have risen nearly 15% since 2021\\. The moment you step out of your family's house—whether you own, rent, live alone, or with roommates—maintaining a household becomes one of the biggest drains on your salary.\n\nThe good news? There are real, practical ways to cut back without feeling like you're living in deprivation mode. Some of these might seem small on their own, but trust us—when you stack them together, you'll notice a genuine difference in your bank account at the end of each month.\n\n# Kitchen & Grocery Savings\n\n## Buy in Bulk Strategically\n\nThis one's a lifesaver—but only if you do it right. Buying bulk is an efficient way to cut your grocery spending, but if you live alone, buying five pounds of spinach that wilts before you can use it isn't saving anything.\n\nFocus on products with no expiration date or very long shelf lives: pasta, tomato sauces, nuts, toiletries, cleaning products, legumes, rice, and canned goods. These are perfect candidates for bulk buying since you'll definitely use them, and they can last for more than a year. Plan a visit to your local Costco, Sam's Club, or even the bulk aisle at your regular grocery store. According to a [Consumer Reports analysis](https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-shopping/how-to-save-time-and-money-food-shopping-a5059610882/), buying in bulk can save households anywhere from 20-40% on staple items.\n\nKeep a running list on your phone of what you actually use regularly. Before any bulk purchase, ask yourself: \"Will I genuinely use all of this before it expires?\" If the answer is no, skip it.\n\n## Embrace Meal Prep\n\nWe've talked about the [importance of meal prep](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-tips-for-meal-prep) for time management and healthy eating, but let's be clear about the financial impact: meal prepping can save you a significant amount of money every single month.\n\nWhen you plan your meals, you have control over what you need, and your grocery list becomes exponentially more efficient. You won't be buying food you don't need immediately, you'll be able to define the quantities you actually require, and you'll dramatically reduce food waste. The USDA estimates that the average American family throws away $1,500 worth of food per year. Meal prep directly combats that.\n\n![how to reduce home expenses](https://assets.workingal.com/blog_900x550_6_1dc62b0575.webp)\n\nEven cooking extra-large meals on weekends and freezing portions can drop your reliance on takeout and delivery apps—which, let's be real, have become a budget black hole for many of us. Financial experts estimate that pre-planning meals and freezing portions can save families $250 or more per month.\n\n## Create a Grocery List and Actually Stick to It\n\nThis sounds almost too simple, but don't shop by memory. Write down what you need before you go. This habit alone can cut food expenses, support your meal planning, and drastically reduce impulse buying.\n\nThere are apps that can help you organize lists and find bargains, or you can keep it old school with a notes app on your phone. The key is to treat the list like a commitment, not a suggestion. If it's not on the list, it doesn't go in the cart.\n\n# Utility Bill Strategies\n\n## Actually Turn Off the Lights\n\nYou get out of the shower, ready to watch an episode of [Emily in Paris](https://www.workingal.com/articles/shows-like-emily-in-paris) in your cozy living room. But you forget to turn off the bathroom lights, pass by the kitchen for a snack with those lights on, and by the time you're on the couch, the whole house is lit up like a stadium.\n\nThis habit impacts your electricity bill more than you might think. Not turning off lights when you don't need them isn't just energy waste—it's money waste. A simple mindfulness shift can save you a meaningful amount each month. While you're at it, be conscious of small appliances: unplug them when you don't use them, and make sure that when you leave the house, you're not leaving the A/C or heating running full blast for an empty home.\n\n## Switch to LED Lightbulbs\n\nHere's a stat that might surprise you: residential LED lights use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent lighting. [According to the U.S. Department of Energy](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/led-lighting#:~:text=LED%20is%20a%20highly%20energy,times%20longer%2C%20than%20incandescent%20lighting.), if every household replaced just one incandescent bulb with an LED, it would save about $600 million in annual energy costs nationwide.\n\nThat's massive. And on a personal level, switching to LEDs saves energy usage and saves you money on replacement bulbs over time. The good news is you can find LED lights in virtually any shade, color, and size—from traditional fluorescent to soft, warm hues. Make the switch and watch the difference in your electricity bill.\n\n## Be Mindful of Water Usage\n\n[Water is a precious resource](https://www.workingal.com/articles/water-is-a-beauty-elixir) that often goes unnoticed in daily routines since water bills tend to be relatively cheap compared to electricity. But reducing your daily water consumption can still meaningfully lower your utility bills—and it's better for the environment.\n\nNext time you're in the shower waiting for your [homemade hair mask](https://www.workingal.com/articles/easy-and-affordable-homemade-hair-masks) to work its magic, turn off the water. Take shorter showers (a productivity hack in itself), and consider replacing your showerhead with a low-flow model. According to the [Regional Water Provider Consortium](https://www.regionalh2o.org/water-conservation/indoor-water-conservation/shower#:~:text=Cutting%20just%20one%20minute%20from,of%20it%20down%20the%20drain.), cutting even one minute from a daily shower could save about 75 gallons a month.\n\nAlso, adjust your laundry habits and use your dishwasher mindfully—don't run it half-empty, but don't overload it either, as both can increase water consumption. And here's one that's easy to overlook: fix leaky faucets. A dripping faucet can add up to gallons of wasted water over time, and replacing a leaky faucet costs less than $10 and takes just minutes.\n\n## Install a Faucet Aerator\n\nA faucet aerator might sound technical, but it's actually a small, simple attachment that screws onto the end of your faucet. It mixes air with the water to reduce flow without lowering pressure, helping you conserve water while also filtering out debris and minimizing splashing.\n\nThis means you'll save money on water bills and avoid messy puddles around the sink. Best of all, it costs less than ten dollars and can be picked up at any hardware store.\n\n## Use a Humidifier in Winter\n\nAs the colder months approach, another bill gets added to expenses: heating. A humidifier won't replace your actual heating system, but it can help spread warmth more evenly throughout your home, leading to more mindful energy consumption.\n\nPlus, a humidifier combats the static electricity that accumulates during cold, dry months and helps keep your skin hydrated (along with your [favorite moisturizer](https://www.workingal.com/articles/the-best-moisturizers-of-2024-and-2025), of course\\!). Invest in a quality humidifier and watch your heating bill become more manageable.\n\n## Invest in Sun-Blocking Curtains\n\nWindows are the primary cause of energy loss from a home, which translates directly into higher utility bills. According to [energy.gov](http://energy.gov), about 30% of a home's heating or cooling energy is lost through windows, and roughly 76% of sunlight that enters windows does so as heat.\n\nSun-blocking curtains or blinds help maintain your home's temperature—keeping the cool in during summer and the warmth in during winter. And no, this doesn't mean sacrificing your decor aesthetic. Closing the blinds when you leave home is enough to make a huge difference, and it's a great way to explore different interior styles. Bonus: if you're someone who wakes up the moment the sun rises, blackout curtains will protect your precious sleep.\n\n## Seal Gaps and Cracks\n\nCheck around your windows and doors for drafts—these are spots where air escapes, forcing your heating or cooling system to work harder. Sealing these gaps with weather stripping or caulk keeps your home better insulated and saves you money on both heating and cooling.\n\nThis is a super-simple, cost-effective fix that yields high efficiency returns. While you're at it, fit draft excluders under doors during wintertime for extra insulation.\n\n# Subscription & Service Savings\n\n## Audit Your Subscriptions\n\nCanceling subscriptions is, according to financial experts, one of the first steps to [stop spending money](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-i-stopped-spending-money). If you need to reduce your home expenses, it's time for an honest conversation with yourself about how much you actually use all those streaming services.\n\nDo you really need Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Peacock simultaneously? If you do, please share your secret for finding the time. After a long day at work, [a good show is essential](https://www.workingal.com/articles/shows-like-gilmore-girls), but most people don't genuinely use all these platforms within a single month.\n\nMonitor which subscriptions you actually use and stick to those. If there's a specific show you want to watch on another platform, subscribe for that month and then cancel. Your bank account will thank you.\n\n## Negotiate Your Internet and Phone Bills\n\nPull up your internet and phone bills and really look at the charges. Are you paying for services you don't actually use? If you never use your landline, cancel it. Look at your internet speed—nowadays, internet quality is good enough that paying for the highest-tier speed often isn't worth it for basic use.\n\nCall your providers and ask about discounts or more affordable plans. Most companies would rather keep you satisfied than lose a customer—so negotiate. The same goes for your mobile plan: if you're paying for unlimited calls but barely talk on the phone, or you're paying for tons of data but work from home on WiFi, it's time to adjust. Small changes here can show big results in your monthly finances.\n\n# Maintenance & DIY Savings\n\n## Learn Basic Home Repairs\n\n![how to reduce home expenses](https://assets.workingal.com/blog_900x550_5_011174af31.webp)\n\nNothing in a home stays intact forever. Something will break, or you'll need to hang a new picture or fix a wobbly shelf. If you're not naturally handy, the easy move is to just call a professional for every little thing—but that adds up fast and isn't kind to your budget.\n\nFor basic tasks like hanging things, replacing a showerhead, or painting a wall, consider learning to do it yourself. YouTube and TikTok are goldmines for home repair tutorials. These tasks aren't as intimidating as they seem and can be learned quickly. You'll save money, time (no more searching for the perfect available handyman), and gain the satisfaction of handling things yourself.\n\nThat said, know your limits. If something requires a professional—like fixing your A/C or dealing with electrical issues—don't try to DIY it. You might end up causing more damage and spending more money.\n\n## Borrow Tools Instead of Buying\n\nChances are you have a friend or family member with a comprehensive toolbox. If you need something for a small project—like fixing that leaky faucet we mentioned earlier—instead of running to Amazon and buying a tool you'll rarely use again, ask your network to lend you what you need.\n\nThis way, you're not spending money on tools that will collect dust, and you're saving storage space without accumulating a pile of unused equipment. Plus, libraries often have tool lending programs—check your local branch.\n\n## Keep Your Warranties Organized\n\nWhen a small appliance like a vacuum or microwave breaks, it's tempting to just replace it with a new one. But this habit increases your expenses when many of those products come with warranties that cover repairs or replacements.\n\nKeep all your warranties in one designated drawer or folder (digital works, too), and when something breaks, check if it's still covered before spending money. Reach out to the seller or manufacturer for replacement or guidance. Why pay for something when you can get it handled for free?\n\n## Use Your Network for Bigger Repairs\n\nFor tasks that do require more expertise, tap into your network before hiring a stranger. People who have toolboxes usually know how to use them. A family member or friend who's experienced might be willing to help you out—or at least recommend a trustworthy, reasonably priced professional.\n\n# The Bottom Line\n\nSaving money on home expenses isn't about one dramatic change—it's about a collection of small, sustainable habits that compound over time. Some of these tips might save you $5 a month. Others might save you $50 or more. Stack them together, and you're looking at meaningful savings that make a real difference in your financial life.\n\nThe cost of living isn't going down anytime soon, but you have more control than you might think. Start with the changes that feel easiest to you—maybe it's finally canceling that streaming service you forgot you had, or switching out your lightbulbs this weekend. Then build from there.\n\nYour bank account—and your future self—will appreciate the effort.\n\n","10-ways-to-save-money-on-home-expenses","save money on home expenses, reduce household expenses, cut home costs, lower utility bills, reduce living expenses, how to save on bills, money saving tips for home","Struggling with rising costs? Discover 16 smart ways to save money on home expenses in 2025—from utility bills to groceries. Real tips that actually lower your monthly spending.","2024-08-19","2024-08-19T20:55:58.600Z","2025-12-02T21:13:53.686Z","2024-08-19T21:04:28.700Z",{"id":248,"documentId":249,"name":250,"alternativeText":251,"caption":251,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":252,"hash":281,"ext":85,"mime":89,"size":282,"url":283,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":284,"updatedAt":284,"publishedAt":284},154,"b9934utpgakey7obhid0mvyi","how to reduce home expenses-729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1.webp","how to reduce home expenses",{"large":253,"small":260,"medium":267,"thumbnail":274},{"ext":85,"url":254,"etag":255,"hash":256,"mime":89,"name":257,"path":80,"size":258,"width":92,"height":93,"sizeInBytes":259},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_how_to_reduce_home_expenses_729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1.webp","c28c5a632225c7f19d57338bb048b2a4","large_how_to_reduce_home_expenses_729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1","large_how to reduce home expenses-729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1.webp",31.75,31746,{"ext":85,"url":261,"etag":262,"hash":263,"mime":89,"name":264,"path":80,"size":265,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":266},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_how_to_reduce_home_expenses_729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1.webp","d08c17b0f20716c5cba6309246be3a57","small_how_to_reduce_home_expenses_729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1","small_how to reduce home expenses-729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1.webp",12.41,12410,{"ext":85,"url":268,"etag":269,"hash":270,"mime":89,"name":271,"path":80,"size":272,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":273},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_how_to_reduce_home_expenses_729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1.webp","f39fd9b3f5f5d55b5f218aa64a61c216","medium_how_to_reduce_home_expenses_729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1","medium_how to reduce home expenses-729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1.webp",21.39,21388,{"ext":85,"url":275,"etag":276,"hash":277,"mime":89,"name":278,"path":80,"size":279,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":280},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_how_to_reduce_home_expenses_729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1.webp","63cbe8154fdf57703612e3e6345ee6f8","thumbnail_how_to_reduce_home_expenses_729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1","thumbnail_how to reduce home expenses-729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1.webp",4.71,4708,"how_to_reduce_home_expenses_729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1",66.32,"https://assets.workingal.com/how_to_reduce_home_expenses_729bb3b67c69c102bab646e71e6ddc219b841748bc978271871de21aa39216d1.webp","2026-09-06T10:33:35.069Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":36,"documentId":287,"name":288,"slug":289,"instagram":290,"facebook":291,"bio":292,"linkedIn":293,"createdAt":294,"updatedAt":294,"publishedAt":295,"avatar":296},"icgwz3s97g2n48u37fiimghg","Tonia","tonia","https://www.instagram.com/liolioutonia/","https://www.facebook.com/tonia.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.","https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonia-lioliou-078949202/","2026-09-06T10:31:19.662Z","2026-09-06T10:31:19.677Z",{"id":26,"documentId":297,"name":298,"alternativeText":299,"caption":299,"focalPoint":80,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":300,"hash":308,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":309,"url":310,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":311,"updatedAt":311,"publishedAt":311},"gfgmy2adzscaae1xtj3lgthk","the working gal author-0342f993d3a4dd174b82424b63d1aea3b73f052b98e1df69dbfeb1f8a5fac8dd.png","the working gal author",{"thumbnail":301},{"ext":144,"url":302,"etag":303,"hash":304,"mime":148,"name":305,"path":80,"size":306,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":307},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_the_working_gal_author_0342f993d3a4dd174b82424b63d1aea3b73f052b98e1df69dbfeb1f8a5fac8dd.png","b9461d2a3487761391a49d227832c79e","thumbnail_the_working_gal_author_0342f993d3a4dd174b82424b63d1aea3b73f052b98e1df69dbfeb1f8a5fac8dd","thumbnail_the working gal author-0342f993d3a4dd174b82424b63d1aea3b73f052b98e1df69dbfeb1f8a5fac8dd.png",39.76,39762,"the_working_gal_author_0342f993d3a4dd174b82424b63d1aea3b73f052b98e1df69dbfeb1f8a5fac8dd",22.17,"https://assets.workingal.com/the_working_gal_author_0342f993d3a4dd174b82424b63d1aea3b73f052b98e1df69dbfeb1f8a5fac8dd.png","2026-09-06T10:31:19.590Z",{"id":313,"documentId":314,"title":315,"content":316,"slug":317,"coffees":26,"seo_title":315,"keywords":318,"seo_desc":319,"bylineDate":320,"bylineTimezone":70,"createdAt":321,"updatedAt":322,"publishedAt":323,"featuredImage":324,"category":362,"author":363,"img":360},272,"ir9wmkz1elsqpzjeyszazcqb","The One Thing You Need To Succeed Professionally, According To Research - And It's Not Intelligence","If we were to answer the question, _\"What do you need to succeed in your career?\"_ most of us would respond intelligence, knowledge, skills, desire, talent, patience, perseverance, and so on.\n\nHowever, a new scientific [study by the University of Liège](https://www.news.uliege.be/cms/c_19746144/en/unlocking-the-entrepreneurial-brain-new-perspectives-on-cognitive-flexibility) claims that the one characteristic that will help you develop professionally and reach very high is something different: **cognitive flexibility**, also known as cognitive shifting.\n\nBefore you get too worried about being “flexible” enough, you need to be aware that cognitive flexibility is something that is **trained** and can be developed over the years. A person with robust cognitive flexibility can change their thinking very quickly and adapt each project to each situation at hand. They have the ability to think clearly and fast in **changing** circumstances.\n\nThe researchers found that the most **successful** **entrepreneurs** had cognitive flexibility, which supported their decision-making. The study involved 727 people who took a self-assessment, and then the scientists used an MRI scanner to check the areas of their brains associated with cognitive flexibility. The top participants were found to have more significant cognitive flexibility.\n\nBeing cognitively flexible is a **skill** that can be stimulated and developed as long as you make some significant changes in your routine. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a student entering the professional world, or simply wish to improve your knowledge and thinking, these tips from neuroscientists will be very useful.\n\n# How to gain cognitive flexibility, according to research\n\n## Change your routine\n\nChanging your routine doesn’t involve making drastic and **radical** changes. A routine change can happen in the simplest things. For example, this week, you may try changing the route to work or home, trying new foods and experimenting with different cuisines, working out at a new time, and generally modifying your schedule, when possible. Minor changes to your **everyday routine** can support you in keeping your brain alert and are a valuable aid in learning new things and gaining new experiences.\n\n## Read more\n\nReading is good for you for many different reasons. However, the research doesn’t imply that you should only read **scientific** or extremely technical articles. You can read books, papers, essays, blogs, or whatever seems interesting to you, no matter the content. This way, you train your mind to move into new paths, and you will discover new aspects and gain new **stimuli**. If you keep reading, you will see things from a different perspective, thus discovering another side of yourself and improving your creativity and flexibility.\n\n## Connect with people different from you\n\nInteracting with people who are different from you will make you think differently and reflect on issues that may not have been of **interest** to you until now. We usually tend to interact with people with similar mindsets, values, and opinions, but connecting with people who will give you a different **outlook**, listening to their views, putting yourself in their shoes, and seeing things from a different perspective will enhance your cognitive flexibility and improve your creativity.","the-one-thing-you-need-to-succeed-professionally","cognitive flexibility examples, cognitively flexible, university of liege, cognitive flexibility definition, how to have more cognitive flexibility ","If you want professional success, then you need to know what science suggests as being the only thing to help you achieve it.","2024-08-16","2024-08-16T19:51:36.869Z","2024-08-16T19:55:58.307Z","2024-08-16T19:55:58.303Z",{"id":325,"documentId":326,"name":327,"alternativeText":78,"caption":328,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":329,"hash":358,"ext":85,"mime":89,"size":359,"url":360,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":361,"updatedAt":361,"publishedAt":361},152,"dqbkcyhp1krr5jesh13h2to8","cognitive flexibility-344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6.webp","cognitive flexibility",{"large":330,"small":337,"medium":344,"thumbnail":351},{"ext":85,"url":331,"etag":332,"hash":333,"mime":89,"name":334,"path":80,"size":335,"width":92,"height":93,"sizeInBytes":336},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_cognitive_flexibility_344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6.webp","2476b3d217bc44788483fcf0d65e6867","large_cognitive_flexibility_344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6","large_cognitive flexibility-344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6.webp",23.99,23994,{"ext":85,"url":338,"etag":339,"hash":340,"mime":89,"name":341,"path":80,"size":342,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":343},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_cognitive_flexibility_344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6.webp","9115b82c1b81eb56de5455080b749f67","small_cognitive_flexibility_344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6","small_cognitive flexibility-344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6.webp",7.27,7270,{"ext":85,"url":345,"etag":346,"hash":347,"mime":89,"name":348,"path":80,"size":349,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":350},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_cognitive_flexibility_344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6.webp","d32325ecbbc3e2700f8178cd02fafaba","medium_cognitive_flexibility_344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6","medium_cognitive flexibility-344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6.webp",14.82,14816,{"ext":85,"url":352,"etag":353,"hash":354,"mime":89,"name":355,"path":80,"size":356,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":357},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_cognitive_flexibility_344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6.webp","eb9edc8aeeccb7ceb0ab98a9b3465dea","thumbnail_cognitive_flexibility_344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6","thumbnail_cognitive flexibility-344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6.webp",2.55,2546,"cognitive_flexibility_344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6",57.99,"https://assets.workingal.com/cognitive_flexibility_344d0bc645582827eea6df39f31000f6dd3f9cf4e0ec41ea6df12b84e86309b6.webp","2026-09-06T10:33:33.255Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":31,"documentId":129,"name":130,"slug":131,"instagram":132,"facebook":133,"bio":134,"linkedIn":80,"createdAt":135,"updatedAt":135,"publishedAt":136,"avatar":364},{"id":138,"documentId":139,"name":140,"alternativeText":78,"caption":78,"focalPoint":80,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":365,"hash":153,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":154,"url":155,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":156,"updatedAt":156,"publishedAt":156},{"thumbnail":366},{"ext":144,"url":145,"etag":146,"hash":147,"mime":148,"name":149,"path":80,"size":150,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":152},{"id":368,"documentId":369,"title":370,"content":371,"slug":372,"coffees":66,"seo_title":373,"keywords":374,"seo_desc":375,"bylineDate":376,"bylineTimezone":70,"createdAt":377,"updatedAt":378,"publishedAt":379,"featuredImage":380,"category":418,"author":419,"img":416},258,"luxqm6x1u1lx4ctho2idedkl","50 Alternatives To Saying \"No\" - Printable","If you feel like it's time you set your boundaries, then this printable list will be an ally to your try!\n\nThe Working Gal Team gathered for you 50 Alternatives to the word \"no\" which can help you get out of every situation that can cause you stress or challenge you!\n\nEnjoy!\n\n## Download it [here](https://assets.workingal.com/How_To_Say_No_3c1661e53d.pdf)!\n\n\n### You May Be Interested: \n\n[How I Stopped Spending Money](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-i-stopped-spending-money)\n\n[Can Women Work With Other Women?](https://www.workingal.com/articles/research-can-women-work-with-other-women) ","50-alternatives-to-saying-no-printable","50 Alternatives To Saying \"No\" Printable","how to say no, no, decline, printable list, how to say no without guilt","A full list of 50 alternatives to the word \"no\" that sound professional and polite! You can print it and keep it in your desk, fridge or wherever you think will help!","2024-08-13","2024-08-12T22:49:18.606Z","2024-12-21T22:14:50.885Z","2024-08-12T22:56:45.535Z",{"id":381,"documentId":382,"name":383,"alternativeText":78,"caption":384,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":385,"hash":414,"ext":176,"mime":180,"size":415,"url":416,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":417,"updatedAt":417,"publishedAt":417},145,"hbyijfusbuvicpg6fbu38bqa","The Working Gal Printables-a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0.jpg","The Working Gal Printables",{"large":386,"small":393,"medium":400,"thumbnail":407},{"ext":176,"url":387,"etag":388,"hash":389,"mime":180,"name":390,"path":80,"size":391,"width":92,"height":183,"sizeInBytes":392},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_The_Working_Gal_Printables_a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0.jpg","fe28c4c3109dc45ffee08021eada5c78","large_The_Working_Gal_Printables_a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0","large_The Working Gal Printables-a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0.jpg",80.76,80764,{"ext":176,"url":394,"etag":395,"hash":396,"mime":180,"name":397,"path":80,"size":398,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":399},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_The_Working_Gal_Printables_a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0.jpg","ad64a943eaa033c53d7d1548d678b596","small_The_Working_Gal_Printables_a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0","small_The Working Gal Printables-a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0.jpg",22.61,22614,{"ext":176,"url":401,"etag":402,"hash":403,"mime":180,"name":404,"path":80,"size":405,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":406},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_The_Working_Gal_Printables_a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0.jpg","92fce1d86de843453930b2c52e198364","medium_The_Working_Gal_Printables_a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0","medium_The Working Gal Printables-a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0.jpg",47.91,47911,{"ext":176,"url":408,"etag":409,"hash":410,"mime":180,"name":411,"path":80,"size":412,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":413},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_The_Working_Gal_Printables_a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0.jpg","97a84155541ced59682187d9ff936f18","thumbnail_The_Working_Gal_Printables_a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0","thumbnail_The Working Gal Printables-a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0.jpg",6.78,6778,"The_Working_Gal_Printables_a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0",186.88,"https://assets.workingal.com/The_Working_Gal_Printables_a90e38f14c823fd729b8fd4b16a5c84521b145867ab7ac1e064ad2de59cf3ee0.jpg","2026-09-06T10:33:26.523Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":31,"documentId":129,"name":130,"slug":131,"instagram":132,"facebook":133,"bio":134,"linkedIn":80,"createdAt":135,"updatedAt":135,"publishedAt":136,"avatar":420},{"id":138,"documentId":139,"name":140,"alternativeText":78,"caption":78,"focalPoint":80,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":421,"hash":153,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":154,"url":155,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":156,"updatedAt":156,"publishedAt":156},{"thumbnail":422},{"ext":144,"url":145,"etag":146,"hash":147,"mime":148,"name":149,"path":80,"size":150,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":152},{"id":424,"documentId":425,"title":426,"content":427,"slug":428,"coffees":66,"seo_title":429,"keywords":430,"seo_desc":431,"bylineDate":432,"bylineTimezone":70,"createdAt":433,"updatedAt":434,"publishedAt":435,"featuredImage":436,"category":474,"author":475,"img":472},228,"i8brkgxtudvqz5axakw7q0ph","Miranda Priestly's Leadership Style: What She Got Right About Management","Her voice, her posture, her devastating eye roll. Two decades later, Miranda Priestly remains the ultimate cultural touchstone for executive authority. Beneath the cerulean monologues and cold remarks lies a management style that forces an uncomfortable question: Can you achieve genuine industry-defining excellence without being ruthless?\n\n# Miranda Priestly's Leadership Style at a Glance:\n\n**Management Style:** Autocratic, results-obsessed, and perfectionist.\n**Core Strengths:** Uncompromising pursuit of excellence, razor-sharp strategic vision, decisiveness under pressure, and radical focus.\n**Fatal Flaws:** Management through intimidation, absence of psychological safety, and complete disregard for boundaries.\n**The Verdict:** Her high standards produce industry-defining excellence; her toxic delivery creates [burnout](https://www.workingal.com/articles/burnout-vs-bad-priorities-mindset-shift) and high turnover.\n\n## Why Does Miranda Priestly's Leadership Still Resonate?\n\nDespite her harsh methods, Miranda Priestly demonstrates several leadership qualities that drive results. Let's explore the positive aspects of her management approach that can inspire better leadership.\n\n### 1\\. Discipline and Unwavering Focus\n\nMiranda is a [highly disciplined person](https://www.workingal.com/articles/self-discipline-7-proven-ways). She wakes up early and follows a rigorous schedule. She doesn't get sidetracked by distractions and demands total dedication from her team.\n\n![blog 900x550 (6).jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/blog_900x550_6_f12e34942f.jpg)\n\n\nMiranda's presence instantly commands discipline, which is best demonstrated during the scene where Andy laughs during a run-through meeting with the team, calling fashion 'this stuff.' Miranda swiftly turns to Andrea, 'teaching her a lesson' about how the work at Runway has already directly affected her fashion sense despite Andrea's disinterest. She could undoubtedly have avoided public reprimand, but Miranda needed Andrea to take Runway's mission and core values seriously. This eventually motivated Andrea to start exploring fashion trends and [revamp her wardrobe](https://www.workingal.com/articles/confidence-capsule-wardrobe).\n\nDiscipline is necessary in the work environment to help a team stay focused on an organization's core mission and goals; otherwise, the potential for wasted efforts is more likely.\n\n### 2\\. Uncompromising Standards and Pursuit of Excellence\n\nMiranda [demands excellence](https://www.workingal.com/articles/perfectionism-at-work-how-to-manage-it-and-increase-your-productivity). She has an unwavering vision for Runway and expects her team to execute it flawlessly.\n\nDo you remember the scene where Nigel tells Andy that James Holt is changing his entire collection because she didn't like one dress? Or when she pulled the autumn jackets, which cost the magazine about $300,000? Miranda always wants the best, no matter the cost, just to ensure she has the best outcome for the magazine.\n\nThis relentless pursuit of quality can be inspiring, pushing employees to excel and produce their best work.\n\n### 3\\. Decisiveness and Quick Judgment\n\nMiranda doesn't waffle. She makes quick decisions and expects them to be followed. She may change her mind, but always with a reason, and she has a Plan B for everything.\n\nShe doesn't [waste time in making a decision](https://www.workingal.com/articles/decision-fatigue), and she goes for it fast. She also trusts her gut and fashion sense, making it easier to make decisions that are beneficial for the magazine.\n\nThis decisiveness can be crucial in fast-paced environments where delays can be costly.\n\n### 4\\. Strategic Vision and Big-Picture Thinking\n\nMiranda sees the bigger picture. She understands the fashion industry's intricate web of trends, designers, and advertisers, and the dynamics around the people.\n\nMiranda's strategic thinking is evident during [their trip to Paris](https://www.workingal.com/articles/french-women-workplace) when a crisis arises with the upcoming Paris Fashion Week. She quickly makes adjustments, sending Andy to Paris despite her initial resistance. This decision ensures Runway magazine remains in the loop regarding crucial fashion events and protects the organization's interests.\n\nThis kind of strategic thinking allows leaders to [anticipate challenges](https://www.workingal.com/articles/real-stories-my-biggest-challenge-at-work) and make informed choices.\n\n## The Cost of Fear: Why Miranda Priestly’s Toxic Management Fails Long-Term\n\nWhile Miranda demonstrates impressive leadership qualities, her toxic methods create a hostile work environment that ultimately undermines long-term success. Here's what modern managers should absolutely avoid.\n\n### 1\\. Leadership Through Fear and Intimidation\n\nMiranda's go-to management style is fear and intimidation. She humiliates and belittles her assistants, Andy and Emily, creating a [toxic work environment](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-recover-from-a-toxic-workplace). She doesn't accept any other opinion and blackmails people to do what she wants—what she did to Andy for the Paris trip in order to make her go, mentioning that if she didn't go, then 'she didn't take seriously her job in Runway… or another magazine.'\n\nHer strict and rigid approach destroys morale, stifles creativity, and leads to high turnover.\n\n### 2\\. Unrealistic and Unreasonable Expectations\n\nMiranda's demands often go beyond reasonable. She expects her assistants to be available 24/7, handle her personal errands, and anticipate her every need.\n\nIn the scene where she wants the new, unpublished manuscript of Harry Potter for the girls, she just mentions to Andrea, 'And if you don't have that Harry Potter book by then, don't even bother coming back.' Also, you definitely remember how she treated Andy when she sacrificed her evening with her dad to get her back home from Miami, but she failed.\n\nWhen [managers have unrealistic expectations](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-deal-with-a-passive-aggressive-manager) from their employees, it sets them up for failure and breeds resentment, making them feel useless and inadequate, hence affecting their performance.\n\n### 3\\. Complete Disregard for Employee Well-Being\n\nMiranda has no interest in her employees' well-being. She views them as tools, expendable in her pursuit of success. She doesn't care that Emily was hit by a car; she doesn't care whether their employees have a personal life and just wants them to do their job.\n\n![the-devil-wears-prada-meryl-streep](https://assets.workingal.com/blog_900x550_7_bc82ca6171.jpg)\n\n\nIn a healthy work environment, leaders and managers know that work never stops and treat their employees as human beings. They also accept that employees have a life outside their jobs and care about their overall well-being and mental health. Any [lack of empathy on the manager's part creates a cold, impersonal workplace](https://www.workingal.com/articles/mobbing-in-the-workplace-when-employees-shrivel) that demotivates even the most dedicated employees.\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions About Miranda Priestly's Leadership\n\n### Is Miranda Priestly's management style effective?\n\nYes and no. Miranda's strategic thinking, decisiveness, and high standards drive results and maintain Runway's position as a leading fashion magazine. However, her fear-based tactics, lack of empathy, and unrealistic expectations create a toxic work environment that leads to high turnover and employee burnout. While she achieves short-term success, her approach is unsustainable for long-term organizational health.\n\n### What leadership style does Miranda Priestly use?\n\nMiranda Priestly uses an autocratic, [results-driven leadership style](https://www.workingal.com/articles/the-most-effective-leadership-books-you-will-ever-read) characterized by fear and intimidation. She makes all decisions unilaterally, demands absolute obedience, and prioritizes outcomes over employee well-being. While she demonstrates strategic thinking and decisiveness, her management approach creates a hierarchical, controlled environment where employees have little autonomy or voice.\n\n### What can leaders learn from Miranda Priestly?\n\nLeaders can learn from Miranda's uncompromising standards, quick decision-making, strategic vision, and unwavering focus on excellence. However, these traits should be balanced with empathy, reasonable expectations, and respect for [work-life boundaries](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-set-and-preserve-boundaries). The key is to adopt her results-oriented approach while ditching the soul-crushing tactics that damage team morale and well-being.\n\n### Why do people still analyze Miranda Priestly's leadership?\n\nMiranda Priestly remains a compelling case study because she embodies the tension between achieving excellence and maintaining humanity in leadership. Her character forces us to examine what [we're willing to sacrifice for success](https://www.workingal.com/articles/one-trait-to-succeed) and challenges us to find better ways to lead. She represents both what to emulate (strategic thinking, high standards) and what to avoid (fear-based management, lack of empathy) in modern leadership.\n\n## How to Adopt Miranda Priestly's Standards Without the Toxicity\n\nOverall, Miranda Priestly may be a tyrant, but there are a few nuggets of valuable leadership buried beneath her designer facade.\n\n### What to adopt from Miranda Priestly:\n\n•   \tUncompromising standards and pursuit of excellence  \n•   \tDecisiveness and confidence in decision-making  \n•   \tStrategic thinking and big-picture vision  \n•   \tDiscipline and unwavering focus on organizational goals\n\n### What to avoid from Miranda Priestly:\n\n•   \tLeadership through fear and intimidation  \n•   \tUnrealistic expectations and 24/7 availability demands  \n•   \tComplete disregard for employee well-being and work-life balance  \n•   \tHumiliation and public belittlement of team members\n\nThe key takeaway? Take Miranda's results-oriented approach, but ditch the soul-crushing tactics.\n\nHer strategic vision, decisiveness, and high standards can be assets in the right hands when combined with empathy, reasonable expectations, and genuine care for your team's well-being. Modern leaders can learn from Miranda's strengths while creating a healthier, more sustainable work environment that drives results without destroying morale.\n\nYour team, and above all, your sanity—will thank you for it\\!\n\n","miranda-priestly-management-style","Miranda Priestly's Leadership Style: What She Got Right About Management | The Working Gal","miranda priestly analysis, miranda priestly management style, the devil wears prada, miranda priestly eye roll, miranda priestly leadership style","Ruthless or effective? We break down Miranda Priestly’s management style in The Devil Wears Prada, why her leadership still resonates, and what modern managers can learn.","2024-07-12","2024-07-12T09:24:28.635Z","2026-09-04T23:41:43.098Z","2024-07-12T09:37:50.219Z",{"id":437,"documentId":438,"name":439,"alternativeText":440,"caption":440,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":441,"hash":470,"ext":176,"mime":180,"size":471,"url":472,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":473,"updatedAt":473,"publishedAt":473},130,"pbwn5bnxoqr1kumgjhmeojoj","the-devil-wears-prada-meryl-streep-69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743.jpg","the-devil-wears-prada-meryl-streep",{"large":442,"small":449,"medium":456,"thumbnail":463},{"ext":176,"url":443,"etag":444,"hash":445,"mime":180,"name":446,"path":80,"size":447,"width":92,"height":183,"sizeInBytes":448},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_the_devil_wears_prada_meryl_streep_69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743.jpg","dca3732063f23fa4902b8f84919213ce","large_the_devil_wears_prada_meryl_streep_69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743","large_the-devil-wears-prada-meryl-streep-69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743.jpg",95.66,95658,{"ext":176,"url":450,"etag":451,"hash":452,"mime":180,"name":453,"path":80,"size":454,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":455},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_the_devil_wears_prada_meryl_streep_69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743.jpg","2dcc158e7f9ac2b97f03adadc4061141","small_the_devil_wears_prada_meryl_streep_69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743","small_the-devil-wears-prada-meryl-streep-69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743.jpg",26.41,26409,{"ext":176,"url":457,"etag":458,"hash":459,"mime":180,"name":460,"path":80,"size":461,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":462},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_the_devil_wears_prada_meryl_streep_69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743.jpg","6e8ba30dbcf77b125ab8cce957d91da2","medium_the_devil_wears_prada_meryl_streep_69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743","medium_the-devil-wears-prada-meryl-streep-69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743.jpg",53.63,53625,{"ext":176,"url":464,"etag":465,"hash":466,"mime":180,"name":467,"path":80,"size":468,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":469},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_the_devil_wears_prada_meryl_streep_69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743.jpg","7f88efc25628270d7bfb9ae01693cc90","thumbnail_the_devil_wears_prada_meryl_streep_69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743","thumbnail_the-devil-wears-prada-meryl-streep-69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743.jpg",8.86,8857,"the_devil_wears_prada_meryl_streep_69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743",263.79,"https://assets.workingal.com/the_devil_wears_prada_meryl_streep_69b7c58be4801158d2beb55f9261356128868f26418261dc3a115efc09a1f743.jpg","2026-09-06T10:33:11.422Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":31,"documentId":129,"name":130,"slug":131,"instagram":132,"facebook":133,"bio":134,"linkedIn":80,"createdAt":135,"updatedAt":135,"publishedAt":136,"avatar":476},{"id":138,"documentId":139,"name":140,"alternativeText":78,"caption":78,"focalPoint":80,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":477,"hash":153,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":154,"url":155,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":156,"updatedAt":156,"publishedAt":156},{"thumbnail":478},{"ext":144,"url":145,"etag":146,"hash":147,"mime":148,"name":149,"path":80,"size":150,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":152},{"id":480,"documentId":481,"title":482,"content":483,"slug":484,"coffees":26,"seo_title":482,"keywords":485,"seo_desc":486,"bylineDate":487,"bylineTimezone":70,"createdAt":488,"updatedAt":489,"publishedAt":490,"featuredImage":491,"category":530,"author":531,"img":528},218,"eo38pmqlwgrhm3lunut3oxjf","How I Stopped Spending Money","Let's face it: in our world, financial well-being is a significant pillar of stability and freedom. Money facilitates everything in our lives, from paying for necessities, such as food and housing, to being able to afford entertainment costs and experiences and traveling around the world -or wherever.\n\nBut if we're truly honest, a significant part of our spending is fueled by emotions rather than practical needs. That momentary happiness we get from a new purchase or the urge to retail therapy after a stressful day can be a recipe for overspending and **declaring bankruptcy** before the end of the month.\n\nConsidering that I grew up with parents who were entrepreneurs and I now manage my own company, my finance, accounting, and budgeting skills should have been exceptional all these years. Well, I can admit that I have made some money over the years; however, doing my **self-assessment** recently, I will admit that I haven’t been an exemplary money saver.\n\nWhy? Because I, too, fueled my emotions via useless purchases or kept subscriptions that I never used to avoid the FOMO syndrome (the struggle is real!). Over the years, overspending left me in a cycle of acquiring things that ultimately didn't bring lasting fulfillment and, worse, put a strain on my finances.\n\nSo, while scrolling through an e-shop with some incredible summer dresses, I realized that I already have many hanging in my closet and won’t even be able to wear them all this summer. Then, a classic [overthinker](https://www.workingal.com/articles/why-are-you-overthinking)\\- I started thinking about the **pile of clothes** hanging in there and how much money I have spent over the years. Also, I got to think that evening some years ago while having drinks with friends, they kind of “judged” me about something (completely nonimportant), and I instantly just bought an expensive pair of shoes online. And then I got terrified; if I hadn’t spent all that money **shopping**, I could have built a house or, at least, would have had the advance payment to buy one (pulling my inner Carrie Bradshaw here)!\n\n### It was precisely at this moment that I decided it was time to end this ridiculous overspending\n\n![woman looking at her purchases unhappy](https://assets.workingal.com/blog_900x550_2_1_09bcbb08da.webp)\n\nAnd I did. It’s easy to spend, but it’s possible to stop. Fortunately, there are ways to break free from this vicious cycle of overspending.\n\n# Understand Your Triggers\n\nWhen I decided it was time to start saving some money, I first had to identify **what caused** this overspending. Emotional spending is entirely different from spending money to cover basic needs and travel. It is when you purchase stuff in a specific emotional status, not because you need it. For instance, emotional spending could be a lipstick purchase because you feel **overwhelmed** by PMS and need something to feel better or because you had a stressful week and were rewarded with a spa appointment.\n\nIn order to recognize the triggers of overspending, you need to remember your last **unnecessary** purchases and consider your emotional status at that time. Were you stressed, anxious, bored, or just wanted to reward yourself because you nailed that presentation at work?\n\n## The most usual overspending triggers are\n\n- Stress or anxiety\n- Boredom or loneliness\n- Celebrating or rewarding yourself\n- Seeing a sale or discount\n- Shopping with friends or family\n- Social Media\n\n# How To Identify the Triggers\n\nOnce you understand your emotional status while making unnecessary purchases, it will be even easier to overcome them. These are the questions I ask myself when I want to identify my triggers.\n\n_How am I feeling right now?_\n\n_Do I genuinely need this item, or is it just a craving?_\n\n_Have I recently experienced a negative event that might be making me want to spend?_\n\n_Will this purchase set me back from my savings goals?_\n\n_Could an alternative activity help me feel better?_\n\n# What I Did To Stop Overspending\n\n## I Went With The “Waiting Rule”\n\nAccepting and identifying our overspending triggers is the first and most important step to stop spending money. After asking yourself the above questions, the next and very helpful step is to implement the **“Waiting Rule”** whenever you feel like purchasing something you don’t need. How to? Whenever you have an emotional **up or down** that makes you send this pair of shoes in the cart, don’t purchase it immediately. Step away from the phone, laptop, or iPad, and leave the product(s) in the cart for **48 hours**. Then, you can go back and ask yourself whether you need it. You probably don’t; the urge is gone! When the emotions subside, you will be able to think clearly and rationally about whether or not to hit the “purchase” button.\n\n## I Minimized The Temptations\n\nSocial media is great. The Internet is great as well. However, both can contribute to overspending without even realizing it. The digital world is flooded with influencers, [UGC content](https://www.edl.gr/blog/user-generated-content), and myriads of shops offering sales, as well as lower prices on products and subscriptions. It’s not easy to skip them anyhow. But it’s essential to reduce the time you are spending on them. The more you see influencers having the time of their life on a unique [Greek island](https://www.workingal.com/articles/the-best-greek-islands-welcome-to-naxos), promoting the new excellent bathing suit and matched flip flops, the more the urge to be one of them. I can’t count the times I bought something because I saw it on Instagram or an influencer’s promotion; they are uncountable. What you should keep in mind is that influencers are just doing their job: **_making you want to purchase more and more._** So, getting into this vicious cycle of uninterrupted buying and overspending is easy. It’s good to check out what’s new, but make sure you do it wisely and not in situations where you feel susceptible to your emotions. You can unfollow all accounts that make you want to buy more -it worked for me!\n\n## I Cancelled All My Subscriptions\n\nSubscriptions are the most sneaky way to spend your money. Netflix, Hulu, Coursera, Alo Moves… the list is endless. All those subscriptions take much of our money without realizing it until we see the bill at the end of the month. And honestly, how much do you use each of your subscriptions? Are they a value for money? Do you benefit from them **for the whole month**? If so, then tell us your secret time-wise!\n\n![woman calculating money](https://assets.workingal.com/blog_900x550_1_d495ed7eda.webp)\n\nIf not, then cancel all your subscriptions for a week and see which of those you absolutely need. For instance, if work gets busy, I don’t think you will be able to watch both Netflix and take up a new course on Coursera. Also, if you are attending **Pilates or** [**Yoga**](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-yoga-poses-for-immediate-stress-relief) **courses** in a gym, do you also need Alo Moves? Evaluate how your life will look over the next three months (at least), and make informed decisions about the subscriptions you need.\n\n## I Started Using My Beauty Products\n\nI know that this may come as a shock, but you don’t need all these little bottles in your bathroom. At least, I didn’t. So, instead of buying the fourth **moisturizer**, I decided to use the three standing in my bathroom drawer, waiting patiently for their turn. This trick saved me a lot of money, and I also decided which products I liked and which felt friendly to my [skin](https://www.workingal.com/articles/face-care-the-top-3-face-masks-to-try-at-home). Buying different products, using them a couple of times, and then purchasing something else does not give your skin the time to understand what works for it and what does not, and makes your **skincare** inconsistent -and your bank account weak. Get in the bathroom now and start using what you already have. You will be surprised how many skincare products you actually use.\n\n## I Explored Investments\n\nThis is not something that has to be significant. Baby steps. Instead of having my money hanging in the closet (inner Carrie again!) I decided that an easy and more profitable solution to overspending would be putting my money somewhere I couldn’t touch. So, I invested them. Just talk to a couple of people who have done that and start investing small amounts in the most secure way. Micro-investing apps are a great way to begin exploring investing without any particular risk, and they can eventually give you some money back. Then, when you are more familiar with the whole process, talk to an expert and invest more. So, next time you feel like spending money, instead of buying an extra lipstick (how many colors do you need anyway?), put this money into your investment account and let your money grow!\n\n## I Meal Prepped\n\nTo be honest with myself, I always thought that meal prepping was an actual waste of time. However, I am always willing to experience new things, so I decided to give it a try and see the results. I was very reluctant to do it since I never had any particular problems deciding what to eat for dinner. Needless to say, after one month of [meal prepping](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-tips-for-meal-prep), I must have saved a considerable amount of money. Meal prep has helped me in so many ways, not only financially. Since the article's point is about our spending habits, I strongly advise you to start meal prepping as soon as possible. Being organized meal-wise can not only save you time, but you can also buy what you need and avoid food waste. Start planning your meal every week and your bank account is going to be extremely thankful.\n\nThese are the actual ways that made me reconsider my finances, start spending my money wisely, and be more considerate. However, stay tuned because The Working Gal Team will soon have more tips and tricks for you to take your finances to the next level!","how-i-stopped-spending-money","how to stop spending money, overspending, emotional spending, wasting money, overspending money, i can t stop spending money on food","This is all the information you need in order to stop spending money and fix your finances.","2024-07-02","2024-07-02T19:21:45.782Z","2025-02-18T02:46:38.206Z","2024-07-02T19:32:00.314Z",{"id":492,"documentId":493,"name":494,"alternativeText":495,"caption":496,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":497,"hash":526,"ext":85,"mime":89,"size":527,"url":528,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":529,"updatedAt":529,"publishedAt":529},125,"majkquobongfy480qskzjp5t","How To Stop Spending Money-b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98.webp","Woman holding money","How To Stop Spending Money",{"large":498,"small":505,"medium":512,"thumbnail":519},{"ext":85,"url":499,"etag":500,"hash":501,"mime":89,"name":502,"path":80,"size":503,"width":92,"height":93,"sizeInBytes":504},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_How_To_Stop_Spending_Money_b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98.webp","ab4e6809c132067bb31994e82721c13f","large_How_To_Stop_Spending_Money_b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98","large_How To Stop Spending Money-b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98.webp",22.27,22266,{"ext":85,"url":506,"etag":507,"hash":508,"mime":89,"name":509,"path":80,"size":510,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":511},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_How_To_Stop_Spending_Money_b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98.webp","44477cb4f2208e10bb3c6a68aa2a1405","small_How_To_Stop_Spending_Money_b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98","small_How To Stop Spending Money-b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98.webp",9.87,9866,{"ext":85,"url":513,"etag":514,"hash":515,"mime":89,"name":516,"path":80,"size":517,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":518},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_How_To_Stop_Spending_Money_b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98.webp","6b1f86278d912908bfdb8e3803af777d","medium_How_To_Stop_Spending_Money_b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98","medium_How To Stop Spending Money-b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98.webp",16.17,16166,{"ext":85,"url":520,"etag":521,"hash":522,"mime":89,"name":523,"path":80,"size":524,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":525},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_How_To_Stop_Spending_Money_b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98.webp","4891aaaac5f4bf62d75d8d85526408a2","thumbnail_How_To_Stop_Spending_Money_b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98","thumbnail_How To Stop Spending Money-b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98.webp",4.07,4066,"How_To_Stop_Spending_Money_b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98",43.86,"https://assets.workingal.com/How_To_Stop_Spending_Money_b3a6a604a99afcc592ad4a3c198ce5d77c6fd981544b2b1937fc11ea9addcf98.webp","2026-09-06T10:33:06.599Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":26,"documentId":532,"name":533,"slug":534,"instagram":535,"facebook":536,"bio":537,"linkedIn":538,"createdAt":539,"updatedAt":539,"publishedAt":540,"avatar":541},"rrgw04x1ox461oib75ljto7k","Dimitra","dimitra","https://www.instagram.com/dimdimi/","https://www.facebook.com/dimitra.lioliou.9","She started in corporate, stepped out to build her own businesses, and along the way learned five foreign languages. With a background in Sociology, her focus remains squarely on human behavior, the true engine behind every business, cultural trend, and daily decision. Today, she splits her time between Europe and the US, writing about work, culture, and the subtle mechanics of modern life. If you ask her about languages, consider yourself warned: she will not stop talking.","https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitra-lioliou/","2026-09-06T10:31:18.888Z","2026-09-06T10:31:18.911Z",{"id":42,"documentId":542,"name":543,"alternativeText":544,"caption":545,"focalPoint":80,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":546,"hash":554,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":555,"url":556,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":557,"updatedAt":557,"publishedAt":558},"vho74tz85ywt8uvcc2i46n8j","Dimitra Lioliou-490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5.png","dimitra lioliou profile pic","dimitra lioliou the working gal",{"thumbnail":547},{"ext":144,"url":548,"etag":549,"hash":550,"mime":148,"name":551,"path":80,"size":552,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":553},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_Dimitra_Lioliou_490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5.png","1af5fda28d3e7890e8a99c385239de61","thumbnail_Dimitra_Lioliou_490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5","thumbnail_Dimitra Lioliou-490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5.png",47.39,47387,"Dimitra_Lioliou_490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5",28.15,"https://assets.workingal.com/Dimitra_Lioliou_490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5.png","2026-09-06T10:31:18.786Z","2026-09-06T10:31:18.787Z",{"id":560,"documentId":561,"title":562,"content":563,"slug":564,"coffees":66,"seo_title":562,"keywords":565,"seo_desc":566,"bylineDate":567,"bylineTimezone":70,"createdAt":568,"updatedAt":569,"publishedAt":570,"featuredImage":571,"category":608,"author":609,"img":606},204,"gaoxhkh6c53ct2ha9xusrh8d","5 Things About Work I Wish I Knew In My 20s","\nWhen I was younger, I read that “youth is wasted on the young,” I couldn’t understand the meaning of this sentence and why someone could think this way (it’s George Bernand Shaw, by the way).\n\nThat said, now I understand that sometimes youth is wasted on the younger ages. This doesn’t mean that we are somewhat flawed in our 20s, but it certainly means that it’s the age at which we do not appreciate the opportunities that this age offers. \n\nNow that I am in my mid-30s, I realize how many opportunities I lost because I either overestimated or underestimated situations and people and how I could have done some things differently, whether professionally or personally. \n\nAmong all the things I kept doing wrong in my 20s, I would pick out the following 5 things I wish I had known some years ago. It would save me a lot of time, effort, and stress.\n\n# Work-life Balance Matters\n\nIn our 20s, we are full of energy, and sometimes, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and prioritize work above everything else. The moment we finish our studies, we start building a career; we strive to get a promotion or land our **dream job** without paying much attention to anything else -aka friends, family, us. The busier we keep ourselves, the more successful we feel and the more productive we think we are.\n\n![12.webp](https://assets.workingal.com/12_88eee548f5.webp)\n\nHowever, if we keep doing this for a long time without realizing the importance of balancing our work with our personal lives, we will probably end up with burnout syndrome and be socially excluded as well. Sure, our 20s are the most productive years for professional development, but we shouldn’t neglect what happens after we leave work. Our family, friends, and loved ones will be happy to support us in landing our dream job, but if we keep avoiding them and prioritizing work over them, they will eventually let us go, which means our *relationship with them is going to be harmed*. Also, [balancing work and life](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-maintain-your-work-life-balance-this-season-1) doesn’t only mean going out for drinks; it means taking time to take care of our **mental and physical health**, which are the actual “weapons” for long-term success and happiness.\n\nSo, no matter if you are hustling all day, make sure that you take some time for fun activities that recharge you and make you feel better.\n\n# Networking Saves (Professional) Lives\n\nIt’s awesome when you love what you do or when you are good at what you do. But it’s even better to have people who know that —and I don’t mean only your social media followers. \n\nIf you want your career to grow, the most important step is to **start building professional relationships** and expanding your network early on. Networking can offer numerous opportunities to get to know people from your industry and others, which could help you grow even more in the future.\n\n[Networking](https://www.workingal.com/articles/do-it-like-emily-in-paris-5-professional-skills-to-boost-your-career) is not only going to industry events. It expands beyond that. It could involve meeting new people from any industry and building rapport with them. You never know who you will need in the future, and -most importantly- you never know who will need you. I cannot count how many times I got a job or a contract from people I randomly met without any purpose at that time and they came from **completely different industries**.\n\nSo begin your networking journey soon enough and take any opportunity you have to connect with others. Invest time in keeping your contacts alive and see how this can open up new opportunities and help you advance your career.\n\n# We Are Just A Dot In The Universe \n\nAka: Lighten up a tad!\n\nSometimes, when we are young, we tend to take ourselves too seriously only because we want to be the most mature person in the room. Well, this can stop you from having real fun in your life and make you pretend you are someone you are not. **Maturity is not defined by age**, but it definitely means not being uptight, acting like the most serious person, and not smiling in case someone thinks… really, what?\n\nTaking ourselves too seriously takes away the spontaneity and authenticity that make our lives truly fulfilling and keeps us from making **deeper connections** with others. Allowing yourself to be open and vulnerable is the step to having truthful relationships and genuine connections.\n\nAlso, keeping our sense of humor, especially in challenging situations, can be a powerful coping mechanism, helping us navigate the inevitable difficulties and setbacks we might face.\nInstead of succumbing to stress and anxiety, we can deal with obstacles, keeping our sense of humor and our positive attitude, always being aware that **laughter** can brighten every situation and make us feel better and more optimistic.\n\n\n# Risks Are Part Of The Game\n\nThat means you should not be afraid to take risks: In your 20s, you have relatively fewer responsibilities and obligations, making it an ideal time to **take calculated risks** in your career, whatever that means: maybe starting your own business, switching industries, or pursuing a passion project, a risky move like this can lead to personal and professional growth, even if those risks don't always pan out as desired.\n\nRisk-taking is about accepting the uncertainty of every aspect of our lives and pursuing new opportunities. By taking risks, you learn and connect with others, you achieve more effective communication, and you can influence those around you. In our fast-paced world, learning about **new concepts and ideas** is essential for staying relevant and succeeding in our goals. So, whether you like it or not, this decade is the time to practice taking risks and accept what the future holds for you!\n\n# Failures Are Not Inevitable\nRemember when we were kids, our parents used to help us deal with any situation and prevent us from failing? That is normal, and every parent wants their kid to succeed all the time, but in real (adult) life, this is not always feasible. Indeed, we often fear the specter of **failure** looming on the horizon in whatever we do, and we try to prevent the failure and guard ourselves from doing so. We tread cautiously, meticulously charting our course to avoid the pitfalls that could derail our ambitions. However, while doing this, we overlook a fundamental truth: [failures](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-steps-to-manage-your-mistakes-at-work) are not inevitable; they are part of our journey to success.\n\n![13.webp](https://assets.workingal.com/13_af5be0b97c.webp)\n\nDespite the common belief that failure is a sign of a lack of skills or ability, **failure** is actually a stepping stone to growth and resilience. Every time we fail, we learn valuable lessons that we can use for our future ventures. If we don’t fail, we don’t learn; and that’s life!\n\n#### If you are in your 20s now, take a look above and think whether you are doing those things or not. \n\nThese are the years to start building your ideal life so that in the future all the above are just going to be a part of your routine and a successful life!\n","work-in-20s","twenties, 20s, motivation, advice, risks, decade, professional advice, personal advice,","The older we get the wiser we become. Our 20s is the decade to learn the lessons. However, there is always experience from those who had already been there. For this reason, here are some piece of advice that can help you if you are in your 20s from a woman in her 30s. Enjoy!","2024-04-29","2024-04-29T21:03:08.190Z","2024-06-03T21:25:50.142Z","2024-04-29T21:21:01.071Z",{"id":572,"documentId":573,"name":574,"alternativeText":78,"caption":78,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":575,"hash":604,"ext":85,"mime":89,"size":605,"url":606,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":607,"updatedAt":607,"publishedAt":607},118,"x7rprwac6lxf0rt134skgix7","Blog 1600x900 -7--a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa.webp",{"large":576,"small":583,"medium":590,"thumbnail":597},{"ext":85,"url":577,"etag":578,"hash":579,"mime":89,"name":580,"path":80,"size":581,"width":92,"height":93,"sizeInBytes":582},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_Blog_1600x900_7_a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa.webp","26e5d6a6d468c2d9ab5c6c2b37a101c7","large_Blog_1600x900_7_a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa","large_Blog 1600x900 -7--a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa.webp",36.58,36584,{"ext":85,"url":584,"etag":585,"hash":586,"mime":89,"name":587,"path":80,"size":588,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":589},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_Blog_1600x900_7_a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa.webp","549b6bb0f94ee8a92eb33a925e22c819","small_Blog_1600x900_7_a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa","small_Blog 1600x900 -7--a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa.webp",16.44,16438,{"ext":85,"url":591,"etag":592,"hash":593,"mime":89,"name":594,"path":80,"size":595,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":596},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_Blog_1600x900_7_a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa.webp","6bcb19aedab55052181d2f881f893123","medium_Blog_1600x900_7_a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa","medium_Blog 1600x900 -7--a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa.webp",26.38,26376,{"ext":85,"url":598,"etag":599,"hash":600,"mime":89,"name":601,"path":80,"size":602,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":603},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_Blog_1600x900_7_a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa.webp","d38ad46656f818baefed1cc83d7a3512","thumbnail_Blog_1600x900_7_a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa","thumbnail_Blog 1600x900 -7--a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa.webp",6.6,6596,"Blog_1600x900_7_a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa",64.59,"https://assets.workingal.com/Blog_1600x900_7_a94f6b433eba84dae0852d88ca77e6b252ff63c6019ac0c8aac44a53a780abaa.webp","2026-09-06T10:32:59.912Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":26,"documentId":532,"name":533,"slug":534,"instagram":535,"facebook":536,"bio":537,"linkedIn":538,"createdAt":539,"updatedAt":539,"publishedAt":540,"avatar":610},{"id":42,"documentId":542,"name":543,"alternativeText":544,"caption":545,"focalPoint":80,"width":141,"height":141,"formats":611,"hash":554,"ext":144,"mime":148,"size":555,"url":556,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":557,"updatedAt":557,"publishedAt":558},{"thumbnail":612},{"ext":144,"url":548,"etag":549,"hash":550,"mime":148,"name":551,"path":80,"size":552,"width":151,"height":151,"sizeInBytes":553},{"id":614,"documentId":615,"title":616,"content":617,"slug":618,"coffees":26,"seo_title":616,"keywords":619,"seo_desc":620,"bylineDate":621,"bylineTimezone":70,"createdAt":622,"updatedAt":623,"publishedAt":624,"featuredImage":625,"category":662,"author":663,"img":660},188,"xqdb4xnq5593kplprueiad76","5 Useful Questions To Ask Your Manager","Have you ever walked out of a meeting with your manager feeling like you missed an opportunity? You know that feeling—you had 30 minutes of their undivided attention, but somehow the conversation stayed surface-level, covering routine updates without diving into what really matters for your career.\n\nHere's the thing: your one-on-one meetings with your manager are prime real estate for your professional growth. According to [research from Gallup, employees who have regular, meaningful conversations with their managers are 3x more likely to be engaged at work and 60%](https://www.gallup.com/workplace/285674/improve-employee-engagement-workplace.aspx) more likely to feel motivated in their roles. Yet most of us default to safe, predictable questions that keep the conversation stuck in the status quo.\n\nThe difference between employees who [accelerate their careers](https://www.workingal.com/articles/career-progress-2025-what-are-the-skills-you-need-to-develop) and those who plateau often comes down to one thing: asking the right questions. Strategic, thoughtful questions don't just give you information—they demonstrate initiative, build trust, and position you as someone invested in both your own growth and the team's success.\n\nWhether you're preparing for your next 1-on-1, quarterly review, or an impromptu check-in, these five questions will transform your manager conversations from obligatory meetings into career-defining moments.\n\n## 1\\. \"What are your expectations for my role in the next 3-6 months?\"\n\n### Why This Question Works\n\n![questions to ask your manager 2.webp](https://assets.workingal.com/questions_to_ask_your_manager_2_90aff414b9.webp)\n\nThis question cuts through ambiguity and aligns your efforts with your manager's priorities. Too often, employees operate on assumptions about what matters most, only to discover during performance reviews that they were focused on the wrong things. By asking about specific expectations upfront, you're taking control of your trajectory rather than hoping you're on the right track.\n\n### What You'll Learn\n\nYour manager will reveal not just what tasks they expect you to complete, but what outcomes and behaviors they value. You might discover that while you've been perfecting every detail of your reports, they actually care more about your ability to collaborate cross-functionally. Or that the project you thought was low-priority is actually critical to the team's Q4 goals.\n\nThis question also shows emotional intelligence. You're acknowledging that priorities shift, and you're proactively asking to stay aligned rather than waiting to be told you're off course.\n\n### How to Follow Up\n\nAfter hearing their answer, respond with: \"That's helpful context. Based on those expectations, where should I focus my time this month?\" This shows you're not just collecting information—you're ready to act on it.\n\n## 2\\. \"What's one skill I should focus on developing right now?\"\n\n### Why This Question Works\n\nThis question demonstrates your commitment to growth and positions you as someone who's invested in continuous improvement. A study from [LinkedIn's Workplace Learning Report found that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development.](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/linkedinlearning_94-of-employees-say-that-they-would-stay-activity-6372632932300963840-k9hI/) By asking this question, you're inviting your manager to invest in you—and signaling that you're worth that investment.\n\nWhat makes this particularly powerful is the specificity. Instead of asking the vague \"How can I improve?\" you're asking for [one concrete skill](https://www.workingal.com/articles/soft-skills). This makes it easier for your manager to give you actionable feedback rather than generic platitudes.\n\n### What You'll Learn\n\nYour manager might point to a technical skill (\"You should get more comfortable with our data analytics tools\"), a soft skill (\"Work on presenting to [senior leadership](https://www.workingal.com/articles/why-women-are-underrepresented-in-leadership-positions) with more confidence\"), or a strategic skill (\"Start thinking more about how your work connects to revenue\"). Each answer gives you a clear development target.\n\nIf your manager struggles to answer, that's valuable information too. It might mean you're already performing well across the board, or it could reveal that they haven't been paying close attention to your development—a signal you might need to be more proactive in advocating for yourself.\n\n### How to Follow Up\n\nOnce they've identified a skill, ask: \"What resources or experiences would you recommend to build that skill?\" Then, propose a timeline: \"I'd like to make significant progress on this over the next quarter. Can we check in on my development in our next 1-on-1?\"\n\n## 3\\. \"How does my work contribute to the team's broader goals?\"\n\n### Why This Question Works\n\nAccording to research [from McKinsey, employees who understand how their work connects to organizational goals are 2.5x more likely to be engaged and perform at higher levels](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai-in-2022-and-a-half-decade-in-review). Yet many employees operate in silos, completing tasks without understanding the bigger picture.\n\nThis question shows strategic thinking. You're not just concerned with checking boxes on your to-do list—you're interested in impact. It demonstrates that you think beyond your individual role and care about the team's success.\n\n### What You'll Learn\n\nYour manager's answer will help you see your work through a new lens. Maybe those routine reports you've been producing are actually feeding into executive-level decisions. Perhaps the client relationships you've been nurturing are critical to your company's expansion strategy. Understanding this context transforms routine work into a meaningful contribution.\n\nYou might also discover blind spots. If your manager struggles to articulate how your work connects to broader goals, that could signal misalignment that needs to be addressed. Better to discover this now than during performance review season.\n\n### How to Follow Up\n\nAfter understanding the connection, ask: \"Are there ways I could amplify that impact?\" or \"What additional projects or responsibilities would help me contribute even more to those goals?\" This positions you for stretch assignments and visibility.\n\n## 4\\. \"What does success look like for someone in my position?\"\n\n### Why This Question Works\n\nVague expectations are career killers. Many employees work hard but in the wrong direction because they've never clearly defined what \"good\" looks like in their role. This question forces clarity and gives you a concrete target to aim for.\n\n[Harvard Business Review research shows that employees with clearly defined success metrics are significantly more likely to receive promotions and raises](https://hbr.org/2025/02/research-to-retain-employees-promote-them-before-the-job-market-heats-up). When you know exactly what \"excellent performance\" means in your manager's eyes, you can intentionally work toward that standard.\n\n### What You'll Learn\n\nYour manager might define success through specific metrics (\"Successfully launching three product features per quarter\"), through behaviors (\"Consistently taking initiative and requiring minimal oversight\"), or through outcomes (\"Building strong relationships with key stakeholders\"). Each answer gives you a roadmap.\n\nPay attention to whether your manager emphasizes results, process, or relationships. This reveals what they value most and what you should prioritize in your own work.\n\n### How to Follow Up\n\nAsk a follow-up question: \"Of the people who've been successful in this role before, what did they do that stood out?\" This gives you concrete examples to model. You can also ask: \"How will we measure whether I'm meeting these success criteria?\" to establish accountability.\n\n## 5\\. \"Is there feedback you've been hesitant to share with me?\"\n\n### Why This Question Works\n\nThis is the bravest question on the list—and potentially the most valuable. Most managers hold back honest feedback because they worry about hurting feelings, damaging relationships, or dealing with defensive reactions. By explicitly inviting difficult feedback, you're removing those barriers and demonstrating remarkable maturity.\n\n![employee asking questions to manager](https://assets.workingal.com/5_useful_questions_to_ask_your_manager_bed263411f.webp)\n\nResearch from [Zenger Folkman found that employees who actively seek negative feedback are significantly more likely to improve their performance and advance in their careers](https://zengerfolkman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Feedback-the-Powerful-Paradox_WP-2019.pdf). Counterintuitively, asking for tough feedback makes managers respect you more, not less.\n\n### What You'll Learn\n\nYour manager might reveal concerns they've been sitting on: \"I've noticed you tend to take feedback personally in team meetings\" or \"You're doing great work, but I wish you'd speak up more in client presentations.\" These insights are gold because they're the things standing between you and your next level of success.\n\nEven if your manager says, \"No, I think we have pretty open communication,\" you've still accomplished something. You've reinforced that you're receptive to feedback and that they can be direct with you going forward.\n\n### How to Follow Up\n\nIf they do share feedback, resist the urge to defend yourself. Instead, say: \"Thank you for telling me—I appreciate you being honest. Here's what I'm going to do about it...\" and outline a specific action plan. Then follow up in your next 1-on-1 to show you've made progress.\n\nIf they don't share anything, you can ask: \"If there was one thing I could improve or do differently, what would have the biggest impact?\" This gives them permission to be constructively critical without it feeling like negative feedback.\n\n## How to Use These Questions Effectively\n\n### Don't Ask All Five at Once\n\nThese questions are powerful, but they require thoughtful, in-depth answers. Overwhelming your manager with all five in a single meeting will lead to surface-level responses. Instead, choose one or two questions per meeting and dig deep into the conversation they spark.\n\n### Create a Follow-Up System\n\nAfter each conversation, document what you learned and what actions you committed to taking. Review these notes before your next meeting and report on your progress. This shows you take these conversations seriously and actually implement what you learn.\n\n### Read the Room\n\nTiming matters. If your manager is stressed about a deadline or dealing with a crisis, your strategic career development questions might not land well. Choose moments when they have mental bandwidth to engage thoughtfully.\n\n### Make It a Dialogue, Not an Interview\n\nThese questions should spark conversations, not feel like a scripted interrogation. Listen actively, ask follow-up questions, and share your own thoughts and observations. The goal is collaborative clarity, not just extracting information.\n\n## Questions Are Your Career Superpower\n\n![employee asking questions to manager](https://assets.workingal.com/5_useful_questions_to_ask_your_manager_7ac2f637f0.webp)\n\nThe difference between an average employee and a high performer often isn't talent or work ethic—it's strategic communication. The questions you ask your manager directly shape your career trajectory, determine your visibility, and influence how you're perceived within your organization.\n\nThese five questions transform your 1-on-1s from status update meetings into career-defining conversations. They demonstrate initiative, maturity, and strategic thinking—qualities that [managers notice and reward](https://www.workingal.com/articles/miranda-priestly-management-style). Most importantly, they give you the clarity and feedback you need to intentionally direct your career rather than hoping for the best.\n\nStart with one question in your next manager meeting. Notice how the conversation shifts. Watch how your relationship deepens. And pay attention to how much more aligned and confident you feel in your work.\n\nWhat question will you ask your manager this week? For more workplace communication strategies, check out our guide to [effective communication in the workplace](https://www.workingal.com/articles/4-hacks-for-effective-communication-in-the-workplace).\n\n## Related Articles\n\n* [5 Proven Ways to Increase Productivity in the Workplace](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-proven-ways-to-increase-productivity-in-the-workplace)  \n* [4 Hacks for Effective Communication in the Workplace](https://www.workingal.com/articles/4-hacks-for-effective-communication-in-the-workplace)  \n* [5 Body Language Hacks That Instantly Boost Your Authority in Meetings](https://www.workingal.com/articles/body-language-hacks-for-authority)\n\n","5-useful-questions-to-ask-your-manager","questions to ask your manager, one on one with manager, manager meeting questions, career development questions, performance feedback","Want to make the most of your 1-on-1s? 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