[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":620},["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]=108&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":615},[60,160,236,290,344,398,452,506,560],{"id":61,"documentId":62,"title":63,"content":64,"slug":65,"coffees":66,"seo_title":67,"keywords":68,"seo_desc":69,"bylineDate":70,"bylineTimezone":71,"createdAt":72,"updatedAt":73,"publishedAt":74,"featuredImage":75,"category":127,"author":128,"img":124},124,"i80uq65kwyjimiwfbpf21474","Do it like Emily in Paris: What Her Job Actually Teaches Working Women","Emily in Paris has been undoubtedly one of the most popular [Netflix ](https://www.netflix.com/browse) series, and -to be honest- as much as negative some may want to seem and criticize the vague and superficial content of the series, the majority of us is -impatiently- waiting for the next season.\n\n![emily-in-paris-2.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/emily_in_paris_2_9f1473ed1d.jpg)\n\nDespite the \"simplicity of the plot\" (a young girl from Chicago moves to Paris for one year to help with the Parisian subsidiary of the marketing company she works, makes friends, and meets the love of her life), Emily has presented some exceptional professional skills that we believe would make anyone stand out professionally and [help progress with their career](https://www.workingal.com/articles/career-progress-2025-what-are-the-skills-you-need-to-develop). At the end of the day, that is the idea, isn’t it?\n\n## What job does Emily in Paris have?\n\nMarketing executive at Savoir. Emily in Paris, or Emily Cooper is a marketing executive in an American renowned firm. After her supervisor get pregnant, she is tasked to move to Paris for a year to help structure and organize a French boutique marketing agency that her firm recently acquired. \n\nEmily's primary function is to provide an American viewpoint to this Parisian marketing firm, Savoir. She is there to bridge cultural gaps between the US and France (and with hilarious results!) and offer insights into American consumer behavior and trends. Therefore, a significant aspect of her job revolves around social media. She utilizes platforms like Instagram to promote brands and create buzz around them and their products. Emily interacts with various clients, working on marketing campaigns for luxury brands in fashion, beauty, and other industries. She has to navigate the french clients, and their ideas, and find ways to make those ideas appeal to a wider, and more modern audience. Interesting right? \n\nYes, it is. But the truth is that some aspects of Emily's job, particularly her rapid success and ability to generate viral campaigns, are a tad exaggerated for dramatic effect. Many people in the marketing field have pointed out that her job is not very realistic and that many different peoples' jobs are being done only by herself.\n\nWe won't elaborate on this for now but the important, as mentioned above is that Emily Cooper has inspired us with her energy and these are the skills that we will definitely keep for our own career benefit!\n\n# So, do you feel like getting a bit inspired by Emily's professional skills? \n\nWe do so we made it easier for you. Read and jot down what Emily does and we need to take as an example.\n\n## 1. Emily is Bold & Not Afraid to Take Initiatives\n\nEven though Emily is in a foreign country, not speaking the French language at all (well, Bonjour doesn’t count!), she never misses the chance to take the initiative and propose new things that would help her company look good and grow. She rarely waits for approval from her boss (Sylvie, we love her!), and she tries her best to carry out every project—even if she fails sometimes, nobody can blame her. She [asks for what she wants](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-ask-for-what-you-want) even if they deny it. She doesn’t always make it her own (lacks experience), she shows a problem-solving orientation and creativity. This essential soft skill is crucial for every professional and something that your supervisor will definitely encourage.\n\n## 2. Emily Always Shows a Positive Attitude\n\nWho wants to work with a pessimist and moody person all the time, a person who is whining around the clock? Nobody, I guess! And this is why Emily shows an exeptional positive mindset when it comes to work (and in life, in general!). Emily always keeps a positive attitude, which, credit, where credit’s due, is quite contagious! She wins over customers, manages to make it her way, and is the office’s happy vibe. What is also exceptional is that she maintains her positivity even if \"marketing catastrophies\" happen or when her boss is making her life miserable—yes, she does! A positive attitude is undoubtedly a must-have in the workplace; you make people feel comfortable, boost your [productivity](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-proven-ways-to-increase-productivity-in-the-workplace), and [reduce stress](https://www.workingal.com/articles/stress-management-these-5-techniques). Not to mention how popular it can make you in the office! Tastes like a promotion?\n\n## 3. Emily is a Good Coworker and Collaborator\n\nAlthough her first days in the Parisian company weren’t that successful, Emily managed to make good friends there, since she never gave up trying to build a rapport with her colleagues and her boss and she kept trying to help —sometimes with no particular success. She also tried hard to avoid [conflicts](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-avoid-conflicts-at-work-1); at the bottom line, she had her colleagues back, and, they did too for her, even when she got fired. So, being focused on your tasks is good, but having a friendly relationship with the people with whom you spend a lot of hours together is priceless. You never know when you will need them and on the plus side, it makes life at the office even more fun and bearable.\n\n![emily-in-paris-3.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/emily_in_paris_3_4b3b28ee6f.jpg)\n\n## 4. Emily Knows Networking\n\nEmily’s boldness and growth mindset motivated her to try and network everywhere, from the metro station to the “boulangerie” from where she would buy her “pain au chocolat”.  As Porter Gale mentions in her [book](https://www.amazon.com/Your-Network-Net-Worth-Connections/dp/145168875X) “Your network is your net worth”, Emily definitely follows and applies that rule every single day. She was open to pretty much everyone and even to people who weren’t that friendly. But she never stopped meeting new people. Another excellent skill, though, was her ability to use her network in order to get the help she needed. A mistake many of us make is that we think we can do everything on our own. But, the truth is that everyone needs a hand from time to time, and Emily definitely knew how to use this hand! We monitor her networking skills and we certainly follow them ourselves.\n\n![emily-in-paris-4.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/emily_in_paris_4_32fc428975.jpg)\n\n## 5. Emily Takes Responsibility for her Mistakes\n\nFor a young and ambitious girl like Emily, [mistakes](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-steps-to-manage-your-mistakes-at-work) are on the game, considering her little experience and being in a totally [different work environment and working culture](https://www.workingal.com/articles/significant-career-change-here-is-what-you-need-to-do). Emily indeed made some -severe and/or minor- mistakes during her course in the Parisian working life. One of the major points of the show was Emily's struggle to adapt to French work culture since she had to deal with differences in [communication styles](https://www.workingal.com/articles/4-hacks-for-effective-communication-in-the-workplace), [work-life balance](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-maintain-your-work-life-balance), and overall business etiquette which caused a lot of challenges. Still, she never shirked her responsibility despite the consequences when she couldn’t solve the problems that had arisen immediately and the damage was done. Her courage and straightforwardness were rewarded at the end.  After all, we all make mistakes at work. The point is to understand and aknowledge them and not avoid taking responsibility when we get caught. \n\nBeing a Marketer/Social Media Manager in Paris may not be that fun and glamorous in real life as in the series (or, maybe it is?) but Emily definitely gives us the inspiration and motivation to be even better in our real life -and maybe not so glamorous- work routine!\n\n","do-it-like-emily-in-paris-5-professional-skills-to-boost-your-career",3,"Emily in Paris Career Lessons: What Her Job Actually Teaches Working Women","emily in paris, work, inspiration, skills, workplace","Emily Cooper's career in Paris is chaotic, unrealistic, and strangely instructive. Here are the professional skills the show actually demonstrates, ranked by how much they apply to real working life.","2022-01-19","Europe/Berlin","2022-01-19T00:16:45.895Z","2026-08-19T01:06:09.839Z","2022-01-19T18:08:04.510Z",{"id":76,"documentId":77,"name":78,"alternativeText":79,"caption":79,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":83,"hash":122,"ext":85,"mime":89,"size":123,"url":124,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":126,"updatedAt":126,"publishedAt":126},78,"vv5pp8jgi4dut5d4mdxxbpvu","emily-in-paris-1-d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5.jpg","",null,1600,900,{"large":84,"small":95,"medium":104,"thumbnail":113},{"ext":85,"url":86,"etag":87,"hash":88,"mime":89,"name":90,"path":80,"size":91,"width":92,"height":93,"sizeInBytes":94},".jpg","https://assets.workingal.com/large_emily_in_paris_1_d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5.jpg","e3e6708f02564a480ca7e884b0c30dc3","large_emily_in_paris_1_d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5","image/jpeg","large_emily-in-paris-1-d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5.jpg",76.43,1000,563,76434,{"ext":85,"url":96,"etag":97,"hash":98,"mime":89,"name":99,"path":80,"size":100,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":103},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_emily_in_paris_1_d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5.jpg","a5a1f180566a1b143f8b8aeeaf75d093","small_emily_in_paris_1_d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5","small_emily-in-paris-1-d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5.jpg",24.05,500,281,24052,{"ext":85,"url":105,"etag":106,"hash":107,"mime":89,"name":108,"path":80,"size":109,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":112},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_emily_in_paris_1_d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5.jpg","47dd1e149a4c0b84432eaa746c941de2","medium_emily_in_paris_1_d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5","medium_emily-in-paris-1-d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5.jpg",46.11,750,422,46105,{"ext":85,"url":114,"etag":115,"hash":116,"mime":89,"name":117,"path":80,"size":118,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":121},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_emily_in_paris_1_d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5.jpg","da959cbfb0127b71f98b4369cefa0b66","thumbnail_emily_in_paris_1_d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5","thumbnail_emily-in-paris-1-d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5.jpg",8.37,245,138,8372,"emily_in_paris_1_d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5",188.24,"https://assets.workingal.com/emily_in_paris_1_d7bc40e508a1870b8ed5b31a577d2c04279d0ac263c0fbfd8b5ca6baae9c24e5.jpg","@strapi/provider-upload-aws-s3","2026-09-06T10:32:18.121Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":26,"documentId":129,"name":130,"slug":131,"instagram":132,"facebook":133,"bio":134,"linkedIn":135,"createdAt":136,"updatedAt":136,"publishedAt":137,"avatar":138},"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":139,"name":140,"alternativeText":141,"caption":142,"focalPoint":80,"width":143,"height":143,"formats":144,"hash":155,"ext":146,"mime":150,"size":156,"url":157,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":158,"updatedAt":158,"publishedAt":159},"vho74tz85ywt8uvcc2i46n8j","Dimitra Lioliou-490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5.png","dimitra lioliou profile pic","dimitra lioliou the working gal",250,{"thumbnail":145},{"ext":146,"url":147,"etag":148,"hash":149,"mime":150,"name":151,"path":80,"size":152,"width":153,"height":153,"sizeInBytes":154},".png","https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_Dimitra_Lioliou_490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5.png","1af5fda28d3e7890e8a99c385239de61","thumbnail_Dimitra_Lioliou_490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5","image/png","thumbnail_Dimitra Lioliou-490b9ae7a31e67cbe83f6cbd018b514572b484c2a12096c4257fcc93fbbdacd5.png",47.39,156,47387,"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":161,"documentId":162,"title":163,"content":164,"slug":165,"coffees":66,"seo_title":163,"keywords":166,"seo_desc":167,"bylineDate":168,"bylineTimezone":71,"createdAt":169,"updatedAt":170,"publishedAt":171,"featuredImage":172,"category":209,"author":210,"img":207},122,"vavq0yoi09qancp8o1pdqohz","How to Handle Mistakes at Work: A Professional's Guide to Recovery","# How to Handle Mistakes at Work: A Professional's Guide to Recovery\n\nYou sent the email to the wrong client. You missed a critical deadline. You made an error in a report that your boss already presented to [leadership](https://www.workingal.com/articles/miranda-priestly-management-style). Whatever form it takes, that sinking feeling when you realize you've made a mistake at work is universally awful.\n\nIf you're reading this with your stomach in knots, take a breath. You're not the first person to mess up at work, and you certainly won't be the last. The truth is, mistakes are an inevitable part of any career—what actually matters is how you handle them. Your response to the mistake often leaves a more lasting impression than the error itself.\n\nWhether you've made a minor slip-up or a major blunder, this guide will walk you through exactly how to manage the situation professionally, protect your reputation, and actually come out stronger on the other side.\n\n# Why Mistakes Feel So Terrifying\n\nLet's acknowledge why workplace mistakes hit so hard. Understanding the psychology can help you respond more rationally instead of spiraling.\n\nFor many of us, our careers form a significant part of our identity. We've worked hard to build our professional reputation, and a mistake can feel like it threatens everything we've earned. Our minds jump to worst-case scenarios—getting fired, losing the respect of colleagues, and derailing our career trajectory. If you're an [overthinker](https://www.workingal.com/articles/why-are-you-overthinking), you know exactly how quickly those spiraling thoughts can take over.\n\nThere's also [the perfectionism factor](https://www.workingal.com/articles/perfectionism-at-work-how-to-manage-it-and-increase-your-productivity). Many high-achieving women struggle with the belief that they need to be flawless to succeed. When reality inevitably falls short of that impossible standard, the disappointment feels crushing. Add in [imposter syndrome](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-deal-with-impostor-syndrome)—the fear that you're not actually qualified and everyone is about to find out—and a single mistake can feel like confirmation of your deepest professional fears.\n\nHere's the reality check you need: one mistake, even a significant one, rarely defines a career. Your track record of good work doesn't disappear because of a single error. What does matter is demonstrating that you can handle adversity with professionalism and grace.\n\n# Step-by-Step Guide to Handling Your Mistake\n\n## Step 1: Pause and Breathe (But Don't Freeze)\n\nThe moment you realize you've made a mistake, your stress response kicks in. Your heart races, your palms get sweaty, and your brain floods with adrenaline. This is normal—but it's not the mental state you want to be in when deciding how to respond.\n\nGive yourself 10-15 seconds to feel the frustration, embarrassment, or panic. Then take a few deep breaths and consciously shift into problem-solving mode. You need a clear head to assess the situation accurately and respond appropriately.\n\nThat said, don't let this pause turn into paralysis. The worst thing you can do is freeze and hope the problem goes away on its own. It won't. The goal is to move from emotional reaction to rational action as quickly as possible.\n\n## Step 2: Assess the Damage\n\nBefore you do anything else, take stock of what actually happened. In the heat of the moment, our minds tend to catastrophize—turning a parking ticket into a multi-car pileup, metaphorically speaking.\n\nAsk yourself: What specifically went wrong? Who is affected? What are the actual consequences—not the imagined worst-case scenarios, but the real, tangible impact? Is this something you can fix on your own, or do you need help? How urgent is the situation?\n\n![mistakes-in-the-workplace.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/mistakes_in_the_workplace_edaf06c6e0.jpg)\n\nA friend who works as a copywriter once told me, *\"I love my work because nobody dies if I'm not witty enough with a tagline. It's words on a page. It's not life or death.\"* Unless you're in a field where mistakes have truly serious consequences—like healthcare or aviation—chances are your error, while uncomfortable, is survivable.\n\n## Step 3: Take Responsibility Immediately\n\nThis is where many people stumble. The instinct to hide, deflect, or minimize is strong—but giving in to it almost always makes things worse. Taking ownership of your mistake is one of the most powerful things you can do for your professional reputation.\n\nPsychologists agree that admitting faults doesn't make you look weak—it actually demonstrates strength. It shows you have enough self-awareness and integrity to be honest about your actions. Your team and [manager](https://www.workingal.com/articles/career-advice-from-influencers) can trust you to do the right thing in the future, even when it's uncomfortable.\n\nWhat taking responsibility sounds like: \"I made an error in the quarterly report. I miscalculated the Q3 projections, and I wanted to let you know as soon as I caught it. I'm already working on the corrected version.\"\n\nWhat deflecting sounds like: \"The numbers were confusing because the data I was given wasn't clear, and I was also dealing with that other project, so things got mixed up.\"\n\nSee the difference? The first response is direct, honest, and already solution-oriented. The second is full of [excuses](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-stop-making-excuses) that undermine your credibility.\n\n## Step 4: Apologize—But Do It Right\n\nIf your mistake affected others—a client, your team, your boss—an apology is in order. But there's an art to apologizing well at work. You want to acknowledge the impact without over-apologizing to the point of undermining your own competence.\n\nThe formula for a professional apology:\n\nAcknowledge what happened. State what you're doing to fix it. Keep it brief. Don't make excuses. Don't verbally flog yourself.\n\nExample script: \"Hi \\[Name\\], I made a mistake with \\[specific issue\\], and I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this caused. I'm currently \\[what you're doing to fix it\\], and I'll have \\[resolution\\] completed by \\[timeframe\\]. I'm also putting \\[safeguard\\] in place to make sure this doesn't happen again.\"\n\nThat's it. No long explanations, no self-deprecation, no excessive groveling. Say what happened, say sorry, and focus on the solution. Most people are so preoccupied with their own work that they'll move on quickly once they see you're handling it.\n\n## Step 5: Fix What You Can\n\nWords matter, but [actions matter more](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-put-ideas-into-action). Once you've acknowledged the mistake, shift your energy toward resolution. What can you do right now to minimize the damage or correct the error?\n\nIf you can fix it yourself, get to work immediately. If you need help, identify the right person to involve—usually your direct manager—and approach them with both the problem and your proposed solution. Coming to someone with \"here's what happened and here's my plan to fix it\" is infinitely better than just dumping a problem in their lap.\n\nThe quicker you move into action mode, the better. Speed demonstrates that you take the situation seriously and that you're committed to making it right.\n\n## Step 6: Analyze What Went Wrong\n\nOnce the immediate crisis is handled, take time to understand what led to the mistake. This isn't about beating yourself up—it's about genuinely learning so you can prevent similar errors in the future.\n\nWere you multitasking beyond your capacity, with too many browser tabs open and too many projects competing for your attention? Were you rushing to meet a deadline and skipping steps in your usual process? Were you unclear about expectations or missing information you needed? Was it a skills gap that training could address? Were external factors—lack of sleep, stress, personal issues—affecting your performance?\n\nBe honest with yourself. The root cause will inform what changes you need to make to prevent a repeat performance.\n\n## Step 7: Create a Prevention Plan\n\nBased on your analysis, put concrete safeguards in place. Maybe you need to build in buffer time before deadlines. Perhaps you need to create a checklist for tasks that require multiple steps. It could be setting up a peer review system for important deliverables, or blocking time for focused work instead of constantly multitasking.\n\nIf it makes sense, share your prevention plan with your manager. This shows initiative and demonstrates that you're taking the situation seriously. It transforms the narrative from \"employee who made a mistake\" to \"employee who identified a problem and implemented a solution.\"\n\n## Step 8: Move Forward\n\n![woman made a mistake at work](https://assets.workingal.com/how_to_manage_your_mistakes_at_work_c7e4328f81.webp)\n\nHere's the part that's often hardest: letting it go. Once you've addressed the mistake, learned from it, and put safeguards in place, you need to move on. Dwelling on the error doesn't serve you or anyone else.\n\nThe mistake was one moment in your career, likely amid many successes. It doesn't define you unless you let it. Get back into your daily work, apply the lessons you've learned, and focus on rebuilding momentum through consistently good performance.\n\nRemember: the best way to earn people's trust and admiration is to consistently deliver great work. Do that, and occasional slip-ups are quickly forgiven and forgotten.\n\n# What NOT to Do When You Make a Mistake\n\nUnderstanding how to respond well is only half the equation. Equally important is avoiding responses that make the situation worse.\n\n## Don't Try to Hide It\n\nThe cover-up is almost always [worse than the crime](https://www.workingal.com/articles/women-and-true-crime). Hoping no one will notice, deleting evidence, or burying the problem might feel safer in the moment, but if (when) the truth comes out, you'll face consequences for both the original mistake AND the dishonesty. Your credibility takes a much bigger hit when people discover you tried to deceive them.\n\n## Don't Blame Others\n\nEven if other people or circumstances contributed to the error, pointing fingers makes you look defensive and unprofessional. You can acknowledge contributing factors in your analysis later, but in the immediate aftermath, focus on what you can control: your own response and actions.\n\n## Don't Make Excuses\n\nThere's a difference between explaining what happened and making excuses. Explanations help people understand; excuses try to minimize your responsibility. \"I was juggling three urgent projects, and this one slipped through\" sounds different than \"This isn't really my fault because I was too busy.\" One is context; the other is deflection.\n\n## Don't Over-Apologize\n\nApologizing excessively—especially with self-deprecating statements like \"I'm so stupid\" or \"I can't believe I did something so dumb\"—actually undermines your professionalism. It makes people uncomfortable, calls more attention to the mistake, and can make them question your competence more than the error itself did. Apologize once, sincerely, and move on.\n\n## Don't Let It Spiral Into Anxiety\n\nReplaying the mistake in your head, catastrophizing about consequences, and losing sleep won't change what happened. If you find yourself unable to move past the error mentally, it might be worth exploring whether perfectionism or anxiety is playing a larger role in your work life—and whether you need additional support to address it.\n\n# Rebuilding Trust After a Big Mistake\n\nIf your mistake was significant—something that genuinely impacted trust with your manager, team, or clients—you'll need to actively work to rebuild that trust over time. Here's how:\n\nDouble-down on reliability. Show up on time. Meet every deadline. Follow through on every commitment. Let your consistent actions demonstrate that the mistake was an anomaly, not a pattern.\n\nCommunicate proactively. Keep stakeholders informed about your progress on projects. Don't let people wonder if things are on track—tell them before they have to ask.\n\nSeek feedback. Ask your manager how you're doing and whether there's anything else you should be working on. This shows you're invested in your own improvement.\n\nBe patient. Trust is rebuilt through sustained effort, not grand gestures. Give people time to see that you've genuinely learned and grown from the experience.\n\n# The Silver Lining: Mistakes Make You Better\n\nIt's a cliché, but there's truth to it: we learn more from our failures than our successes. Mistakes are often our most effective teachers—they reveal blind spots, force us to develop new skills, and build the resilience we need for long-term career success.\n\nThink of it this way: a true professional isn't someone who never makes mistakes. It's someone who knows how to handle them when they happen. Your ability to respond with maturity, take responsibility, and come out stronger on the other side is exactly the kind of quality that distinguishes good employees from great ones.\n\nEver hear of Akio Morita? His first invention was a rice cooker that burned rice. Obviously, no one wanted it—he sold fewer than 100 units. He went on to co-found Sony. One mistake—even a big one—doesn't have to define your career. What matters is what you do next.\n\nAnd while making a mistake at work feels terrible in the moment, it's rarely as career-ending as it feels. The vast majority of errors are fixable, forgivable, and ultimately forgettable—as long as you handle them well.\n\nPause to collect yourself, but don't freeze. Assess the real damage, not the imagined catastrophe. Take responsibility quickly and honestly. Apologize appropriately—once, sincerely, without excessive self-flagellation. Fix what you can, as fast as you can. Learn from what happened and put safeguards in place. Then forgive yourself and move forward.\n\nYour mistake is one moment in a long career. Let it be a lesson, not a life sentence.\n\n\n","5-steps-to-manage-your-mistakes-at-work","how to handle mistakes at work, made a mistake at work, recover from mistakes at work, apologize for mistake at work, work mistake anxiety, messed up at work","Made a mistake at work? Learn exactly how to handle it professionally—from owning up to your boss to rebuilding trust. Plus, what NOT to do when you mess up.","2022-01-18","2022-01-17T23:16:54.918Z","2025-12-02T21:56:46.755Z","2022-01-17T23:17:08.830Z",{"id":173,"documentId":174,"name":175,"alternativeText":79,"caption":79,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":176,"hash":205,"ext":85,"mime":89,"size":206,"url":207,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":208,"updatedAt":208,"publishedAt":208},77,"jcu5czmu65fkculzlut1igx4","mistakes-at-workplace-6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866.jpg",{"large":177,"small":184,"medium":191,"thumbnail":198},{"ext":85,"url":178,"etag":179,"hash":180,"mime":89,"name":181,"path":80,"size":182,"width":92,"height":93,"sizeInBytes":183},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_mistakes_at_workplace_6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866.jpg","a64dd5fcf5256dbb91add4d3ec73c494","large_mistakes_at_workplace_6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866","large_mistakes-at-workplace-6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866.jpg",99.28,99279,{"ext":85,"url":185,"etag":186,"hash":187,"mime":89,"name":188,"path":80,"size":189,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":190},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_mistakes_at_workplace_6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866.jpg","3cc97d0834be6ec153d23c18e5097b03","small_mistakes_at_workplace_6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866","small_mistakes-at-workplace-6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866.jpg",35.59,35589,{"ext":85,"url":192,"etag":193,"hash":194,"mime":89,"name":195,"path":80,"size":196,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":197},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_mistakes_at_workplace_6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866.jpg","ce2c2ec05c834f8829fafdda08af64e2","medium_mistakes_at_workplace_6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866","medium_mistakes-at-workplace-6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866.jpg",65.06,65061,{"ext":85,"url":199,"etag":200,"hash":201,"mime":89,"name":202,"path":80,"size":203,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":204},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_mistakes_at_workplace_6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866.jpg","cf09bfcd414b7913baceae357462cd31","thumbnail_mistakes_at_workplace_6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866","thumbnail_mistakes-at-workplace-6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866.jpg",11.37,11369,"mistakes_at_workplace_6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866",200.32,"https://assets.workingal.com/mistakes_at_workplace_6821e75992ce87fbefabe04404ea555b13dac5956583d19f98050debd903b866.jpg","2026-09-06T10:32:17.319Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":11,"documentId":211,"name":212,"slug":213,"instagram":214,"facebook":215,"bio":216,"linkedIn":217,"createdAt":218,"updatedAt":218,"publishedAt":219,"avatar":220},"sl7fxkez8ct6dt87vtey17zc","Amalia","amalia","https://www.instagram.com/amalia.ka__/","https://www.facebook.com/amalia.kakampakou","Amalia is the Teacher. She loves what she does. She is addicted to detail: if it isn’t perfect, it’s not good enough. She loves her job and she loves writing. She wants to learn new things and she is very curious about everything. Her favorite question: Why? She usually answers the questions by herself, though.","https://www.linkedin.com/in/amalia-kakampakou-963945202/","2026-09-06T10:31:20.371Z","2026-09-06T10:31:20.383Z",{"id":66,"documentId":221,"name":222,"alternativeText":223,"caption":223,"focalPoint":80,"width":143,"height":143,"formats":224,"hash":232,"ext":146,"mime":150,"size":233,"url":234,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":235,"updatedAt":235,"publishedAt":235},"whdsfe9nw216cuohb29wd8ti","the working gal author-8b011626d0a8b20fab48a700e8ad81edab03fd226ef65d6763a5cbfc49873928.png","the working gal author",{"thumbnail":225},{"ext":146,"url":226,"etag":227,"hash":228,"mime":150,"name":229,"path":80,"size":230,"width":153,"height":153,"sizeInBytes":231},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_the_working_gal_author_8b011626d0a8b20fab48a700e8ad81edab03fd226ef65d6763a5cbfc49873928.png","1370900071f90710c216b2263fcf9d70","thumbnail_the_working_gal_author_8b011626d0a8b20fab48a700e8ad81edab03fd226ef65d6763a5cbfc49873928","thumbnail_the working gal author-8b011626d0a8b20fab48a700e8ad81edab03fd226ef65d6763a5cbfc49873928.png",49.22,49220,"the_working_gal_author_8b011626d0a8b20fab48a700e8ad81edab03fd226ef65d6763a5cbfc49873928",26.32,"https://assets.workingal.com/the_working_gal_author_8b011626d0a8b20fab48a700e8ad81edab03fd226ef65d6763a5cbfc49873928.png","2026-09-06T10:31:20.247Z",{"id":237,"documentId":238,"title":239,"content":240,"slug":241,"coffees":66,"seo_title":239,"keywords":242,"seo_desc":243,"bylineDate":244,"bylineTimezone":71,"createdAt":245,"updatedAt":246,"publishedAt":247,"featuredImage":248,"category":285,"author":286,"img":283},118,"xosfb50dhu4ez2522qudxa3c","How to Be More Productive at Work: 10 Research-Backed Strategies That Actually Work","We all want to be more productive. We [read the articles](https://www.workingal.com/articles/best-ai-productivity-tools), download the apps, buy the planners. And yet, at the end of too many days, we find ourselves wondering where the hours went—still staring at a to-do list that seems longer than when we started.\n\nHere's what most productivity advice gets wrong: it focuses on doing more. But true productivity isn't about cramming more tasks into your day. It's about getting the right things done with less effort and stress. It's about [working smarter, not harder](https://www.workingal.com/articles/strategic-productivity-how-to-work-smart-not-hard)—and actually having energy left at the end of the day.\n\nThe strategies below aren't just popular tips repeated endlessly online. They're backed by research in psychology, neuroscience, and organizational behavior. They work because they align with how our brains actually function—not how we wish they did.\n\n## What Productivity Actually Means\n\nFirst things first: let's be clear about what we're aiming for. Productivity [isn't about being busy](https://www.workingal.com/articles/don-t-be-busy-be-productive). It's not about answering the most emails or attending the most meetings or working the longest hours.\n\nReal productivity means producing meaningful results efficiently. It's the ratio between what you accomplish and the time and energy you invest. A productive day isn't necessarily a packed day—it's a day where you moved important things forward without depleting yourself.\n\nWith that definition in mind, here are ten strategies that will genuinely help you get more of the right things done.\n\n## 1\\. Stop Multitasking (It's an Illusion)\n\nLet's start with the hardest truth: multitasking doesn't work. Despite what we tell ourselves, our brains cannot actually do two cognitive tasks simultaneously. What we call \"multitasking\" is actually rapid task-switching—and it comes with a significant cost.\n\nResearch from Stanford University found that [heavy multitaskers are actually worse at filtering irrelevant information](https://www.pnas.org/content/106/37/15583), worse at switching between tasks, and worse at organizing information in their memory. Other studies have shown that task-switching can reduce productivity by up to 40% and increase error rates significantly.\n\n![productivity-multitasking.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/productivity_multitasking_420bd3234d.jpg)\n\nEvery time you switch tasks—from your report to your email to your phone to your [colleague's](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-toxic-phrases-used-by-colleagues-with-a-huge-ego) question—your brain needs time to reorient. This \"switching cost\" accumulates throughout the day, leaving you exhausted despite feeling like you were working constantly.\n\n**What to do instead:** Single-task deliberately. When you're working on something, work on that one thing. Close unnecessary tabs. Put your phone face-down or in another room. If a new task or thought arises, write it down for later rather than acting on it immediately. Give your full attention to one thing at a time, and you'll finish faster with better results.\n\n## 2\\. Start Each Day with Your Most Important Task\n\nYour Most Important Task (MIT) is the one thing that, if you accomplished nothing else today, would make the day feel worthwhile. It's usually the task you're most tempted to postpone—the one that requires real thought and effort, the one that moves your most important goals forward.\n\nAs Stephen Covey wrote in \"[The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People](https://amzn.to/4aR0SSD),\" (if you haven’t already read it, please order it now), putting first things first is essential. Yet most of us start our days with email, which means we start by reacting to other people's priorities instead of advancing our own.\n\nThere's also a neurological reason to tackle important work early. Our prefrontal cortex—responsible for complex thinking, [decision-making](https://www.workingal.com/articles/decision-fatigue), and self-control—is freshest in the morning. As the day progresses and we make more decisions, this \"executive function\" depletes. By afternoon, we're operating with diminished cognitive capacity, even if we don't feel tired.\n\n**What to do instead:** Identify your MIT the night before or first thing in the morning. Before checking email, before [attending meetings](https://www.workingal.com/articles/body-language-hacks-for-authority), before handling \"quick\" tasks, spend your first 60-90 minutes on this priority. Protect this time fiercely. Everything else can wait.\n\n## 3\\. Use Time Blocking to Structure Your Day\n\nTime blocking means scheduling specific blocks of time for specific types of work—rather than just keeping a to-do list and hoping you'll get to everything. Instead of \"work on report\" as a task, you block 9:00-11:00 AM for report writing. Instead of \"answer emails,\" you schedule 2:00-2:30 PM for email.\n\nThis technique works because it forces you to be realistic about how much time tasks actually take. It also protects your focused work time from being nibbled away by meetings and interruptions. When someone asks \"Are you free at 10 AM?\" you [can honestly say no](https://www.workingal.com/articles/50-ways-to-say-no-politely)—you have a commitment (even if that commitment is to yourself and your own work).\n\n![productivity-most-important-task.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/productivity_most_important_task_182d2740ea.jpg)\n\nCal Newport, author of \"[Deep Work](https://amzn.to/48BjLHQ),\" (another excellent read) is a major proponent of time blocking. He argues that knowledge workers who don't control their time will have it controlled for them—usually by whatever seems most urgent in the moment, which is rarely what's most important.\n\n**How to implement:** At the start of each week, block time for your most important work. Include blocks for email, meetings, and administrative tasks—but also blocks for focused, uninterrupted work. Review and adjust daily. The goal isn't to follow the schedule perfectly; it's to be intentional about how you spend your time.\n\n## 4\\. Try the Pomodoro Technique for Focused Sprints\n\nThe Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, is elegantly simple: work for 25 minutes with complete focus, then take a 5-minute break. After four \"pomodoros,\" take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. Repeat.\n\nThis technique works for several reasons. First, 25 minutes is short enough to feel manageable—you can do almost anything for 25 minutes. Second, the built-in breaks prevent mental fatigue and maintain motivation. Third, the timer creates a mild sense of urgency that helps combat [procrastination](https://www.workingal.com/articles/why-do-we-procrastinate). And fourth, tracking pomodoros gives you data on how long tasks actually take, improving future planning.\n\n**How to implement:** Use any timer—your phone, a physical timer, or a Pomodoro app. When the timer starts, work on one task only. If something else comes to mind, jot it down and return to your task. When the timer rings, stop—even mid-sentence—and take your break. The [discipline](https://www.workingal.com/articles/self-discipline-7-proven-ways) of starting and stopping on time is part of what makes this work.\n\n## 5\\. Take Real Breaks (Not Phone Breaks)\n\n![productivity-take-breaks-increase.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/productivity_take_breaks_increase_096c916742.jpg)\n\nMany people believe that working continuously for hours demonstrates dedication and maximizes output. [Research says otherwise](https://hbr.org/topic/subject/productivity). Our brains need periodic rest to maintain focus, consolidate learning, and restore motivation. Working without breaks doesn't make you more productive—it makes you less effective over time.\n\nBut here's what most people get wrong: [scrolling through social media](https://www.workingal.com/articles/psychology-social-media-women) isn't a break. Checking email isn't a break. These activities keep your brain in consumption mode and often add stress (that news article, that work request, that comparison to someone's curated life). A real break means stepping away from screens entirely.\n\nStudies on \"attention restoration\" show that exposure to nature—even briefly—significantly improves focus and cognitive performance. A short walk outside, looking out a window at trees, or simply stepping away from your desk can reset your mental state in ways that phone-scrolling cannot.\n\n**What actually restores you:** A walk outside (even 10 minutes helps), stretching, getting a coffee and actually drinking it without doing anything else, chatting with a colleague about non-work topics, looking out a window, or simply closing your eyes and breathing. Your brain needs genuine rest, not a different kind of stimulation.\n\n## 6\\. Use the Two-Minute Rule for Small Tasks\n\nDavid Allen's \"[Getting Things Done](https://amzn.to/4q8wE1O)\" (yes, you need to read this as well\\!) methodology includes a simple but powerful rule: if a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Don't add it to a list, don't schedule it for later—just do it now.\n\nThe logic is practical: the time spent capturing, organizing, and remembering a two-minute task often exceeds the time the task itself would take. By handling these immediately, you prevent them from accumulating into an overwhelming backlog of small items that clutter your mind and your to-do list.\n\nThis rule also provides quick wins that build momentum. Completing small tasks gives you a sense of progress and clears mental space for bigger work. Just be careful not to use two-minute tasks as procrastination—don't spend your MIT time doing tiny tasks that could wait.\n\n**How to implement:** When a task comes in—an email, a request, a thought—quickly assess: can this be done in under two minutes? If yes, do it immediately. If no, schedule it, delegate it, or add it to your task system. But don't let quick tasks interrupt your focused work blocks—batch them for transition times between blocks.\n\n## 7\\. Batch Similar Tasks Together\n\nTask batching means grouping similar activities and doing them in one dedicated block, rather than scattering them throughout the day. All your emails in one or two sessions. All your phone calls back-to-back. All your administrative tasks in one batch.\n\nThis works because of the \"switching cost\" we discussed earlier. Each time you shift between different types of work—from writing to email to meetings to writing again—your brain needs time to recalibrate. By batching similar tasks, you minimize these transitions and maintain better focus within each type of work.\n\nEmail is the best example. Many people check email continuously throughout the day, which means they're constantly interrupting their other work. Research suggests checking email just two or three times daily actually improves both productivity and wellbeing—you respond almost as quickly while reclaiming hours of focused time.\n\n![productivity-arrange-meetings-calls.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/productivity_arrange_meetings_calls_e282cf7295.jpg)\n\nCommon batches to create: Email (2-3 times daily), phone calls and messages, administrative tasks, meetings (cluster on certain days if possible), creative/writing work, review and planning. Identify your recurring task types and assign them dedicated time blocks.\n\n## 8\\. Delegate More Than You Think You Should\n\nDelegation is one of the most powerful productivity multipliers—and one of the hardest for high-achievers to embrace. Our [inner control freak](https://www.workingal.com/articles/kill-your-inner-control-freak) insists that we can do it better, faster, or more reliably ourselves. And maybe that's true. But at what cost?\n\nEvery hour you spend on a task someone else could do is an hour you're not spending on work that only you can do. The question isn't \"Can I do this task?\" It's \"Is this the highest-value use of my time?\" If someone else could do it—even if they'd do it differently or need some guidance—delegation is usually the right choice.\n\nEffective delegation also develops your team. People grow by taking on new responsibilities. By holding onto everything, you're not just limiting yourself—you're limiting others' development.\n\n**How to delegate better:** Be clear about the outcome you need, not just the task. Give context on why it matters. Set a realistic deadline. Define how you want to be kept informed. Then step back. Resist the urge to micromanage or take the task back at the first sign of imperfection. Delegation that includes constant oversight isn't really delegation.\n\n## 9\\. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time\n\n[Time management](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-manage-your-time-effectively) is important, but energy management might matter more. You could have a perfectly scheduled day and still be unproductive if you're exhausted, distracted, or depleted. Conversely, you can accomplish remarkable things in limited time when your energy is high.\n\nEnergy isn't just physical. It's also mental (your ability to focus), emotional (your mood and motivation), and even spiritual (your sense of purpose). All four dimensions need attention. Neglecting any one of them eventually undermines the others.\n\nMost people have natural energy rhythms throughout the day—times when they're sharp and times when they're sluggish. For many, this peak is mid-morning; for others, it's late at night. The key is matching your most demanding work to your highest energy periods, and saving routine tasks for when you're naturally lower.\n\nEnergy management basics: [Protect your sleep](https://www.workingal.com/articles/revenge-bedtime-procrastination)—this is non-negotiable. Move your body daily. Eat in ways that sustain energy rather than spike and crash it. Take breaks before you're exhausted. Notice your natural energy patterns and schedule accordingly. And pay attention to what drains you versus what energizes you—then adjust your work where possible.\n\n## 10\\. Set Boundaries Around Your Time and Attention\n\nIn a world of constant connectivity, your time and attention are under constant assault. Notifications, messages, emails, requests—everyone and everything wants a piece of your focus. Without [deliberate boundaries](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-set-and-preserve-boundaries), your day will be shaped by other people's priorities rather than your own.\n\nBoundaries aren't about being unresponsive or unhelpful. They're about being intentional. When you protect time for focused work, you produce better results. When you batch your availability rather than being always-on, you're actually more present when you do engage.\n\nResearch on \"always-on\" work culture shows it decreases productivity, increases burnout, and doesn't even improve responsiveness—because exhausted, scattered workers aren't actually responding well. The illusion of constant availability often comes at the cost of real effectiveness.\n\n**Boundaries to consider:** Designated \"no meeting\" blocks or days. Specific times when you check your email rather than constantly. Notification settings that don't interrupt focus time. Clear communication about when you're available and when you're not. And perhaps most importantly—actually honoring these boundaries rather than treating them as suggestions.\n\n## The Real Secret to Productivity\n\nHere's what productivity gurus often don't tell you: being productive is a practice, not a destination. There's no system that will make you perfectly efficient forever. There's no app that will eliminate procrastination. There's no [morning routine](https://www.workingal.com/articles/influencer-morning-routine) that guarantees a successful day.\n\nReal productivity is about building sustainable habits, being intentional with your time, and continuously adjusting based on what works for you. It's about working in alignment with your energy and attention, not against them. And it's about defining success for yourself—not by how busy you appear, but by whether you're moving meaningful things forward.\n\nStart with one or two strategies from this list. Practice them until they become automatic. Then add another. Small, consistent improvements compound over time into dramatically better results—without the burnout that comes from trying to do everything at once.\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions\n\n### Why can't I focus at work?\n\n![productivity-delegate-tasks.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/productivity_delegate_tasks_351da5ca49.jpg)\n\nCommon causes include multitasking, constant notifications and interruptions, lack of sleep, unclear priorities, and attempting cognitively demanding work when your energy is low. Try single-tasking, silencing notifications during focus time, and scheduling important work during your peak energy hours.\n\n### How many hours can you actually be productive in a day?\n\nResearch suggests most people can sustain about 4-6 hours of truly focused, cognitively demanding work per day. Beyond that, productivity drops significantly. The goal isn't to maximize hours worked but to maximize the quality of focused hours—and accept that not all work requires peak focus.\n\n### Is multitasking ever effective?\n\nTrue multitasking can work for purely automatic tasks that don't require thought—like listening to music while exercising. But for any cognitively demanding work, multitasking reduces both speed and quality. What feels like efficient multitasking is usually just rapid, costly task-switching.\n\n### How do I stop procrastinating?\n\nProcrastination is often about emotion management, not time management. We avoid tasks that feel boring, difficult, or anxiety-inducing. Strategies that help: break large tasks into smaller, less intimidating pieces; use time-limited sprints (like Pomodoro); start with just 5 minutes to overcome inertia; and address the underlying resistance by asking what specifically you're avoiding.\n\n### What's the best morning routine for productivity?\n\nThere's no universal \"best\" routine—it depends on your life and preferences. However, most productive routines share some elements: not checking email or social media immediately, some form of movement or mindfulness, clarity about the day's priorities, and protecting time for important work before reactive tasks take over.\n\n### How do I stay productive working from home?\n\n[Working from home](https://www.workingal.com/articles/remote-work-essentials) requires more intentional structure since external cues (commute, office environment) are missing. Create a dedicated workspace, maintain consistent work hours, establish start/end rituals that signal \"work mode,\" batch communication to avoid constant availability, and take real breaks rather than blurring work and home activities together.\n\n### What's the Pomodoro Technique?\n\nThe Pomodoro Technique involves working in focused 25-minute intervals (called \"pomodoros\") followed by 5-minute breaks. After four pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. It's effective because it makes focused work feel manageable, builds in recovery time, and creates a mild sense of urgency that combats procrastination.\n\n*This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our blog and allows us to continue creating content you resonate with\\! We always suggest things we’ve tried and already love\\!*\n\n*Last updated: December 2025*\n\n\n\n\n\n","5-proven-ways-to-increase-productivity-in-the-workplace","how to be more productive, increase productivity at work, productivity tips, workplace productivity, time management, productivity strategies, work smarter not harder, productivity hacks","Stop working harder and start working smarter. These 10 research-backed productivity strategies will help you get more done in less time—without burning out.\n","2021-09-19","2021-09-19T15:38:17.272Z","2025-12-15T06:57:19.669Z","2021-09-19T15:38:45.695Z",{"id":249,"documentId":250,"name":251,"alternativeText":79,"caption":79,"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},75,"i04h0tj29e4i9ctng7p5svvg","productivity-increase-how-6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79.jpg",{"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_productivity_increase_how_6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79.jpg","40c0d0c0f7de262b801db187d5c7948a","large_productivity_increase_how_6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79","large_productivity-increase-how-6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79.jpg",82.93,82926,{"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_productivity_increase_how_6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79.jpg","db5861c14d4d2ab613d403f8b7da9275","small_productivity_increase_how_6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79","small_productivity-increase-how-6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79.jpg",25.21,25213,{"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_productivity_increase_how_6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79.jpg","7d30143d6e2c1d538c9d150d45d1f97f","medium_productivity_increase_how_6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79","medium_productivity-increase-how-6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79.jpg",50.31,50308,{"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_productivity_increase_how_6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79.jpg","ee6447f8ebee12c557fcb68055feadfa","thumbnail_productivity_increase_how_6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79","thumbnail_productivity-increase-how-6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79.jpg",8.07,8074,"productivity_increase_how_6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79",187.23,"https://assets.workingal.com/productivity_increase_how_6bf978a3403a555e529bca81943b7af521e47d2afada4a930df6b7643d4eec79.jpg","2026-09-06T10:32:15.709Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":26,"documentId":129,"name":130,"slug":131,"instagram":132,"facebook":133,"bio":134,"linkedIn":135,"createdAt":136,"updatedAt":136,"publishedAt":137,"avatar":287},{"id":42,"documentId":139,"name":140,"alternativeText":141,"caption":142,"focalPoint":80,"width":143,"height":143,"formats":288,"hash":155,"ext":146,"mime":150,"size":156,"url":157,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":158,"updatedAt":158,"publishedAt":159},{"thumbnail":289},{"ext":146,"url":147,"etag":148,"hash":149,"mime":150,"name":151,"path":80,"size":152,"width":153,"height":153,"sizeInBytes":154},{"id":291,"documentId":292,"title":293,"content":294,"slug":295,"coffees":66,"seo_title":293,"keywords":296,"seo_desc":297,"bylineDate":298,"bylineTimezone":71,"createdAt":299,"updatedAt":300,"publishedAt":301,"featuredImage":302,"category":339,"author":340,"img":337},90,"juby76n4bp2d1sz4h5xnyo1o","What are the Biggest Challenges Freelancers Face?","Freelancing has been a part of life since my early professional years. I have also worked as a traditional employee, but to be honest, a freelancer's life is more suitable for me. I get to arrange my own schedule, manage my time and working hours, and not have a \"boss\" waiting for me every day and micromanage me around the clock.\n\nHowever, as every profession has its pros and cons, the life of a professional freelancer can be quite tricky and not that awesome as it sounds. Over the years, I've had the temptation to leave my freelance life behind and get an office job so that my life gets a bit more organized and less complex. Because even if freelancing sounds simple, it's actually not—and there are significant challenges that freelancers face.\n\n[According to a 2025 Upwork study, 64 million Americans now freelance, representing 38% of the U.S. workforce](https://investors.upwork.com/news-releases/news-release-details/upwork-study-finds-64-million-americans-freelanced-2023-adding). Yet despite this growth, freelancers report facing consistent obstacles that traditional employees don't encounter. The good news? With the right strategies, these challenges are entirely manageable.\n\nHowever, don't get my personal experience as something that should be an obstacle for your own aspirations. Every job has its challenges and difficulties, but it depends what you want from life and how you want your life to be. Some are more of \"free spirits\" while others prefer the stability of a 9-5 job. In any case, you need to know both the perks as well as the caveats of each option.\nLet's dive into the main challenges freelancers face—and more importantly, how to overcome them.\n\n## Finding and Maintaining a Steady Client Base\n\nWorking in a company or organization is relatively more straightforward. If you work for someone else, you usually do not have to worry day and night about getting new customers; somebody else does—mainly their marketing or sales departments. But [being your own boss](https://www.workingal.com/articles/expensive-mistakes-building-business-founder-lessons) means that to earn a living, you should definitely dive into driving some clients to sell your product or services.\n\nThis can be particularly challenging if [you are an introvert](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-can-an-introvert-succeed-in-the-workplace) and not very fond of socializing daily. According to Freelancer.com's 2025 report, 73% of freelancers identify client acquisition as their \\#1 stress factor, especially in the first three years of business.\n\nHow to Overcome This Challenge:\n\n![freelancer working from home](https://assets.workingal.com/challenges_freelancers_face_e7ba2b5a96.webp)\n\nThe key is building systems that work for you, not against your personality. Here's what actually helps:\n\n* **Leverage your existing network first.** Your former colleagues, classmates, and professional contacts are your warmest leads. Send personalized messages (not mass emails) explaining your services.  \n* **Create a portfolio that speaks for itself.** A well-designed website with case studies and testimonials does the networking for you. Potential clients can evaluate your work without you having to \"sell\" constantly.  \n* **Use platforms strategically.** Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn aren't just job boards—they're marketing tools. Optimize your profiles with keywords clients actually search for.  \n* **Implement the 80/20 rule.** Spend 80% of your networking time deepening relationships with existing clients who might refer you or hire you again, and only 20% on cold outreach.  \n* **Build passive lead generation.** Start a blog, create helpful content on LinkedIn, or offer free resources that demonstrate your expertise. Let your work bring clients to you.\n\n## Dealing with Inconsistent Workflow\n\nUntil you manage to find the clients and keep providing them services on a regular basis, there might be short or long periods when you won't have the desired workflow—freelancers have dry spells, too. In some professions, the workflow depends on many factors that are completely outside your control.\n\nFor instance, when I worked in translation, I had to go through some periods that were \"low,\" hence my income seemed like a far, far away dream. A 2025 survey by Freelancers Union found that [61% of freelancers experience at least one significant income gap per year,](https://nation1099.com/gig-economy-data-freelancer-study/#:~:text=The%20average%20freelancer%20reaches%20their,Rowe%20Price) with the average dry spell lasting 6-8 weeks.\n\n### How to Overcome The Inconsistent Workflow:\n\nInconsistent workflow is the nature of freelancing, but you can minimize its impact:\n\n* **Build a client pipeline.** Always be cultivating relationships with potential clients, even when you're busy. Your pipeline should always have 3-5 warm prospects.  \n* **Diversify your client base.** Never let one client represent more than 40% of your income. This protects you when they inevitably pause projects or end contracts.  \n* **Set up retainer agreements**. Pitch ongoing monthly retainers to your best clients. Even one retainer client creates a baseline income you can count on.  \n* **Use slow periods strategically.** When work is light, [invest time in marketing](https://www.edl.gr/blog/the-best-advertising-platforms-for-small-businesses), skill development, and portfolio updates. This turns downtime into business-building time.  \n* **Plan for seasonality.** Track your busiest and slowest months over a year. Once you know your pattern, you can prepare financially and emotionally for the predictable dips.\n\n## Managing Income Instability and Financial Stress\n\nAs a result of the no-work periods, your income may be diminished or zeroed. The good news is that nobody can be sure about what the future holds—even people with quite stable jobs. However, the chances are higher that freelancers will have dry periods where the income won't be enough.\n\nThis instability can cause serious financial challenges, considering that your bills have to be paid at a constant pace, and you also have to eat or feed your family. This may be okay for some people, but for others, it can be extremely stressful and end up ruining their quality of life. In fact, financial stress is cited as the primary reason [42% of freelancers return to traditional employment within their first two years.](https://investors.upwork.com/news-releases/news-release-details/upwork-study-finds-1-4-us-skilled-knowledge-workers-now-work)\n\n### How to Overcome The Income Instability:\n\nFinancial stability as a freelancer requires proactive planning:\n\n* **Build an emergency fund of 6-12 months.** This is non-negotiable. Start small—even $100 per month adds up. This fund covers you during slow periods without panic.  \n* **Separate business and personal finances.** Open a business checking account and pay yourself a consistent \"salary\" from it. This creates predictability even when client payments fluctuate.  \n* **Master the art of [personal finance](https://www.workingal.com/articles/financial-self-sabotage-why-you-fail-to-manage-your-finances).** Know exactly what you need to earn monthly to cover basics, taxes, and savings. This number becomes your non-negotiable minimum.  \n* **Set aside 25-30% for taxes immediately.** Don't spend money that's not really yours. Move it to a separate savings account as soon as you're paid.  \n* **Consider income smoothing tools.** Apps like Even or Steady help freelancers receive consistent paychecks by analyzing your income patterns and smoothing out the highs and lows.  \n* [**Negotiate payment terms upfront.**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33RHmOzcNPo&t=584s) Request deposits (30-50%), milestone payments, or shorter payment terms (Net 15 instead of Net 30). The faster you get paid, the less cash flow stress.\n\n## Struggling with Work-Life Balance and Burnout\n\nWorking as a freelancer, especially in the beginning of your freelance career, you can easily get overwhelmed because the regular and fixed working hours are, actually, not fixed at all. There will be times when you'll have to [work all night or all weekend](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-avoid-late-nights-at-work). You may lose weekends, drinks with friends, or even valuable time for yourself.\n\nThis isn't easy. And unfortunately, you need to be in the industry for some time to be able to negotiate fairer terms and conditions. When someone [starts their career](https://www.workingal.com/articles/the-ultimate-guide-for-rookies-at-work), they usually don't charge a lot, so in order to make ends meet, they have to take on more work—hence less free time. The Freelancers Union reports that 68% of freelancers work more than 40 hours per week, with 31% working over 50 hours.\n\n### How to Overcome This Challenge:\n\nBoundaries are essential for sustainable freelancing:\n\n* **Set actual working hours—and stick to them.** Just because you can work anytime doesn't mean you should work all the time. Define your hours (e.g., 9am-6pm) and communicate them to clients.  \n* **Create a dedicated workspace.** Physical boundaries help mental boundaries. When you leave your workspace, work ends.  \n* [**Learn to say no.**](https://www.workingal.com/articles/50-ways-to-say-no-politely) Every \"yes\" to a project is a \"no\" to something else—rest, family time, [self-discipline](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-practice-self-discipline), or personal projects. Choose strategically.  \n* **Batch similar tasks.** Group all client calls on specific days, all administrative work on one afternoon. This prevents constant context-switching that drains energy.  \n* **Schedule breaks like meetings.** Lunch breaks, exercise time, and end-of-day shutdown rituals deserve calendar blocks just like client calls.  \n* **Charge appropriately.** When you charge rates that reflect your expertise, you don't need to work 60 hours to survive. Quality over quantity.\n\n## Handling Administrative Tasks and Financial Management\n\nBeing a freelancer is like running a business. And it requires managing a lot of paperwork, invoices, chasing payments, submitting taxes, and more. This, especially when you don't like it at all (like me), or you don't hire a good accountant, can be a major headache.\n\n![freelancer working from home](https://assets.workingal.com/challenges_freelancers_face_8987a15e00.webp)\n\nIn order to actually make money out of freelancing, you need to be on top of things—and not only regarding your projects. You need to understand personal finances, be disciplined when it [comes to your expenses](https://www.workingal.com/articles/15-financial-mistakes-that-keep-you-broke), and learn how taxes work. A 2025 study found that freelancers spend an average of 8-12 hours per month on administrative tasks alone.\n\n### How to Overcome This Challenge:\n\nSystems and tools make administrative work manageable:\n\n* **Use accounting software from day one.** Tools like FreshBooks, Wave (free), or QuickBooks Self-Employed track income, expenses, and taxes automatically. They'll save you hours at tax time.  \n* **Create invoice and contract templates.** Never start from scratch. Standard templates ensure you don't forget crucial terms and make sending invoices a 2-minute task.  \n* [**Automate what you can**](https://www.workingal.com/articles/best-ai-productivity-tools)**.** Set up automatic invoice reminders, recurring invoices for retainer clients, and digital payment systems. Less manual work means fewer errors.  \n* Schedule admin time weekly. Every Friday afternoon, handle invoicing, expense tracking, and follow-ups. Regular small doses prevent overwhelming backlogs.  \n* **Know when to outsource.** Hiring a bookkeeper or accountant for $200-500/year is worth it if they save you 20+ hours and help you avoid costly tax mistakes.  \n* **Track time from the start.** Even if you charge flat rates, knowing how long tasks actually take helps you price accurately and identify time drains.\n\n## The Loneliness and Isolation Factor\n\nHere's a challenge that doesn't get discussed enough: freelancing can be lonely. When you work from home without colleagues, water cooler conversations, or team lunches, professional isolation sets in. This affects both your mental health and your professional growth—you lose the informal learning that happens in office environments.\n\n[A Buffer report](https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work/2023) found that 21% of remote workers (including freelancers) cite loneliness as their biggest struggle, surpassing even compensation concerns.\n\n### How to Overcome Loneliness and Isolation:\n\nConnection requires intentional effort:\n\n* **Join coworking spaces (even part-time).** Working alongside other professionals combats isolation while maintaining independence. Many offer day passes if you can't commit to full membership.  \n* **Create a freelancer community.** Find online communities, local meetups, or professional associations in your field. These become your new \"colleagues.\"  \n* **Schedule regular social work sessions.** Meet other freelancers for coffee shop work dates. The parallel productivity is motivating.  \n* **Maintain non-work relationships.** When work is home, it's easy to never leave. Prioritize friendships and activities outside your apartment.  \n* **Consider hybrid arrangements.** Some freelancers take on one part-time role or volunteer position purely for the social connection and structure it provides.\n\n## Moving Forward: Creating Your Sustainable Freelance Life\n\nFreelancing can be a great business opportunity, especially for those who do not like being in an office and working fixed hours. It has significant benefits, but it's also demanding. The difference between freelancers who thrive and those who burn out isn't talent—it's systems.\n\nThe challenges outlined here are real, but they're also navigable with the right strategies. Start by addressing your biggest pain point first. For most freelancers, that's either client acquisition or financial instability. Pick one, implement the solutions for three months, then move to the next challenge.\n\nIt is also worth remembering that every traditional job has its own set of challenges—office politics, limited autonomy, commutes, and rigid schedules. The question isn't whether freelancing is challenging (it is), but whether its specific challenges align with your strengths, values, and desired lifestyle.\n\nIf they do? The freedom, flexibility, and potential for building something entirely your own make navigating these challenges absolutely worthwhile.\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions About Freelancing Challenges\n\n### What is the biggest challenge of being a freelancer?\n\nThe biggest challenge varies by individual, but most freelancers cite income instability and inconsistent workflow as their primary concern. According to 2025 industry data, 73% of freelancers identify client acquisition and financial unpredictability as their top stressors. However, these challenges can be significantly reduced through proper financial planning, building a diverse client base, and maintaining an emergency fund of 6-12 months of expenses.\n\n### How do freelancers deal with inconsistent income?\n\nSuccessful freelancers manage inconsistent income by: (1) Building an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses, (2) Setting aside 25-30% of every payment for taxes immediately, (3) Paying themselves a consistent \"salary\" from a business account rather than spending unpredictably, (4) Securing retainer clients for baseline monthly income, and (5) Diversifying their client base so no single client represents more than 40% of total income. Financial discipline is the foundation of sustainable freelancing.\n\n### Why do most freelancers fail?\n\nMost freelancers don't fail due to lack of skill—they fail due to inadequate business systems. Common reasons include: underpricing services and working unsustainably long hours, lacking a consistent client acquisition system, poor financial management and insufficient emergency savings, [inability to set boundaries](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqgiluUC4X0) leading to burnout, and treating freelancing as a temporary gig rather than a legitimate business. Success requires both technical expertise AND business acumen.\n\n### How many hours a week do freelancers really work?\n\nDespite the flexibility myth, most freelancers work more than traditional employees. A 2025 Freelancers Union survey found 68% work over 40 hours weekly, with 31% exceeding 50 hours. Early-career freelancers often work 50-60 hours per week due to lower rates that require higher volume. However, established freelancers who charge appropriate rates and set firm boundaries typically work 30-40 hours weekly—proving that strategic pricing and saying \"no\" to low-value work is essential for achieving the work-life balance freelancing promises.\n\n### Is freelancing worth the stress?\n\n[Whether freelancing is \"worth it\"](https://www.workingal.com/articles/the-gig-economy-is-it-right-for-you) depends entirely on your values and priorities. Freelancing offers unmatched autonomy, flexibility, and income potential—but requires trading the security of traditional employment for independence. For those who value control over their schedule, choice in projects, and building their own business, the trade-off is worthwhile. However, if financial predictability and employer-provided benefits are crucial to your peace of mind, traditional employment may be a better fit. Neither path is superior—they simply suit different people.\n\n### Related Articles:\n\n* [Why It’s Awesome To Work From Home](https://www.workingal.com/articles/work-from-home)  \n* [How Can an Introvert Succeed in the Workplace](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-can-an-introvert-succeed-in-the-workplace)  \n* [Financial Self-Sabotage: Why You Fail to Manage Your Finances](https://www.workingal.com/articles/financial-self-sabotage-why-you-fail-to-manage-your-finances)  \n* [15 Financial Mistakes That Keep You Broke](https://www.workingal.com/articles/15-financial-mistakes-that-keep-you-broke)\n\n\n\n\n\n","what-are-the-biggest-challenges-freelancers-face","freelancer struggles, freelancer challenges, freelancer, biggest challenges of freelancers, freelance career struggles, challenges freelancers face","Life as a freelancer can be fascinating but there are times that even freelancers face some challenges. Read the article to find out what are the most common freelancer struggles.","2021-02-14","2021-02-14T12:06:53.604Z","2026-04-12T01:05:25.568Z","2021-02-14T12:06:56.696Z",{"id":303,"documentId":304,"name":305,"alternativeText":79,"caption":79,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":306,"hash":335,"ext":85,"mime":89,"size":336,"url":337,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":338,"updatedAt":338,"publishedAt":338},61,"jpsdbmenufnokz1nf31nm7ek","freelancers-difficulties-1-4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed.jpg",{"large":307,"small":314,"medium":321,"thumbnail":328},{"ext":85,"url":308,"etag":309,"hash":310,"mime":89,"name":311,"path":80,"size":312,"width":92,"height":93,"sizeInBytes":313},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_freelancers_difficulties_1_4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed.jpg","6b5d2db83b10ac8935dc21c40089c76c","large_freelancers_difficulties_1_4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed","large_freelancers-difficulties-1-4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed.jpg",90.16,90156,{"ext":85,"url":315,"etag":316,"hash":317,"mime":89,"name":318,"path":80,"size":319,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":320},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_freelancers_difficulties_1_4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed.jpg","5c541e17842779da23722246e89feb5c","small_freelancers_difficulties_1_4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed","small_freelancers-difficulties-1-4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed.jpg",26.51,26512,{"ext":85,"url":322,"etag":323,"hash":324,"mime":89,"name":325,"path":80,"size":326,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":327},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_freelancers_difficulties_1_4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed.jpg","b0e4829fd80864b327395d320219724c","medium_freelancers_difficulties_1_4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed","medium_freelancers-difficulties-1-4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed.jpg",54.38,54383,{"ext":85,"url":329,"etag":330,"hash":331,"mime":89,"name":332,"path":80,"size":333,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":334},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_freelancers_difficulties_1_4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed.jpg","e19c51709addd19ee5bd24b6d04c625f","thumbnail_freelancers_difficulties_1_4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed","thumbnail_freelancers-difficulties-1-4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed.jpg",8.22,8221,"freelancers_difficulties_1_4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed",194.75,"https://assets.workingal.com/freelancers_difficulties_1_4fac448bf4d1e54d65ac6283d65aeccc9af9483c68be9d92689fba84925997ed.jpg","2026-09-06T10:32:04.078Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":26,"documentId":129,"name":130,"slug":131,"instagram":132,"facebook":133,"bio":134,"linkedIn":135,"createdAt":136,"updatedAt":136,"publishedAt":137,"avatar":341},{"id":42,"documentId":139,"name":140,"alternativeText":141,"caption":142,"focalPoint":80,"width":143,"height":143,"formats":342,"hash":155,"ext":146,"mime":150,"size":156,"url":157,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":158,"updatedAt":158,"publishedAt":159},{"thumbnail":343},{"ext":146,"url":147,"etag":148,"hash":149,"mime":150,"name":151,"path":80,"size":152,"width":153,"height":153,"sizeInBytes":154},{"id":345,"documentId":346,"title":347,"content":348,"slug":349,"coffees":66,"seo_title":347,"keywords":350,"seo_desc":351,"bylineDate":352,"bylineTimezone":71,"createdAt":353,"updatedAt":354,"publishedAt":355,"featuredImage":356,"category":393,"author":394,"img":391},88,"sujp4ikyppdip6mlmns8pffl","How Introverts Can Succeed at Work: Leadership Tips for Quiet Professionals ","Scan through job postings these days and you'll see it everywhere: \"seeking outgoing team players,\" \"excellent communication skills required,\" \"must be comfortable in fast-paced, collaborative environments.\" The subtext is clear: extroverts wanted.\n\nIf you're an introvert reading this, you might be thinking: *Does this mean I'm doomed?* Will I never climb the career ladder? Am I fundamentally unsuited for leadership?\n\nHere's the truth that nobody's telling you: That's complete nonsense.\n\nRoughly 30-50% of the workforce consists of introverts, and research consistently shows that introverts can be just as effective—sometimes *more* effective—as leaders than their extroverted counterparts. Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, Barack Obama, and countless other highly successful leaders are self-identified introverts.\n\nThe problem isn't your personality. The problem is a workplace culture that's been designed primarily for extroverts—and the mistaken belief that you need to become someone you're not in order to succeed.\n\n## Understanding Introversion vs. Extroversion (And Why It Actually Matters)\n\nFirst, let's clear up some misconceptions. Introversion is not the same as shyness. It's not about being antisocial, awkward, or lacking confidence. According to personality research by Myers and Briggs, introversion and extroversion describe how people derive and restore energy:\n\n### Introverts:\n\n* Recharge through solitude and quiet reflection  \n* Process thoughts internally before speaking  \n* Prefer deep, meaningful conversations over small talk  \n* Think before acting  \n* Focus energy on their inner world of ideas and reflections\n\n### Extroverts:\n\n* Recharge through social interaction and activity  \n* Think out loud and process through conversation  \n* Thrive in stimulating, high-energy environments  \n* Act then reflect  \n* Focus energy on the outer world of people and experiences\n\nNeither is better than the other. They're simply different approaches to navigating the world—and both bring valuable strengths to the workplace.\n\n## The Introvert Bias in the Workplace\n\nDespite introverts making up nearly half the workforce, research shows a clear bias toward extroversion in corporate environments:\n\n[A UC Berkeley study](https://news.colby.edu/story/who-gets-ahead-in-the-workplace/#:~:text=While%20extroverts%20gained%20more%20power,in%20positions%20of%20greater%20power.%E2%80%9D) found that people consistently hire and promote those with extroverted personality traits (assertive, forceful, self-assured) to [leadership roles](https://www.workingal.com/articles/why-women-are-underrepresented-in-leadership-positions). Harvard Business Review data reveals that the higher up you go in management, the more likely leaders are to be extroverted.\n\nOne poll found that [65% of senior executives consider introversion a *liability* for leaders](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-introverts-make-great-leaders-susan-peppercorn). Other studies call extroversion \"the single most important trait for a leader to have.\"\n\nThis bias has real consequences. Introverts often feel pressured to adopt an extroverted persona at work, leading to exhaustion, decreased effectiveness, and the sense that they're fundamentally not cut out for advancement.\n\nBut here's what the research actually shows: The bias is wrong.\n\n## Why Introverts Make Excellent Leaders (Backed by Research)\n\n### The Data Doesn't Lie\n\nAdam Grant and colleagues [conducted groundbreaking research on leadership effectiveness](https://hbr.org/2010/12/the-hidden-advantages-of-quiet-bosses) comparing introverts and extroverts. Their findings? Both were equally successful as leaders—but their success depended on the type of team they were managing.\n\nIn a study of 57 pizza store managers and 374 employees:\n\n* Extroverted leaders performed best with passive teams, showing 16% higher profits than average  \n* Introverted leaders excelled with proactive teams—those that actively voiced opinions and needed less supervision\n\nWhy did introverts outperform with proactive teams? Because introverted leaders have a natural tendency to listen more carefully and be more receptive to group ideas. Their teams felt more valued and motivated to work harder.\n\n### The Unique Strengths Introverts Bring to Leadership\n\n[Research from the University of Helsinki](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7734327/) found that introverts process information more deeply, leading to more deliberate, strategic decision-making. Here are the specific advantages introverted leaders bring:\n\n#### 1\\. Deep Listening \n\nWhile extroverts often process thoughts by talking them through, introverts excel at active listening. This makes team members feel heard, valued, and more willing to contribute ideas.\n\n#### 2\\. Thoughtful Decision-Making \n\nIntroverts naturally take time to analyze situations thoroughly before acting. This reflective approach often leads to better long-term strategic planning.\n\n![introvert-at-work.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/introvert_at_work_6d05154b7e.jpg)\n\n#### 3\\. Calm Presence \n\nIntroverts tend to create a sense of ease in others. Their calm, attentive presence makes people feel comfortable opening up in ways that happen less often with talkative extroverts.\n\n#### 4\\. Written Communication \n\nExcellence Many introverts prefer communicating in writing, which often results in clearer, more thoughtful messages than off-the-cuff verbal communication.\n\n#### 5\\. Empowering Team Members \n\nRather than dominating conversations, introverted leaders create space for others to shine—fostering autonomy and development in their teams.\n\n## Real-World Examples of Successful Introverted Leaders\n\nYou're in good company. Some of the world's most successful leaders identify as introverts:\n\nBill Gates (Microsoft co-founder) famously said: \"If you're clever, you can learn to get the benefits of being an introvert.\" He credits his reflective nature for his success in building one of the most valuable companies in history.\n\nWarren Buffett acknowledges that when he started his career, he had the intelligence for business but needed to develop relationship and influence skills. He did so without abandoning his introverted nature.\n\nMark Zuckerberg (Meta founder) is described by Sheryl Sandberg as \"shy and introverted\" and often perceived as not warm—yet he built one of the most influential tech companies in the world.\n\nDouglas Conant turned around Campbell's Soup from having the worst employee engagement scores of any Fortune 500 company. His introverted leadership style prioritized deep listening and authentic connection.\n\n## Practical Strategies: How Introverts Can Thrive at Work\n\n### 1\\. Stop Apologizing for Being an Introvert\n\nThe single biggest mistake introverts make? Trying to become extroverts. This exhausts you, decreases your effectiveness, and prevents you from leveraging your natural strengths.\n\nWhat to do instead:\n\n* Recognize that your introversion is an asset, not a liability  \n* Stop using phrases like \"Sorry, I'm just an introvert\" or \"I'm not much of a people person\"  \n* Own your working style: \"I do my best thinking when I have time to reflect before meetings\"\n\n### 2\\. Create Your Ideal Work Environment\n\nWhile you can't control everything about your workplace, be strategic about what you *can* control.\n\nEnergy management strategies:\n\n* Don't schedule back-to-back social interactions if possible  \n* Take lunch alone sometimes to recharge (this isn't antisocial—it's necessary)  \n* Use \"focus time\" blocks on your calendar to protect deep work periods  \n* Take short walks or find quiet spaces when you need to decompress  \n* Work from home strategically when you have tasks requiring deep concentration\n\n### 3\\. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare\n\nIntroverts rarely excel at spontaneous, off-the-cuff presentations. The good news? You don't have to.\n\nPreparation tactics:\n\n* Request meeting agendas in advance  \n* Develop talking points before important conversations  \n* Practice presentations multiple times  \n* Prepare questions before networking events  \n* Schedule meetings rather than relying on impromptu hallway conversations\n\nWhen others see how thoroughly you've prepared, they recognize the value you bring.\n\n### 4\\. Leverage Your Listening Superpower\n\nYour ability to truly listen is rare and valuable. Use it strategically.\n\nHow to maximize your listening advantage:\n\n* Proactively offer to be a sounding board for colleagues  \n* In meetings, observe dynamics before contributing  \n* Ask thoughtful follow-up questions  \n* Take notes to remember details others miss  \n* Use phrases like \"Tell me more about that\" to draw people out\n\n### 5\\. Communicate in Ways That Play to Your Strengths\n\nYou don't have to dominate verbal conversations to have influence.\n\n![introvert woman working from home](https://assets.workingal.com/introverts_at_work_e0a63d4ec8.webp)\n\nStrategic communication for introverts:\n\n* Follow up important conversations with thoughtful emails summarizing key points  \n* Share ideas through well-written memos or documentation  \n* Use one-on-one meetings rather than large group settings when possible  \n* Prepare concise statements for meetings so you can contribute meaningfully without extensive speaking  \n* Leverage asynchronous communication tools (Slack, project management platforms) where you can craft responses\n\n### 6\\. Redefine Networking on Your Terms\n\n[Traditional networking](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-network)—working a room, making small talk with dozens of strangers—is exhausting for introverts. But networking is still important. So do it differently.\n\n#### Introvert-friendly networking:\n\n* Focus on building fewer, deeper relationships rather than collecting business cards  \n* Arrive early to events when there are fewer people  \n* Set specific goals (meet 3 people, not 30\\)  \n* Follow up in writing after brief in-person meetings  \n* Leverage LinkedIn for relationship building  \n* Suggest coffee meetings or video calls instead of large networking events\n\n### 7\\. Speak Up (But Strategically)\n\nYes, you need to share your ideas and make your voice heard. But you don't have to be the loudest person in the room.\n\nHow to contribute without draining yourself:\n\n* Pick your moments—don't feel pressure to comment on everything  \n* Share one well-thought-out point rather than multiple hasty ones  \n* Use phrases like \"I'd like to add...\" or \"Building on that idea...\"  \n* Email your thoughts to the meeting organizer ahead of time if you're uncomfortable speaking up  \n* Request agenda items you want to discuss so you can prepare\n\n### 8\\. Own Your Needs Without Apologizing\n\nPart of succeeding as an introvert is recognizing and advocating for what you need.\n\n#### Setting boundaries:\n\n* Tell your manager how you work best: \"I'm most effective when I have advance notice for presentations\"  \n* Protect your calendar: \"I block Friday afternoons for focused work\"  \n* Decline unnecessary meetings: \"I don't think I'll add value to this discussion, but please share the notes\"  \n* Communicate your recharge needs: \"I'm going to take lunch at my desk today to prepare for the afternoon meeting\"\n\n### 9\\. Choose the Right Roles and Companies\n\nWhile introverts can succeed anywhere, some environments and positions naturally align better with your strengths.\n\n#### Roles where introverts often excel:\n\n* Strategic roles requiring deep analysis and planning  \n* Research and development positions  \n* Writing and content creation  \n* Technical and engineering roles  \n* One-on-one coaching or consulting  \n* Project management (with thoughtful, proactive teams)\n\n#### Company cultures that value introverts:\n\n* Organizations that emphasize asynchronous communication  \n* Companies with flexible or [remote work](https://www.workingal.com/articles/remote-work-essentials) policies  \n* Cultures that value deep work and focus time  \n* Teams that encourage written communication and documentation\n\n### 10\\. Build Confidence Through Self-Awareness\n\nConfidence comes from self-awareness and acceptance—not from pretending to be someone you're not.\n\nConfidence-building practices:\n\n* Read books like *Quiet* by Susan Cain to understand your introversion better  \n* Track your accomplishments to remind yourself of your value  \n* Find mentors who share your personality type  \n* Join or create support networks for introverts in your industry  \n* Celebrate wins that align with your strengths (landing a major deal through relationship building, producing exceptional written work, etc.)\n\n## When Introverted Leaders Excel (And When Extroverts Do)\n\nUnderstanding when your leadership style is most effective helps you position yourself strategically:\n\n#### Introverted leaders thrive when:\n\n* Teams are proactive and self-directed  \n* Deep strategic thinking is valued  \n* Employees need psychological safety to voice ideas  \n* Long-term planning trumps quick decisions  \n* Individual development is prioritized\n\n#### Extroverted leaders thrive when:\n\n* Teams need direction and activation  \n* Quick decision-making is essential  \n* High energy and motivation are required  \n* Crisis management demands immediate action  \n* Team-building and morale are priorities\n\nNeither is inherently better. The key is understanding your strengths and finding (or creating) environments where they shine.\n\nYour introversion is not something you need to overcome, fix, or apologize for. It's a different way of being in the world—one that brings tremendous value to any workplace.\n\nThe main difference between introverts and extroverts isn't work quality—it's the environment in which each type develops their talents most effectively.\n\nYes, you might need to step outside your comfort zone occasionally. An introvert might have to speak up more in meetings. An extrovert might need to pause and reflect before acting. We all adapt to our work environments to some degree.\n\nBut success doesn't require you to reject your personality. In fact, the most effective thing you can do is embrace your introversion and leverage it strategically.\n\nStop trying to become an extrovert. Start focusing on being the best version of your introverted self. That's where your real power lies.\n\n\n\n\n","how-can-an-introvert-succeed-in-the-workplace","introverts at work, how introverts can succeed, introvert leadership tips, how to thrive as an introvert at work","Introverts make great leaders. Discover research-backed strategies for introverts at work to succeed, lead teams effectively, and advance without changing who you are.","2021-02-05","2021-02-05T22:54:50.891Z","2025-10-25T22:01:16.326Z","2021-02-05T22:54:59.201Z",{"id":357,"documentId":358,"name":359,"alternativeText":79,"caption":79,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":360,"hash":389,"ext":85,"mime":89,"size":390,"url":391,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":392,"updatedAt":392,"publishedAt":392},60,"dahu2sosywcl0768fsfda3g5","introverts-at-work-b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f.jpg",{"large":361,"small":368,"medium":375,"thumbnail":382},{"ext":85,"url":362,"etag":363,"hash":364,"mime":89,"name":365,"path":80,"size":366,"width":92,"height":93,"sizeInBytes":367},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_introverts_at_work_b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f.jpg","b58ed0577738385b85a0d1a58f4278d8","large_introverts_at_work_b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f","large_introverts-at-work-b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f.jpg",38.2,38195,{"ext":85,"url":369,"etag":370,"hash":371,"mime":89,"name":372,"path":80,"size":373,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":374},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_introverts_at_work_b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f.jpg","976b0e48f16626f7e7a1e4d553b66ac9","small_introverts_at_work_b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f","small_introverts-at-work-b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f.jpg",12.44,12435,{"ext":85,"url":376,"etag":377,"hash":378,"mime":89,"name":379,"path":80,"size":380,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":381},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_introverts_at_work_b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f.jpg","007f5db877d9d2d513f9216ed5cfb982","medium_introverts_at_work_b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f","medium_introverts-at-work-b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f.jpg",23.55,23550,{"ext":85,"url":383,"etag":384,"hash":385,"mime":89,"name":386,"path":80,"size":387,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":388},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_introverts_at_work_b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f.jpg","ecc7132e1e274681df04dc0cb287ade3","thumbnail_introverts_at_work_b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f","thumbnail_introverts-at-work-b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f.jpg",4.45,4447,"introverts_at_work_b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f",83.26,"https://assets.workingal.com/introverts_at_work_b83221f6a0ebc5f95dc8ce5532e13e5ca7d38571cb5db1232709106fc6da8a3f.jpg","2026-09-06T10:32:03.256Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":11,"documentId":211,"name":212,"slug":213,"instagram":214,"facebook":215,"bio":216,"linkedIn":217,"createdAt":218,"updatedAt":218,"publishedAt":219,"avatar":395},{"id":66,"documentId":221,"name":222,"alternativeText":223,"caption":223,"focalPoint":80,"width":143,"height":143,"formats":396,"hash":232,"ext":146,"mime":150,"size":233,"url":234,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":235,"updatedAt":235,"publishedAt":235},{"thumbnail":397},{"ext":146,"url":226,"etag":227,"hash":228,"mime":150,"name":229,"path":80,"size":230,"width":153,"height":153,"sizeInBytes":231},{"id":399,"documentId":400,"title":401,"content":402,"slug":403,"coffees":66,"seo_title":401,"keywords":404,"seo_desc":405,"bylineDate":406,"bylineTimezone":71,"createdAt":407,"updatedAt":408,"publishedAt":409,"featuredImage":410,"category":447,"author":448,"img":445},80,"n91jpp85i0o8tpvwwfr3m8lr","5 Signs That Show It's Time To Change Jobs","It is Sunday evening. You are mindlessly [scrolling through your phone](https://www.workingal.com/articles/france-social-media-ban-adult-screen-habits), completely disconnected from what is on the screen, because your mind is already trapped in tomorrow morning.\n\nHow does your body actually feel in this moment? Is there a subtle tightness in your chest, a sudden wave of exhaustion—even after a genuinely relaxing, well-spent weekend—or a creeping sense of dread about what awaits you on Monday? Perhaps you notice yourself venting to your partner or friends on loop, running through endless to-do lists, complaining about [frustrating colleagues](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-toxic-phrases-used-by-colleagues-with-a-huge-ego), or bracing for the week ahead before the sun has even set.\n\nTo a certain degree, a mild case of the \"Monday blues\" is completely human. Transitioning from the freedom of personal time back into routine and responsibilities can feel uninspiring for anyone. For most people, that temporary resistance fades the moment they dive into their tasks and settle into the rhythm of the week.\n\n_What happens, though, when that heavy, sinking feeling refuses to leave?_\n\nWhen the dread becomes your baseline, it stops being a harmless Sunday mood and turns into a loud signal that something in your professional life is fundamentally broken. Making a [career transition](https://www.workingal.com/articles/changing-careers-thirties-september-hiring-window) can certainly feel intimidating, especially when you do not have an immediate next move lined up. But staying tethered to an environment that drains your energy and stifles your well-being comes at an exceptionally high cost to both your mental health and your professional potential.\n\nIf you are wondering whether you are simply experiencing a rough patch or facing a deeper misalignment, here are the unmistakable signs that it is officially time to plan your next move.\n\n## The Thought of Simply Showing Up Makes You Physically Ill\n\nThere is standard morning grogginess, and then there is the profound, visceral resistance that stops you dead in your tracks. When your nervous system starts rejecting your work environment, it rarely begins with a neat, rational thought. More often than not, it shows up in your body first.\n\nA few years ago, I worked in an office where I knew almost immediately that something was off, even if I couldn't pinpoint the exact source right away. Every morning began with a low-grade nausea that settled straight in my stomach the second my alarm went off. At first, I wrote it off as simple fatigue—it was a chaotic chapter in my life, and I assumed I was teetering [on the edge of routine burnout](https://www.workingal.com/articles/burnout-vs-bad-priorities-mindset-shift).\n\nThen the days bled into weeks, and getting out of bed, pulling on clothes, and walking out the front door felt like dragging heavy weights. I would catch myself crying quietly on the commute, swallowed by an overwhelming sense of helplessness. The ultimate giveaway? The exact second I clocked out and walked out the exit, the fog vanished. My mood lifted, my breath came easier, and I felt like myself again.\n\nWhen your misery is strictly bound to the hours you spend within those four walls, your body is not being dramatic. It is handing you raw, undeniable proof that the environment is toxic to your well-being.\n\n### Your Contributions Are Met with Pure Indifference\n\nPeople show up to work for all kinds of reasons. Some are deeply passionate about their craft, some are laser-focused on the paycheck, and others are simply doing what needs to be done to pay the bills. Whatever the motive, one basic human need remains universal across any workplace: the desire for genuine respect and acknowledgment.\n\nWhen you invest real effort, solve complex problems, and consistently deliver results, having that dedication ignored is a fast track to resentment. Nothing erodes professional morale quicker than pouring your energy into an organization only to be treated like an interchangeable cog. When your wins are overlooked, your extra hours are taken for granted, and constructive feedback is nonexistent, the work inevitably loses its purpose.\n\nAt a certain point, the natural question becomes unavoidable: why continue giving your best when nobody in the room is paying attention? Once a company demonstrates that it does not value your presence, staying only drains your ambition—and it is a clear cue to take your talents somewhere that actually recognizes what you bring to the table.\n\n### Your Compensation Lags Far Behind Your Real Output\n\nLet’s be honest about the core transaction of employment: you trade your valuable time, [specialized skills](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-free-coursera-courses-to-boost-your-career), and mental bandwidth for fair, competitive compensation. When you routinely pour eight, nine, or ten hours a day into a role—consistently exceeding targets, putting out fires, and driving genuine results—you expect the financial return to reflect that level of dedication.\n\nInstead, you find that your paycheck exists in a completely different universe from your daily contributions. You jump through every hoop, absorb extra responsibilities, and deliver excellence, yet promotions, bonuses, or even standard cost-of-living raises are met with radio silence or endless bureaucratic excuses.\n\nIn other scenarios, the base pay on paper might look decent to outsiders, but the sheer emotional toll, relentless hours, and scope creep render that number meaningless. When you realize that no amount of money could truly compensate for the exhaustion and boundary-crossing required of you, the balance is broken. If an employer is content to exploit high-level performance at a discount, it is time to stop offering executive-level dedication on an undervalued budget.\n\n### The Fallout Is Bleeding Into Your Personal Life\n\nA demanding project or an occasional [late night at the office](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-avoid-late-nights-at-work) is part of professional reality. But there is a massive difference between a busy season and a role that quietly consumes your entire identity, stealing your off-hours and leaving you with nothing left for yourself.\n\n![change-office.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/change_office_45749f8e32.jpg)\n\nWhen chronic work stress begins to manifest physically—through tension headaches, disrupted sleep, digestive issues, or a constant state of exhaustion that a full weekend cannot cure—your nervous system is waving a massive red flag. The damage rarely stays contained to your own body, either. It spills directly into your relationships with your partner, your family, and your closest friends.\n\nNotice how you show up around the people you care about most: Are you perpetually irritable, short-tempered, or emotionally checked out? Do you find yourself turning every dinner into a venting session, or have loved ones gently pointed out that you seem constantly on edge? When a job begins stripping away your patience, your warmth, and your peace of mind—transforming you into an exhausted, cynical version of yourself—it has overstepped its boundary. No title or company is worth sacrificing your real life for.\n\n### Apathy and Complacency Have Become Your Default Mode\n\nEveryone experiences the occasional off day. When you generally respect your role and find meaning in what you do, sluggish afternoons or moments of frustration are merely the exception, not the standard operating procedure. You shake them off, refocus, and move forward.\n\nThe real trouble begins when emotional detachment quietly takes the driver’s seat. If every simple assignment feels like moving mountains, if your ability to concentrate has evaporated, and if you find yourself staring blankly at your screen waiting for the clock to run out, you are not just \"unfocused.\" You are professionally checked out.\n\nOccasional procrastination is human; chronic, pervasive procrastination is a symptom of total disconnection. When you no longer care about the quality of the outcome, have stopped speaking up in meetings, and are simply doing the bare minimum to fly under the radar, your apathy is telling you an uncomfortable truth: you have completely outgrown the room. Staying in a role once the spark is entirely dead doesn’t just hurt the company—it slowly numbs your own drive and capabilities.\n\n## So, What Comes Next?\n\nRecognizing the red flags is one thing; deciding how to navigate your exit is an entirely different game.\n\nWhile the urge to dramatically hand in your resignation and walk out the door might feel tempting in moments of pure frustration, an impulsive exit rarely serves you in the long run. Career transitions carry real stakes, and your financial security and peace of mind matter just as much as your daily job satisfaction.\n\nThe goal isn’t to make a chaotic leap of faith—it is to execute a deliberate, calculated pivot on your own terms. Instead of reacting out of sheer exhaustion, you want to shift your mindset from merely enduring a bad situation to actively designing your next chapter. That means staying grounded, protecting your energy, and quietly laying the groundwork for a transition that positions you for genuine growth rather than another lateral move into frustration.\n\n### Step 1: Pinpoint the Root Cause Before Making a Move\n\nBefore you [update your résumé](https://www.workingal.com/articles/resume-red-flags) or submit your two-week notice, take a moment to look at the situation with total honesty and objectivity. When you are feeling burned out, it is easy to lump everything together and conclude that the entire career path or company is a total disaster. We have all been there—emotional exhaustion lowers our tolerance, making every minor annoyance feel like a personal slight and every tough week feel like a crisis.\n\nTake a step back and isolate the real friction. Is the role itself fundamentally misaligned with your skills and values, or are you currently operating under an unsustainable workload that simply needs recalibration? Is the entire [workplace toxic](https://www.workingal.com/articles/devil-wears-prada-toxic-job-career-advice), or is your misery stemming from a specific conflict with one difficult colleague or a [misaligned manager](https://www.workingal.com/articles/i-survived-a-passive-aggressive-manager-real-story) who is creating daily friction?\n\nDistinguishing between a fixable temporary obstacle—like poor boundaries, interpersonal friction, or a chaotic quarter—and an irredeemable environment is crucial. Identifying the exact source of your discontent ensures that you are making a clear-headed strategic decision rather than running away from something that could either be solved or, worse, repeated in your next role.\n\n### Step 2: Uncover What Originally Worked—and What Shifted\n\nTo gain full clarity on your next steps, take a moment to look backward before you plan ahead. Think back to the day you accepted this offer. What excited you about the opportunity in the first place? Was it the promise of leadership, the chance to master a specific skill, the company culture, or the financial package?\n\nRevisiting that initial spark provides crucial data. What changed between that first enthusiastic day and where you stand right now? Perhaps the growth and promotion you were explicitly promised never materialized, leaving you stuck executing the exact same repetitive tasks year after year. Or maybe the role evolved into something completely different from the job description you signed up for.\n\nListing the elements that initially drew you in—as well as the aspects that currently serve you, whether it's a flexible schedule, great benefits, or a specific type of project—gives you an objective baseline. Understanding precisely where the gap opened between your expectations and reality ensures you know exactly what to look for, and what red flags to avoid, in your next opportunity.\n\n### Step 3: Define the Environment Where You Will Actually Thrive\n\nWhen you are in a role that genuinely aligns with who you are, work stops feeling like an endless uphill battle. You find your rhythm, your contributions carry weight, and showing up every morning doesn't require an act of pure willpower. Finding that sweet spot, however, requires you to get crystal clear on what your ideal professional landscape looks like.\n\nTake an honest look at where you are spending your days right now. Are your sharpest skills sitting on the shelf, underutilized and gathering dust while you handle repetitive tasks that don't challenge you? Or are you operating in an organizational culture that stifles your ideas instead of developing your strengths?\n\nStart mapping out the alternative with intention. Envision the type of environment that would bring back your momentum: What kind of [leadership style]( brings out your best work? What projects would make you feel intellectually engaged and energized? What skills do you want to stretch and expand next?\n\nWhen you define exactly what a great fit looks like—from company culture and autonomy to the specific ways you want to grow—you stop settling for the first available exit and start moving toward a role designed for your capabilities.\n\n### Step 4: Build, Refine, and Execute Your Transition Strategy\nClarity without execution is just wishful thinking. Once you know where you stand and where you want to go, resist the urge to act on impulse. A successful transition demands patience, discipline, and a clear game plan.\n\nNow is the time to quietly elevate your professional presence:\n\n- **Sharpen Your Digital Footprint:** Update your résumé and portfolio with concrete results, quantifiable metrics, and clear impact. Align your public profile so it speaks directly to the higher-level roles you are targeting.\n\n- **Network with Intention:** Connect with industry peers, tap into trusted contacts, and engage in genuine conversations. The best opportunities rarely live on generic job boards; they come through direct relationships and private referrals.\n\n- **Close the Skill Gap:** Pinpoint the exact capabilities required for your target role and start sharpening them immediately—whether through [strategic certifications](https://www.workingal.com/articles/company-using-ai-no-training-what-to-do), mastering new tools, or taking on independent projects.\n\nThe key through all of this is refusing to let fear keep you paralyzed in an unfulfilling role. Starting fresh can feel intimidating, and the path won’t always unfold in a straight line, but you are never trapped. It is never too late to take the reins, bet on your own potential, and secure an environment that actually rewards everything you bring to the table.\n\n","5-signs-that-you-need-to-change-job","signs it's time to change jobs, what are the signs that I need to change job, signs you need to change jobs, job change signs, 7 signs it's time to change jobs","These are the 5 signs that it's time to change jobs and do a career change. Read the article and discover our guide on the signs that you need to change your job.","2021-01-13","2021-01-13T00:07:37.738Z","2026-08-19T00:58:13.725Z","2021-01-13T00:07:44.193Z",{"id":411,"documentId":412,"name":413,"alternativeText":79,"caption":79,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":414,"hash":443,"ext":85,"mime":89,"size":444,"url":445,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":446,"updatedAt":446,"publishedAt":446},56,"wmsprnckjnxagfn55qqqnjhv","change-job-72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5.jpg",{"large":415,"small":422,"medium":429,"thumbnail":436},{"ext":85,"url":416,"etag":417,"hash":418,"mime":89,"name":419,"path":80,"size":420,"width":92,"height":93,"sizeInBytes":421},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_change_job_72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5.jpg","4875010f221b621bba1d6f13a7cd1b36","large_change_job_72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5","large_change-job-72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5.jpg",66.1,66098,{"ext":85,"url":423,"etag":424,"hash":425,"mime":89,"name":426,"path":80,"size":427,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":428},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_change_job_72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5.jpg","3bac3bf5451e5e354c8cc77425ae3e43","small_change_job_72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5","small_change-job-72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5.jpg",22.54,22537,{"ext":85,"url":430,"etag":431,"hash":432,"mime":89,"name":433,"path":80,"size":434,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":435},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_change_job_72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5.jpg","94a9092ccf2266cc827f13714b7fc29d","medium_change_job_72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5","medium_change-job-72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5.jpg",41.84,41840,{"ext":85,"url":437,"etag":438,"hash":439,"mime":89,"name":440,"path":80,"size":441,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":442},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_change_job_72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5.jpg","66bc6f04d570e41684583b3602d85560","thumbnail_change_job_72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5","thumbnail_change-job-72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5.jpg",7.71,7706,"change_job_72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5",144.63,"https://assets.workingal.com/change_job_72d1d7b259f0838d02902e86a58e19e2186f0ef29fa1836ba1b4d9ed436e57b5.jpg","2026-09-06T10:32:00.376Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":26,"documentId":129,"name":130,"slug":131,"instagram":132,"facebook":133,"bio":134,"linkedIn":135,"createdAt":136,"updatedAt":136,"publishedAt":137,"avatar":449},{"id":42,"documentId":139,"name":140,"alternativeText":141,"caption":142,"focalPoint":80,"width":143,"height":143,"formats":450,"hash":155,"ext":146,"mime":150,"size":156,"url":157,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":158,"updatedAt":158,"publishedAt":159},{"thumbnail":451},{"ext":146,"url":147,"etag":148,"hash":149,"mime":150,"name":151,"path":80,"size":152,"width":153,"height":153,"sizeInBytes":154},{"id":76,"documentId":453,"title":454,"content":455,"slug":456,"coffees":26,"seo_title":454,"keywords":457,"seo_desc":458,"bylineDate":459,"bylineTimezone":71,"createdAt":460,"updatedAt":461,"publishedAt":462,"featuredImage":463,"category":501,"author":502,"img":498},"y6qo8oksu3ovxu1vug38a86j","First Job Advice: Your Complete Survival Guide for Starting a New Job ","\n# First Job Advice: Your Complete Survival Guide for Starting a New Job\n\nStarting your first job is one of those defining moments that stays with you forever—equal parts thrilling and terrifying. One minute you're celebrating landing the position, and the next you're lying awake at 2 AM wondering if you've made a huge mistake or if you're even qualified to be there.\n\nHere's what nobody tells you: every professional you admire felt exactly the same way on their first day. The difference between those who thrive and those who struggle isn't talent or experience—it's knowing how to navigate those crucial first weeks and months strategically.\n\nWhether you're fresh out of college or pivoting to a completely new career, this guide will help you avoid the common pitfalls and set yourself up for success from day one.\n\n## Why Starting Your First Job Feels So Overwhelming\n\nThe truth is that the transition from student life (or job searching) to actually working in your field is jarring. Suddenly, the theory you studied is meeting real-world application, and there's no syllabus to follow or professor to guide you through each assignment.\n\n[Research shows that 63% of executives give new employees less than three months](https://www.atlassian.com/blog/teamwork/starting-a-new-job-and-first-week-success#:~:text=First%20impressions%20only%20happen%20once,them%20less%20than%20a%20month.) to prove themselves. Another study found that 91% of employees consider quitting within the first month due to poor onboarding, management issues, or cultural misfit.\n\nThat's a lot of pressure. But here's the good news: you were hired because they believe in you. They saw something valuable [during the interview process](https://www.workingal.com/articles/job-interview-tips), and now it's about translating that potential into consistent performance.\n\n## How to Succeed in Your First Job: Essential Tips for New Employees\n\n### 1\\. Take Detailed Notes (Your Future Self Will Thank You)\n\nWhen you start a new job, you're drinking from a fire hose of information. New systems, new processes, new names, new responsibilities—it's a lot to absorb, and you won't remember everything.\n\nWhat to do:\n\n* Carry a dedicated notebook (yes, actual paper—it shows you're engaged and ready to learn)  \n* Write down passwords, processes, and people's names  \n* Note deadlines, meeting schedules, and project timelines  \n* Create a running list of questions to ask during appropriate moments  \n* Use productivity apps like Notion, Todoist, or Asana to organize tasks\n\nTaking notes demonstrates that you're taking the job seriously. It also creates a reference system so you're not asking the same questions multiple times (which can make you seem scattered or inattentive).\n\n### 2\\. Arrive Early—But Not *Too* Early\n\nPunctuality matters more in your first job than you might think. Being consistently on time (or a few minutes early) signals reliability, professionalism, and respect for others' time.\n\nThe sweet spot: Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes before your official start time. This gives you a buffer for unexpected delays and shows you're eager without seeming overly anxious.\n\nDo a practice run of your commute the week before you start, preferably at the same time you'll be traveling. Traffic patterns vary wildly, and you don't want your first day to start with a frantic, sweaty entrance.\n\nFor projects and deliverables, try to finish them a day or two before the deadline. This gives you time to review your work and handle any unexpected issues that might arise.\n\n### 3\\. Claim Responsibilities Strategically (But Know Your Limits)\n\nThis is where many new employees struggle. You want to prove yourself, show initiative, and demonstrate your worth—but there's a fine line between being ambitious and burning out within your first month.\n\nWhat to do:\n\n* Volunteer for projects that align with your skills and interests  \n* Say \"yes\" to opportunities that will help you learn and grow  \n* Be the person who shows up ready to contribute, not just observe  \n* Ask questions like \"How can I support this project?\" or \"Is there anything I can take off your plate?\"\n\nThe mistake to avoid: Don't say yes to *everything*. Some employers will (intentionally or not) take advantage of a new hire's enthusiasm by piling on responsibilities that aren't in your job description. This leads to burnout, resentment, and ultimately, poor performance.\n\n### *Listen to our episode on Spotify, [“How To Set Boundaries At Work Without Feeling Guilty”](https://open.spotify.com/episode/24uqiwnXWxzOiK4UdVVo8c?si=74c954c5bdcd47ec)*\n\n[Set boundaries early](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-set-and-preserve-boundaries): If you're consistently asked to stay late or take on tasks well outside your role, have a polite conversation with your manager about priorities and workload distribution.\n\n### 4\\. Ask Questions—And Ask Them the Right Way\n\nLet's shatter a myth right now: asking questions does not make you look incompetent. In fact, the opposite is true. Thoughtful questions show you're engaged, processing information, and committed to doing things correctly.\n\nGood questions sound like:\n\n* \"Can you walk me through this process one more time? I want to make sure I understand it fully.\"  \n* \"What's the priority order for these three tasks?\"  \n* \"Who's the best person to ask about \\[specific system/process\\]?\"  \n* \"What does success look like in this role after 30/60/90 days?\"\n\nBad questions sound like:\n\n* \"I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing.\" (Too vague—be specific)  \n* Asking the same question multiple times because you didn't take notes  \n* Questions that could be easily answered by reviewing materials you've already been given\n\n#### [_Learn The 5 Expensive Mistakes I Made Building My Business (And Why I'll Never Make Them Again)_](https://www.workingal.com/articles/expensive-mistakes-building-business-founder-lessons)\n\nTiming matters: Save non-urgent questions for appropriate moments (like scheduled check-ins) rather than interrupting someone mid-task. Keep a running list so you can batch questions together.\n\n### 5\\. Never Apologize for Being New—Own Your Learning Curve\n\nThis is a psychological trap many young professionals fall into. You feel like you need to constantly remind everyone that you're new, inexperienced, or still learning. Stop doing this.\n\n![youngster-woke.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/youngster_woke_fb2bccb396.jpg)\n\n#### Phrases to eliminate:\n\n* \"Sorry, I'm new...\"  \n* \"I know I don't have much experience, but...\"  \n* \"This might be a dumb question...\"  \n* \"I'm probably the youngest person here...\"\n\n#### What to say instead:\n\n* \"I'm still learning this system. Can you clarify...?\"  \n* \"Help me understand the reasoning behind this approach.\"  \n* \"I'd love your perspective on this.\"\n\nThe mindset shift: Your lack of experience is not a deficit—it's an asset. You bring fresh eyes, new ideas, up-to-date training, and genuine enthusiasm. Those are valuable qualities that many seasoned employees have lost along the way.\n\n### 6\\. Observe Before You Contribute\n\nDuring your first week or two, your primary job isn't to revolutionize the company—it's to listen, watch, and learn.\n\nWhat to observe:\n\n* How do people communicate? (Email? Slack? In-person check-ins?)  \n* What's the dress code in practice (not just in the handbook)?  \n* What time do most people arrive and leave?  \n* How do meetings run? Who speaks up? How are decisions made?  \n* What's the social dynamic? Are people friendly? Cliquey? Professional but distant?\n\nUnderstanding these unspoken rules will help you integrate smoothly without accidentally violating cultural norms.\n\n### 7\\. Build Relationships Strategically\n\nYour coworkers will be your greatest resource—not just for work advice, but for navigating company politics, understanding unwritten rules, and potentially advancing your career down the line.\n\nHow to build connections:\n\n* Say yes to lunch invitations (even if you're introverted and would rather eat alone)  \n* Attend optional company events when possible  \n* Make small talk before meetings start  \n* Ask colleagues about their roles, projects, and career paths  \n* Find a mentor or buddy—someone more experienced who can guide you\n\nStay neutral during your first few months. Don't get sucked into office gossip, take sides in conflicts, or form strong opinions about people you barely know. Observe first, engage later.\n\n### 8\\. Manage Your Time and Energy\n\nYour first job will be mentally and physically exhausting. You're using brain power all day, processing tons of new information, and probably feeling anxious about performance.\n\nSurvival strategies:\n\n* Block time for focused work (turn off notifications when possible)  \n* Allocate more time than you think you'll need for tasks initially  \n* Take your lunch break—seriously, step away from your desk  \n* Prioritize sleep and basic self-care (it affects your performance more than you realize)  \n* Learn to say \"I'll get back to you on this\" when you need time to think\n\n### 9\\. Understand the Metrics of Success\n\nWithin your first week, schedule a conversation with your manager to get crystal clear on expectations.\n\nQuestions to ask:\n\n* What does success look like in this role after 30/60/90 days?  \n* How will my performance be evaluated?  \n* What are the most important projects I should focus on?  \n* Who are the key stakeholders I'll be working with?  \n* What's the best way to communicate with you (email, Slack, in-person)?\n\n### *Read also: [5 Useful Questions To Ask Your Manager](https://www.workingal.com/articles/5-useful-questions-to-ask-your-manager)*\n\n### 10\\. Track Your Wins (Even the Small Ones)\n\nFrom day one, keep a \"wins document\" where you record your accomplishments, positive feedback, completed projects, and contributions.\n\nWhy this matters:\n\n* You'll need it for performance reviews  \n* It builds your confidence during tough days  \n* It helps you articulate your value when asking for raises or promotions  \n* It creates a portfolio of work you can reference in future job applications\n\n## Common First Job Mistakes to Avoid\n\n ❌ Trying to change everything immediately \\- You don't have the context yet  \n ❌ Staying silent in all meetings \\- Eventually, you need to contribute  \n ❌ Comparing your workplace to your college experience \\- They're completely different  \n ❌ Being glued to your phone \\- Put it on silent and stay present  \n ❌ Neglecting to build relationships \\- Your network is your net worth  \n ❌ Saying yes to everything and burning out \\- Pace yourself  \n ❌ Being too proud to ask for help \\- Asking questions is a sign of intelligence, not weakness\n\n## What to Expect in Your First 30-60-90 Days\n\n### First 30 Days: The Learning Phase\n\n* Focus on absorbing information  \n* Build basic relationships  \n* Master core responsibilities  \n* Ask lots of questions  \n* Make a positive first impression\n\n### Days 31-60: The Contributing Phase\n\n* Start taking on small projects independently  \n* Share initial ideas and insights  \n* Strengthen relationships with key colleagues  \n* Refine your understanding of your role  \n* Begin tracking your accomplishments\n\n### Days 61-90: The Establishing Phase\n\n* Demonstrate consistent performance  \n* Take initiative on projects  \n* Provide valuable input in meetings  \n* Set clear goals for the next quarter  \n* Prepare for your first formal review\n\nEvery beginning is difficult, and your first job will test you in ways you didn't expect. There will be days when you feel overwhelmed, incompetent, or unsure if you made the right choice.\n\nHere's what I need you to remember: Your value isn't determined by how much you already know—it's determined by how eager you are to learn, how well you adapt, and how consistently you show up ready to contribute.\n\nYou were hired because someone saw potential in you. Now it's your job to prove them right, one small win at a time.\n\nGive yourself permission to be a rookie. Embrace the learning curve. Ask the questions. Make the mistakes (you will, and that's okay). Build the relationships. And most importantly, trust that with time, effort, and the right mindset, you will not only survive your first job—you'll thrive in it.\n\n","the-ultimate-guide-for-rookies-at-work","first job advice, starting a new job, new employee tips, how to succeed in your first job, first day work tips, how to succeed in your first job, what to do on your first day at work","Starting your first job? Get expert first job advice on how new employees can avoid common mistakes, impress your boss, and build confidence at work.","2021-01-09","2021-01-09T11:39:52.128Z","2026-04-15T19:56:51.064Z","2021-01-10T11:26:24.847Z",{"id":464,"documentId":465,"name":466,"alternativeText":79,"caption":79,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":467,"hash":496,"ext":85,"mime":89,"size":497,"url":498,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":499,"updatedAt":499,"publishedAt":500},55,"i8mamemr5flr7fzwqft2w4n7","youngster-working-1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7.jpg",{"large":468,"small":475,"medium":482,"thumbnail":489},{"ext":85,"url":469,"etag":470,"hash":471,"mime":89,"name":472,"path":80,"size":473,"width":92,"height":93,"sizeInBytes":474},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_youngster_working_1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7.jpg","754463ea5e7b6523dc53d3f3d3d4c72a","large_youngster_working_1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7","large_youngster-working-1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7.jpg",69.62,69624,{"ext":85,"url":476,"etag":477,"hash":478,"mime":89,"name":479,"path":80,"size":480,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":481},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_youngster_working_1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7.jpg","2489b0c72acd65f429c8bcd5af412614","small_youngster_working_1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7","small_youngster-working-1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7.jpg",26.04,26043,{"ext":85,"url":483,"etag":484,"hash":485,"mime":89,"name":486,"path":80,"size":487,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":488},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_youngster_working_1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7.jpg","e8b7f14f484b607b14d6119386afb402","medium_youngster_working_1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7","medium_youngster-working-1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7.jpg",46.58,46576,{"ext":85,"url":490,"etag":491,"hash":492,"mime":89,"name":493,"path":80,"size":494,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":495},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_youngster_working_1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7.jpg","ddd674feec66586556b24835b2ed2531","thumbnail_youngster_working_1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7","thumbnail_youngster-working-1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7.jpg",8.48,8483,"youngster_working_1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7",126.26,"https://assets.workingal.com/youngster_working_1c07494007d343a6343923b3d617c96560f32c3decdc1f6aaa867d1f8ba48dd7.jpg","2026-09-06T10:31:59.612Z","2026-09-06T10:31:59.613Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":11,"documentId":211,"name":212,"slug":213,"instagram":214,"facebook":215,"bio":216,"linkedIn":217,"createdAt":218,"updatedAt":218,"publishedAt":219,"avatar":503},{"id":66,"documentId":221,"name":222,"alternativeText":223,"caption":223,"focalPoint":80,"width":143,"height":143,"formats":504,"hash":232,"ext":146,"mime":150,"size":233,"url":234,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":235,"updatedAt":235,"publishedAt":235},{"thumbnail":505},{"ext":146,"url":226,"etag":227,"hash":228,"mime":150,"name":229,"path":80,"size":230,"width":153,"height":153,"sizeInBytes":231},{"id":507,"documentId":508,"title":509,"content":510,"slug":511,"coffees":26,"seo_title":509,"keywords":512,"seo_desc":513,"bylineDate":514,"bylineTimezone":71,"createdAt":515,"updatedAt":516,"publishedAt":517,"featuredImage":518,"category":555,"author":556,"img":553},74,"znt9r9lvtc9fiofxn6sckps2","The Best Investment You Can Make for Your Career (Hint: It's Not a Designer Handbag)","You're scrolling through LinkedIn at midnight (again), watching former classmates get promoted while you're stuck in the same role. You've been working hard, showing up consistently, doing good work. So why does it feel like everyone else is moving forward while you're standing still?\n\nHere's what nobody tells you: hard work isn't enough. Showing up isn't enough. If you want to advance in your career, earn more, and feel genuinely fulfilled by your work, you need to make one critical investment that most people overlook.\n\nNo, it's not an expensive executive coaching program or another networking happy hour. It's not even a graduate degree (though that might be part of it). The best investment you can make for your career is investing in yourself—strategically, intentionally, and continuously.\n\nAs Warren Buffett famously said, \"The most important investment you can make is in yourself.\" But what does that actually mean in practical terms? And how do you invest in yourself when you're already stretched thin with work, life, and everything in between?\nLet's break it down.\n\n## Why Investing in Yourself Is the Ultimate Career Move\nAccording to research from the World Economic Forum, 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025 as technology and workplace demands evolve. But here's the kicker: only 34% of workers have engaged in any professional development in the past year.\n\nThat gap? That's your opportunity.\n\nWhen you invest in yourself—in [new skills](https://www.workingal.com/articles/soft-skills), knowledge, and capabilities—you're not just keeping up with industry changes. You're positioning yourself as someone who's adaptable, growth-oriented, and valuable. These are the qualities that lead to promotions, salary increases, and career opportunities that align with your goals.\n\nBut investing in yourself isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder or earning more money (though those are nice side effects). It's about building confidence, expanding what you're capable of, and creating options for yourself. When you develop new skills, you're no longer limited to one career path or dependent on one employer. You're building career security through capability, not just company loyalty.\n## What \"Investing in Yourself\" Actually Means\nLet's clear up a common misconception: investing in yourself isn't about expensive spa days, designer work wardrobes, or #selfcare bubble baths. \n\nThose things are nice, and yes, taking care of your wellbeing matters. But when we talk about career investment, we're talking about building skills, knowledge, and capabilities that compound over time.\n\nThink of it this way: buying a $200 blazer is a purchase. Taking a $200 course that teaches you data analysis or public speaking is an investment. One makes you look professional. The other makes you more valuable.\n\nThe difference? Return on investment. The blazer depreciates the moment you wear it. The skill appreciates every time you use it, potentially leading to higher earnings, better opportunities, and more career satisfaction for years to come.\n\n## 5 Strategic Ways to Invest in Your Career Growth\n### 1. Identify and Fill Your Skills Gaps\nGet honest about where your skills are holding you back, then systematically address those gaps.  You goal is not to become perfect at everything but identify the specific skills that are preventing you from reaching your next career goal and strategically developing them.\n\n#### How to Identify Your Gaps:\n\n![best-investment.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/best_investment_fb067f8dc1.jpg)\n\n- Look at job descriptions for roles you want. What skills do they require that you don't have?\n- Ask for feedback from managers, mentors, or colleagues you trust\n- Notice patterns in your work. What tasks do you avoid or struggle with?\n- Review your last performance review. What areas were noted for improvement?\n\nHere's a personal example: Early in my career as a translator, I was technically skilled at the work itself. I had the degree, the experience, the language proficiency. But I struggled with client negotiations, often accepting lower rates than I deserved because I didn't know how to confidently discuss pricing.\n\nThat skills gap was costing me money every single project. So I invested in a [negotiation course](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33RHmOzcNPo&t=161s). Not another translation seminar (I already knew how to translate), but training in an area where I was weak. That one investment changed my earning potential significantly.\n\n#### What are the Steps To Put That Into Action?\n\n- Choose ONE skill gap that's actively holding you back\n- Find a course, book, mentor, or resource to address it (many are free or low-cost)\n- Commit to 30 days of focused learning\n- Apply the skill immediately in your work\n\n### 2. Learn Skills Adjacent to Your Expertise\nDon't just go deeper in what you already know—expand laterally into related skills that make you more versatile and valuable.\nIf you're a marketing professional, you probably already know marketing. Taking another social media marketing course might feel productive, but it's unlikely to dramatically change your career trajectory. But learning data analytics, project management, or basic web development? Those adjacent skills make you significantly more marketable.\n\nAccording to LinkedIn's Workplace Learning Report, professionals with diverse skill sets are more likely to be promoted and earn higher salaries than those who specialize narrowly in one area.\n\n**Examples by Role:**\n\n- If you're in finance: Learn data visualization, presentation skills, or strategic communication\n- If you're in HR: Develop skills in data analytics, change management, or employment law\n- If you're in tech: Build business acumen, stakeholder management, or technical writing\n- If you're in sales: Learn CRM systems, marketing automation, or customer success principles\n\nThe goal isn't to become mediocre at everything. It's to become exceptional at your core skill while developing complementary capabilities that make you irreplaceable.\n\n### 3. Invest in Communication and Leadership Skills\nPrioritize \"soft skills\" that pay dividends across every aspect of your career.\nHere's something nobody tells you early in your career: technical skills might get you hired, but communication and leadership skills get you promoted.\nResearch from Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center found that 85% of job success comes from well-developed soft skills and people skills, while only 15% comes from technical skills and knowledge.\n\nYet most professionals invest almost exclusively in technical training and ignore the skills that actually drive career advancement.\n\n#### High-Impact Communication Skills:\n\n- Public speaking and presentation skills\n- Writing clearly and persuasively (emails, reports, proposals)\n- Active listening and asking powerful questions\n- Giving and receiving feedback constructively\n- Negotiation and conflict resolution\n\n#### Leadership Skills Worth Developing:\n\n- Project management and organization\n- Delegation and team coordination\n- Strategic thinking and decision-making\n- Emotional intelligence and self-awareness\n- Influencing without authority\n\n![best career investment you can make](https://assets.workingal.com/best_career_investment_you_can_make_6d2a2860ce.webp)\n\nYou don't need to be in a management role to [develop leadership skills](https://www.workingal.com/articles/the-most-effective-leadership-books-you-will-ever-read). In fact, building these capabilities before you're promoted often positions you as the obvious choice when opportunities arise.\n\n#### Where to Start:\n\n- [Toastmasters](https://toastmasters.org/) (public speaking practice, typically $50-100 for 6 months)\n- Books like \"Crucial Conversations\" or \"The First 90 Days\"\n- YouTube channels on leadership and communication (check our [YouTube channel for career talks](https://www.youtube.com/@theworkingal)!)\n- Volunteer to lead a project at work for real-world practice\n\n### 4. Build Your Professional Network Strategically\nInvest time in building genuine relationships with people who can support, challenge, and expand your thinking.\n[Networking has a reputation for being awkward and transactional, but when done right](https://www.workingal.com/articles/how-to-network), it's one of the highest-return investments you can make. Research shows that 85% of jobs are filled through networking, and professionals with strong networks earn more and advance faster than those without them.\n\nBut effective networking isn't about collecting business cards or connecting with strangers on LinkedIn. It's about building authentic relationships with people who can provide:\n\n- Mentorship: People ahead of you who can guide your career decisions\n- Peer support: Colleagues at your level to share challenges and strategies\n- Opportunity awareness: People who know about openings or projects before they're public\n- Skill development: People who can teach you or collaborate on new skills\n\nNetworking is a long-term investment. The relationships you build today might not pay off for months or years, but when they do, the return is exponential.\n\n### 5. Pursue Formal Education (When It Makes Strategic Sense)\nConsider certifications, courses, or degrees that directly advance your career goals—but be strategic about the investment.\nI'll be honest: not everyone needs a master's degree or expensive certification (and I have plenty of those!). But for some careers, formal credentials matter significantly. The key is being strategic about when and what education is worth the investment.\n\n#### When Formal Education Makes Sense:\n\n- It's required for the roles you want (e.g., MBA for certain leadership positions, CPA for accounting advancement)\n- It provides access to a valuable network (executive education programs, industry certifications)\n- It fills a critical knowledge gap you can't easily fill elsewhere\n- The ROI is clear (projected salary increase justifies the cost and time)\n\n#### Alternatives to Traditional Degrees:\n\n- Professional certifications: PMP (Project Management), Google Analytics, HubSpot certifications\n- Online courses: Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy (often $10-50)\n- Industry workshops and bootcamps: Intensive skill-building in weeks instead of years\n- Company-sponsored training: Many employers offer professional development budgets—use them!\n\nWhen I decided to pursue a master's degree, it wasn't because I needed another credential. It was strategic: I wanted to expand my service offerings beyond the traditional I offered and that degree gave me the technical skills to do that, and it directly expanded my business capabilities (and now, I am a proud business owner!).\n\nThe question isn't \"Is education valuable?\" It's \"Is this specific education valuable for my specific career goals right now?\"\n\n## How to Start Investing in Yourself (Even on a Tight Budget)\nOne of the biggest myths about professional development is that it requires significant money. While some investments do cost (and are worth it), many of the most impactful ways to invest in yourself are free or low-cost.\n\n### Free or Low-Cost Options:\n\n- YouTube and podcasts: Thousands of hours of expert teaching available free\n- Library resources: Books, audiobooks, and often free access to LinkedIn Learning\n- Company benefits: Professional development budgets, tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs\n- Free trials: Skillshare, MasterClass, and other platforms offer trial periods\n- Community resources: Toastmasters, professional associations, industry meetups\n- Shadowing and informational interviews: Learn from people already doing what you want to do\n\n### Time Investment Over Money:\nThe real investment isn't always money—it's time and consistency. Reading for 20 minutes before bed. Listening to a podcast during your commute. Taking one online course per quarter. These small, consistent investments compound significantly over time.\n\n## The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything\nHere's the truth about investing in yourself: it requires a fundamental mindset shift from consumer to builder.\n\nMost people think: \"When I get the promotion, then I'll develop leadership skills.\" Or \"When I have more money, then I'll invest in that course.\" They're waiting for external circumstances to change before they invest in internal growth.\n\nBut successful professionals flip that script. They think: \"I'll develop leadership skills so I'm ready when opportunities arise.\" Or \"I'll invest in this skill now, which will enable me to earn more later.\"\n\nThey don't wait to be chosen. They prepare to be ready.\n\n![best career investment you can make](https://assets.workingal.com/best_career_investment_you_can_make_f8fc9af5ef.webp)\n\nThis shift from passive to proactive changes everything. You're no longer dependent on your company's training programs or waiting for someone to develop you. You're taking ownership of your career growth, which is the most empowering position you can be in.\n\nThe best investment you can make isn't Bitcoin or real estate or the stock market (though those are great too). It's investing in your own capabilities, knowledge, and skills. Unlike other investments, this one can never be taken away from you. Economic recessions happen. Companies downsize. Industries shift. But the skills you develop, the relationships you build, and the knowledge you gain? Those are yours forever.\n\nStart small. Pick one area where you know you're weak or where a new skill could open doors. Dedicate 30 days to focused learning. Apply it immediately. Then move to the next skill.\n\nYou don't need to invest thousands of dollars or quit your job to go back to school. You just need to commit to continuous growth and recognize that the person you're investing in—yourself—has the highest potential return of any investment you'll ever make.\nWhat's one skill you've been putting off learning? What would change in your career if you finally developed it? Let us know in the comments—we'd love to hear what you're working on.\n\n### How much should I invest in professional development annually?\nFinancial experts typically recommend investing 3-5% of your annual income in professional development, but this varies based on your career stage and goals. Early career professionals might invest more (proportionally) to build foundational skills, while experienced professionals might invest in high-level executive education. The key is consistency—even small, regular investments compound over time.\n### How do I know which skills to prioritize?\nStart by analyzing job descriptions for roles you aspire to. What skills appear repeatedly that you don't have? Ask your manager or mentor what they see as your biggest growth opportunity. Look at where you struggle or procrastinate at work—those avoidance patterns often indicate skills gaps. Finally, consider what skills would make you more versatile and valuable across multiple roles or companies.\n### Is it worth investing in myself if I might leave my current job?\nAbsolutely. In fact, this is one of the best reasons to invest in yourself. Skills are portable—they go with you wherever your career takes you. Unlike company-specific knowledge, broadly applicable skills increase your market value and give you more career options. When you invest in yourself, you're building career security regardless of what happens with any single employer.\n### How can I find time for professional development when I'm already overwhelmed?\nStart smaller than you think you need to. Even 15 minutes daily adds up to over 90 hours annually. Listen to podcasts during your commute. Read before bed. Take one online course per quarter instead of trying to do everything at once. The key is consistency over intensity—small, regular investments compound more effectively than sporadic bursts of effort.\n","what-is-the-best-investment-you-can-make","investment, business, money, grow, skills, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship","The best investment for your career isn't a certification or networking event—it's investing in yourself. Learn 5 strategic ways to develop skills that actually move the needle.","2021-01-06","2021-01-06T14:47:44.649Z","2025-10-25T00:12:08.519Z","2021-01-06T14:47:47.310Z",{"id":519,"documentId":520,"name":521,"alternativeText":79,"caption":79,"focalPoint":80,"width":81,"height":82,"formats":522,"hash":551,"ext":85,"mime":89,"size":552,"url":553,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":554,"updatedAt":554,"publishedAt":554},53,"czxz2ihpon832kip5b8vqw7j","the-best-investment-b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff.jpg",{"large":523,"small":530,"medium":537,"thumbnail":544},{"ext":85,"url":524,"etag":525,"hash":526,"mime":89,"name":527,"path":80,"size":528,"width":92,"height":93,"sizeInBytes":529},"https://assets.workingal.com/large_the_best_investment_b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff.jpg","472fd71170205117de31eeb49f26985f","large_the_best_investment_b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff","large_the-best-investment-b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff.jpg",123.44,123444,{"ext":85,"url":531,"etag":532,"hash":533,"mime":89,"name":534,"path":80,"size":535,"width":101,"height":102,"sizeInBytes":536},"https://assets.workingal.com/small_the_best_investment_b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff.jpg","dc5aa5a0d6a7dc54f4f0380a10c41961","small_the_best_investment_b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff","small_the-best-investment-b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff.jpg",37.28,37278,{"ext":85,"url":538,"etag":539,"hash":540,"mime":89,"name":541,"path":80,"size":542,"width":110,"height":111,"sizeInBytes":543},"https://assets.workingal.com/medium_the_best_investment_b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff.jpg","77de731c561cbd90b1925ccdc13f4146","medium_the_best_investment_b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff","medium_the-best-investment-b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff.jpg",75.26,75258,{"ext":85,"url":545,"etag":546,"hash":547,"mime":89,"name":548,"path":80,"size":549,"width":119,"height":120,"sizeInBytes":550},"https://assets.workingal.com/thumbnail_the_best_investment_b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff.jpg","e637bd48f83904c24336b1ca95d1e9ad","thumbnail_the_best_investment_b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff","thumbnail_the-best-investment-b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff.jpg",11.35,11353,"the_best_investment_b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff",267.92,"https://assets.workingal.com/the_best_investment_b9e256c3462eb3856a630e73a1801278c03b3743521d990e081fdf85bea2c6ff.jpg","2026-09-06T10:31:57.941Z",{"id":26,"documentId":27,"name":28,"slug":29,"createdAt":48,"updatedAt":48,"publishedAt":49},{"id":26,"documentId":129,"name":130,"slug":131,"instagram":132,"facebook":133,"bio":134,"linkedIn":135,"createdAt":136,"updatedAt":136,"publishedAt":137,"avatar":557},{"id":42,"documentId":139,"name":140,"alternativeText":141,"caption":142,"focalPoint":80,"width":143,"height":143,"formats":558,"hash":155,"ext":146,"mime":150,"size":156,"url":157,"previewUrl":80,"provider":125,"provider_metadata":80,"createdAt":158,"updatedAt":158,"publishedAt":159},{"thumbnail":559},{"ext":146,"url":147,"etag":148,"hash":149,"mime":150,"name":151,"path":80,"size":152,"width":153,"height":153,"sizeInBytes":154},{"id":561,"documentId":562,"title":563,"content":564,"slug":565,"coffees":26,"seo_title":563,"keywords":566,"seo_desc":567,"bylineDate":568,"bylineTimezone":71,"createdAt":569,"updatedAt":570,"publishedAt":571,"featuredImage":572,"category":610,"author":611,"img":608},42,"x88o2iam0kfxowhsy1bw75f6","Freelancers: The Ultimate Guide to Survive During Summer","Today, we have officially welcomed summer (or almost, until the weather settles a bit). All the freelancers of this world think just one thing: *How are we going to survive this summer in the heat, with the deadlines running and with us trying too hard to deal with all of this in the middle of a heatwave, regardless of holidays or even weekends, to be consistent towards our clients?*\n\nBeing a freelancer is hard enough, whether *in winter or summer*. Their lifestyle is far more different from the **lifestyle** of an employee working in an office. No matter how much we try to maintain standard working hours, we usually fail epically. I have NEVER been able to work only for 8 hours, and I have tried. I typically start enthusiastically and try to keep a rudimentary program. Still, I almost always end up working for about 20 hours straight to meet my deadline. (At this point, I would like to make a particular reference to my sister for the uncountable times she fed me by force when I didn’t even have the time to leave my laptop!).\n\nHowever, **during summertime**, most of us feel loose, and we tend to operate more passively. Therefore the life of a freelancer may be transformed into a living hell. The amount of work and the strict deadlines, including the absolute desire to turn off the desktop and storm out of the house heading to the closest beach, makes us crave a job with regular working hours in an office.\n\nOh yes, I seldom have thought to give up everything and start hitting the road to the closest beach, *leaving all the projects and deadlines behind*. However, since we are adults and have to work to live, we need to find solutions to make it through summer in front of our computers.\n\nFirst of all, **hydration** is a crucial point. When something is missing, and we don’t know what it is, it’s water. It helps concentration; it regulates body temperature and gives energy. I always keep *a bottle of water* next to me while I’m working. Also, eating well is another good point to consider. Don’t forget to eat as healthily as you can (I write these things for me, see particular reference above).\n\nHowever, the big problem is **weekends** and **public holidays** (fortunately there aren’t a lot!). When you are suffocating among projects, you know that they won’t be ready on time if you stop working. Your friends and family are not a group of freelancers, but people who don’t work these days, then yes, desperation hits your door quickly. In that case, I suggest that you take a deep breath, accept the reality, and *“dive”* into the projects. The right summer music in the background does wonders. The avoidance of checking your social media is required (the ruthless display of photos of our friends lying on exotic beaches **DOES NOT** help our productivity, been there done that).\n\nAnother issue is the **sunny days**. Consequently, for us who live and work in *Greece*, a country famous for its summertime, sunny days are immense torture when you see a little of them through your window. I am practically jealous of those people who get dressed and go to work because they get to see and feel the sun. Nonetheless, I end up thinking of the heat and how intolerable it is to drive a car or wait for the bus on such warm days for more than five minutes. As if by magic, I’m not jealous anymore!\n\n![freelancers-summer.jpg](https://assets.workingal.com/freelancers_summer_b800dfb7cf.jpg)\n\nHowever, suppose the obligations are many, and the **mood for socializing** is uncontrollable. In that case, I suggest, for those who are lucky to have a balcony, to honor it and move their office there (aka their laptop). This way, it feels like you are out of the house, without having to move from one place to another. For the social beasts, there is the option to choose a small and quiet café (you can find almost everywhere in the city those tiny treasures) and *here the change of scenery comes*!\n\nUnfortunately, there aren’t magic recipes to overcome the “torture” called **freelancing during summer**. So, till we win the lottery and be able to take a permanent vacation the whole year (how dull would it be though!), I suggest that we think how much we love our job, the fact at least we have more flexible working hours than other professions and more importantly that by being patient, persistent and good-willing, we can achieve the impossible!\n\n### Source: [Freelancers: The ultimate guide to surviving during summer](https://www.edl.gr/en/2019/06/01/freelancers-the-ultimate-guide-to-survive-during-summer/)\n\n***\n\n# Follow Us On Social For More Tips & News\n\n## [The Working Gal on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/the_working_gal/) \n\n## [The Working Gal on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/theworkinggal) \n\n## [The Working Gal on Pinterest](https://fr.pinterest.com/the_working_gal/)\n","freelancers-the-ultimate-guide-to-survive-during-summer","challenges of freelancers, summer freelancers, freelancer challenge, working in summer, challenges of freelancing, problems faced by freelancers","How do freelancers handle working from home in the summer? 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