Life & Work Skills

I didn’t mean to start a side hustle. It just kind of happened. I started writing for fun and then I blinked and seven years later, here I am. And while I accidentally found myself side-hustling, I’m relieved to know I’m in good company. 50% of Americans have a side hustle! 1 in 2 people are working their 9 to 5 jobs, and then as soon as they clock out, they’re focusing on their 5 to 9 side hustles. From creating online courses to walking dogs to freelancing to becoming a content creator, the type of side hustles available now seems limitless. While side hustles are a way to supplement an existing income, their genesis differs from one person to another. Some people start a side hustle to increase their income and their lifestyle, while others utilize side hustles as a creative way to build new skills and boost their resume.
No matter the reason you want to start a side hustle, there are a lot of things to consider before taking the plunge. What seems like a good, easy idea can lead to working an 80-hour a week side hustle, leaving you tired, stressed, and overwhelmed. And while many people hear all the buzz and find themselves wondering how to have a side hustle, it might be more important to focus on why not to have a side hustle. If you’re wondering what those reasons are, here are six.

Don’t Start a Side Hustle If…

1. You Value Your Down Time
If you’re the kind of person whose downtime is filled with non-negotiables like practicing self-care, nurturing relationships, or focusing on self-improvement, side hustles may not be for you. While side hustles sound fun and flashy, they take up a lot of your hard-earned downtime. You may start a side hustle with the intention of saving extra money and creating a lifestyle of freedom, but what you might end up with is a rich bank account and a time bankrupt life. If a lack of time for the activities you love stresses you out, you might want to pause your plans to start a side hustle.
But if you’re willing to negotiate on a few of the items in your life that you used to see as non-negotiable, it could be time to take the leap. If you think you’re ready, here’s an activity you can do to test the waters. For one week, track your time, including your downtime. This will help you take stock of how much free time you actually have during the week and where you’re willing to change how you spend your time. Once you have a clear understanding of how much available time you’re willing to devote to a side hustle, it’ll be easier for you to get started.

2. Your Current Role Is Your Priority 
Side hustles require a lot of effort to get off the ground and maintain. Now think about adding that workload onto the current responsibilities of your full-time role. Does that feel like too much to manage? If so, now might not be the time to start your side hustle. If your current role is your focus because you’re trying to grow in your career or land a promotion, that is absolutely where you should dedicate your attention. Yes, many people call it a rat race, which sounds negative and unappealing, but aiming to build a career you love in a field you’re passionate about is something to be proud of.
Side hustles often get glamorized on social media and can instill a sense of FOMO. But they are of no value to you if they become a distraction from work. Getting a side hustle off the ground takes time, and it takes even longer if you want to turn a sustainable profit. So, it’s OK if you realize the modern-day American dream looks different to you. Everyone’s journey looks different, and there is no “right” career path. If a side hustle isn’t a part of yours right now, or ever, feel confident knowing you’ve built a career that works for you.
If you ever find yourself curious to dabble in the entrepreneurial space, know that going from a 9-to-5 a serial entrepreneur doesn’t happen overnight, which means you need a job to sustain you along the way. If you’re confident you can effectively balance your current role with your desire to start a side hustle, go ahead and get started. But know that it’s a balancing act, and if push comes to shove, the activity that actually pays your rent may take precedence.

3. It’s Misaligned With Your Goals
People aren’t always looking to get into the side hustle game because of money. Sometimes it’s for something money can’t buy: skills and experience. Learning new skills and gaining hands-on experience is an invaluable way to grow or pivot your career. I could write a book filled with true stories that illustrate this. Why? Because it’s exactly what I did. 
When my five-year plan after college began to crumble, I needed to figure out what was next. To do that, I started writing to process my career journey. I loved it so much that I decided I wanted to make writing a part of my full-time gig. But hiring an accounting major for a writing or communications role can be a hard sell. And so, I started freelance writing to gain transferable skills to land a new job. I was ready and willing to do whatever it took to prove I was worth hiring. It took a lot of unpaid gigs, early mornings, late nights, and missed plans. In hindsight, it was absolutely worth it. But it’s not for the faint of heart.
If your current personal or professional goal is to pivot careers or add valuable skills to your resume and a side hustle can support your goals, take every opportunity to get started. But if creating a side hustle feels misaligned with what you’re striving for, it’s OK for those plans to take a backseat so you can focus on achieving the goals at the top of your list.

4. You’re Looking for Immediate Passive Income
Side hustles are a great way to earn income, sometimes even passively. But it’s unrealistic to expect a cash flow from products and enjoy the passivepreneur lifestyle from day one. It takes upfront work to get to a place where you can set it and forget it to earn an automatic income. And while it sounds like rainbows and butterflies, there isn’t a magic button you can press to get you there. It often takes a solid business plan, substantial investment, grit, and determination. If you’re not in a place in your life where you are willing to put in the work and sacrifice some of your time, money, and comfort now to earn a passive income later, then I’d reconsider your side hustle plans. 

5. You’re Risk Adverse
Risks can be scary, and rightfully so. They challenge us and put us in uncomfortable situations without guaranteeing success. Taking a risk can often feel like a big leap of faith, and that’s exactly what starting a side hustle feels like. A risk-averse person may prefer never to start something if there’s no promise it’ll work out. But without risks, there are no rewards.
Risk-averse people may also seek comfort in job security. Job security is a wonderful thing, but it’s also a promise that a side hustle can’t keep. Starting a side hustle while you have a full-time job can help mitigate some of the risks that come with something new. If your idea fails (which it’s a totally normal thing that can happen and doesn’t mean you’re a failure), you have the cushion of a job to support you. Only you can determine your comfort level when launching a side hustle. But if you’re waiting for the right or safe time, know it may never come.

6. You’re Not Comfortable Marketing Yourself
When you start a side hustle, you’re a one-woman company. You have to wear many hats because you are the sales team and the talent and the customer service agent and the social media team and the tech team—and literally everything else. You are the face of your side hustle and the sole person responsible for making it happen. If you’re thinking, “Game on, I love this type of work,” then you’re ready to dive into a side hustle. But if it’s cause for hesitation, then I’d reconsider.
Being forward facing and putting yourself out there can be incredibly uncomfortable for people, but it’s absolutely necessary when side hustling. Being uncomfortable isn’t a bad thing. Growth often comes from discomfort. But you have to be ready to take on the uncomfortable stuff and market yourself to make your side hustle successful. It’s up to you to decide if you’re ready for the challenge.

5 Signs That You Should Take Your Side-Hustle Full Time More

I don’t love talking with strangers. I’m an introvert at heart, and making an effort to engage in social interaction often drains my energy. But still, I do it. Not because I feel like I have to, but because while it can be exhausting, it’s equally energizing. Talking with new people or even people you know of but have never engaged with before is how connections are made, friendships are formed, and potential business partners and clients are identified. Love it or hate it, chatting with people and making small talk is a necessary skill if you want to converse with strangers IRL instead of solely through social media DMs and text. But just because it’s necessary doesn’t mean it’s an innate skill everyone possesses. If you’re wondering how to have meaningful conversations, that’s where good conversation starters come in.
To help you start conversations that go beyond small talk, you need to have a few good conversation starters up your sleeve. And because I was equally as curious to have a few great conversation starters in my back pocket that spark memorable and interesting discussions no matter the situation, I did the work so you don’t have to. Here are 150+ good conversation starters for any situation. 

150+ Good Conversation Starters
We find ourselves in a lot of different situations throughout our lives that require very different ways to start a conversation. So, I’ve divided the list by different styles of great conversation starters to help you find the best conversation topics you may want to add to your list.

Easy Conversation Starters
Sometimes, we need an effortless way to get the conversation started. The next time you’re in need of something simple, try these.

I really like your [insert anything the person has on them or with them]. Where did you get it?
Are you a coffee or tea drinker?
What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
What are you currently reading?
What’s the last show you binged?
What’s your go-to comfort show?
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
What podcasts do you like listening to?
Do you have a favorite sport?
What’s your favorite holiday?
Do you have any pets?
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla?
Are you a sweet or savory treat person?
What sports teams do you root for?
Are you a beach or mountain person?
Do you have any trips coming up?
What restaurant do you always recommend to out-of-town guests?
What was the first cell phone you had?
What’s the one app on your phone that you use the most?
What’s the last picture you took on your phone?
Do you believe in ghosts?
What are your kids really interested in right now?
Where would you go if you could travel anywhere in the world with all expenses paid?
Would you rather have a chauffeur or a personal chef as a gift for one month?
What’s your least favorite household chore?
What was the last thing you bought on Amazon?
What’s your favorite thing you purchased in the last year?

Deep Conversation Starters
With the right audience, deep conversation starters are a meaningful way to dive into great conversations.

What piece of advice would you give your 22-year-old self? 
What did you want to be when you grew up?
What advice would you give your younger self?
If you could change one thing about the way you were raised what would it be?
What’s a core memory from your childhood?
Do you have siblings? What’s the dynamic like and what role do you play?What’s one thing you miss from your childhood?
What’s one thing that used to be an insecurity but now you love about yourself?
If money wasn’t a concern, how would you spend your ideal day?
Education, experience, and money aside, what is your dream job?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
What’s something you’re currently struggling with?
What is one thing you’re grateful for right now?
If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?
What motivates you?
If you were frozen in time, when would you want to be unthawed?
If someone came to you for advice, what would the topic be?
Biggest difference between your current decade and your previous one?
What’s a compliment you received that really stuck with you?
If you could change one thing about yourself, with the caveat that it can’t be anything physical, what would it be?
When was the last time you cried?

Conversation Starters For Texting
Not all conversations start in person. And while AIM isn’t a thing anymore (am I dating myself?), texting is. If you’ve exchanged numbers with someone after a successful first meeting and are not sure where to take the conversation next, try these fun conversation starters.

I need to know your opinion on… *insert topic*
You won’t believe what just happened! *insert story*
This is random, but *insert story*
Do you have any *insert topic* recommendations?
How did *insert topic* go? (try to tie in something from your in-person conversation)
I have nothing to watch, any recommendations? 
What are your most used emojis?
If you had to choose a song to describe your vibe what would it be?
What’s been your favorite part of the day so far?
What are your green flags?
Do you have any plans for this weekend?
How many photos are on your camera roll?
What’s your favorite local restaurant?

Work Conversation Starters
You may need good conversation starters in the office, at interviews, or even when working remotely. Or maybe you’re looking for networking conversation starters for your next event. No matter where you use them, do your best to keep the conversation professional.

What did you do this weekend?
Are you working on an exciting project right now?
What’s the best team-building activity you’ve ever been a part of?
What do you like to listen to when you’re working?
Do you prefer standing desks or sitting desks?
What’s your Starbucks order?
What was your very first job?
What is the best professional development book you’ve ever read?
What is your favorite work-related podcast?
What one skill you’re currently working on?
If you could work from anywhere, where would you work from?
What are your desk must-haves?
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
What’s your favorite part about working at your current company?
What has been the most enjoyable networking event you’ve attended?
How does your team measure success?

Family Conversation Starters
Conversations with family can feel safe and warm (or at least that is my hope for you). If you’re in a comfortable environment with those you love, it’s delightful to get the conversation going with questions centered around your family, past gatherings, and enjoyable memories.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
What’s your favorite family gathering you’ve ever been to?
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
What’s your favorite movie from your childhood?
If you were stuck in an elevator full of family members, who are the five people you’d want to be trapped with?
What was your favorite subject in school and why?
Who is someone who positively impacted your life but doesn’t even know it?
Which family member cooks your favorite food?
What’s your favorite childhood memory?
What were your parents like when they were your age?
How has our family dynamic changed over the years?
What is something you wish we did more of as a family?
If budget wasn’t an issue, what would your dream family vacation be?
What are you most proud of?
What’s the best piece of advice you gave this year?
What’s the best thing about our family?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
What’s changed the most about me since I was a kid?
What are you glad I inherited?
If you could relive one moment of the past year, what would it be?
What’s a gift you really wanted as a kid but never got?
If we had to compete as a family, what Olympic sport do you think we could dominate at?
If our family had a reality show, what would it be called?

Flirty and Date-Worthy Conversation Starters
Are you on the apps and bored with all your Bumble conversation starters? Or are you looking for a way to freshen up your first date questions? Don’t worry. Try a few of these to get your flirt on.

What’s the first thing you noticed about me?
What’s your story?
What do you look for in a partner?
What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn how to do?
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
If you could be anyone for a day who would you be and why?
If you had to give your younger self advice, what would it be?
What would be your theme song if you had to pick one song to play every time you walked into a room?
What’s the worst date you’ve been on?
What’s your biggest turn-on?
If you took someone on a tour of your hometown, where would you take them and why?
Do you believe in love at first sight?
What’s the most attractive quality in a person?
Who was your first kiss and what’s the story behind it?
What’s your love language?
What’s something you could talk about forever?
Are you the type to be friends with your ex?
How many times have you been in love?

Party Conversation Starters
When it’s time to get the party started, you can often use conversation starters that are a bit more fun and adventurous. Try a few of these at your next gathering.

How do you know the host?
What’s your go-to drink order?
If you’re looking to have a good time, what’s the first thing you do?
When was the last time you laughed so hard that you almost peed your pants? What happened?
If you were a dog, what would breed would you be, and why?
What would the title of your autobiography be?
If you could star on any current television show, what show would you be on?
If you were going to star in a movie, who would you want to be your costar?
What’s a movie where you loved the original, but hated the sequel?
If you could host any reality show reunion, what would it be and why?
What’s your real housewife tagline? 
Do you have a hidden talent?
What songs would be played on a loop in hell?
If you were invisible and could go anywhere, where would you go?
What would you bring if you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things with you for entertainment?
What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever Googled?
What is the most famous true-crime story from your hometown?
What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever broken?
What word do you always misspell? 
What product could you be a spokesperson for?
If you could have any talent, what would it be and why?
If you could build your dream home tomorrow, where would it be, and what are your must-haves for the design?

Road Trip Conversation Starters
Is there anything more fun than taking a road trip with good friends? If you’re traveling with someone, I’d like to think you’re already pretty well acquainted. But if you want to learn something fun and new about each other, try these questions.

What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?
What’s a trip you want to take but haven’t had the chance to yet?
Have many states and countries have you traveled to?
Who are your top artists on Spotify?
What would you order for your last meal?
If you could get tickets to any concert, whether the band/artist is dead or alive, who would it be?
What is your favorite gas station snack?
What’s a personal goal you’re trying to achieve?
What are three words that best describe you?
What’s on your bucket list?
What music did you listen to in high school?
What song would you pick if you had to listen to one song for the entire car ride?
Who’s your role model?
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?
Who’s your current celebrity crush, and who was your first celebrity crush?
If you could only subscribe to and watch one streaming service for the rest of the year, which one would you choose?
If you were going to become immortal, at what age would you want to be when you stop aging?

6 (Non-Awkward) Ways To Approach Someone You Want To Be Friends With More

Spring is the time of in-between. It’s not quite warm enough to spend every chance you get outside, nor is it cold enough to be cooped up for days on end. But as the weather grows warmer, the sun shines brighter, and the days get longer, the desire to get out and about grows stronger. Naturally, this can have a negative impact on your work performance. After all, it’s hard to focus on the task at hand when you’d rather be sipping a celebratory spring cocktail elsewhere.
That said, one of the easiest ways to combat this and stay on top of your sh*t is with a nice, enticing setup. And with these 20 desk essentials, you can give your office the refresh it needs this spring and stay focused and productive all season long. Keep scrolling to learn more.

Aroma Nook Cool Mist Diffuser
Spring allergies won’t stand a chance against this cool mist diffuser. With a stylish embossed lid and LED light option, place in the corner of your desk and fill with your favorite essential oil blend to bring calming vibes, fresh scents, and cleaner air into your space.

Etsy | Indemira
Ceramic Daisy Embossed Mug
The neutral color and daisy design of this adorable mug make it perfect for sipping warm beverages out of all season long.

Inspirational Pen Set
Sometimes, we need a little reminder to keep going because we’ve totally got this. On the days you’re feeling down, reach for one of these inspirational and motivational pens to remind yourself just that.

Glass Water Bottle
Whether you’re on-the-go or on a deadline, this glass water bottle will help you stay hydrated while reducing your ecological footprint. And with a bamboo cap and neoprene sleeve, your water will stay cold and fresh.

Desk Vacuum
Spring and cleaning are practically synonymous, and this mini desk vacuum is perfect for staying on top of things. Thanks to its rechargeable design and high-suction functionality, you can clean up and keep your space free of crumbs and dust.

Studio McGee x Target
Masala Rose Candle
If you find yourself daydreaming about standing in a field of spring flowers, light this candle. The rose scent will make you feel like you’re enjoying a sunny spring day while the ceramic jar brightens your desk space.

Joy Meal Planner
The temptation to order takeout after a long day is very, very real, but this chic meal planner can help you tamp down that urge. Designed to simplify, this planner comes with a weekly setup, slots for each meal, tear-off grocery list, and handy page of pasta cooking times to make meal prep easier than ever.

Snake Plant
Keeping a plant nearby is one of the easiest ways to purify the air and breathe life into your space, and a snake plant is super low-maintenance, which makes it perfect for your office.

Russel+Hazel
Acrylic Weekly Calendar
Wedding and baby shower season is imminent, and with more events on the horizon, this sleek and stylish acrylic calendar will help you plan out your to-do lists and daily tasks for the week ahead accordingly.

Rare Beauty
Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil
Give a girl the right lip oil, and she can take over the world. Formulated with nourishing jojoba and sunflower seed oil, swipe on for a subtle flush of color before your next Zoom meeting or throughout the day for a little confidence boost.

Anthropologie
Balance Bingo Pad
Prioritizing work-life balance when you’re busy AF is no easy feat, but this bingo pad can help. With spaces to jot down and cross off daily goals and accomplishments and reminders to pause, take a deep breath, and reset, self-care won’t fall by the wayside.

Starter Seated Elliptical
The days of having to choose between working out and working are over. Place this elliptical underneath your desk and enjoy the benefits of added movement throughout the day while you continue making boss-chick moves.

Mist Screen Cleaner
Your screen deserves a lil’ spring cleaning, too. Keep this adorable, tiny mist screen cleaner nearby and use it before logging off for the day. Your future self will thank you the following workday because having a clean screen will help put an extra pep in your step.

Marble Pattern Alarm Clock
A timer for work and maximizing productivity, but make it sleek. This multi-functional alarm clock lets you set timers, alarms, and more, and the marble pattern makes it a luxe modern addition to any desk.

Fabric File Box
Do you constantly have random files and papers strewn every which way on your workspace? Same. Do yourself a favor and invest in this fabric file box so you can store important documents accordingly and keep your space neat and organized for maximum focus.

Marie Kondo
Calm Landscape Desktop Organizer
Made from sustainable products and with a design that’s made to calm and inspire, this landscape organizer is perfect for holding your smallest desktop essentials and will keep you in your element all season long.

Magnetic Charging Stand
Thanks to this magnetic charging stand, you can charge your phone and AirPods while you’re working and go for a hot girl walk after signing off for the day.

Acrylic Flower Coasters
As you make the switch to cold beverages, use this adorable coaster to avoid unwanted stains on your desk.

Twelve South
Curve Laptop Stand
It doesn’t matter what season it is: Taking care of yourself is always in style. Say goodbye to bad posture and tech neck with this ergonomically curved laptop stand.

The One Product That Keeps My Desk From Looking Like a Disaster Zone More

Interviews are arguably the most important part of the hiring process. Your resume and sparkling social media presence may get your foot in the door, but the interview is your potential employer’s opportunity to see your personality IRL. It’s common for hiring managers to ask difficult and unexpected questions to see if you’re a good fit for the role and determine how you perform under pressure without the hours of carefully crafted wordsmithing that went into your resume and cover letter. This begs the question: how does one learn to be confident when answering interview questions to land a dream job? I’m here to help you answer just that. By utilizing these effective interview strategies, I guarantee you’ll show up to your next interview beaming with confidence.

How To Answer Interview Questions Confidently
The key to answering interview questions with confidence is getting a head start. Some individuals are naturally confident. Those who aren’t are prepared. 

Do Your Research.
One of the first steps to prepare for an interview is doing your research. This includes everything from the responsibilities of the role to understanding the work environment to learning more about the company and industry. A great place to start your preparation is the job description. Get clear on what the employer is looking for in a candidate, and where you have relevant skills and experiences you can highlight. 
Then, do a deep dive on the company’s website to learn about what it does and what type of experience they provide their employees, so you can get a feel for what it’s like to work there. By arming yourself with information about the role and company prior to the interview, you’ll be confident discussing why you’re a great fit for the job during your conversation with the hiring manager. Also, be sure to get a grasp on your salary expectations. Do some research on what an appropriate salary range is for the position based on your experience and the expectations of the position. If you’re not sure where to start, sites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, Payscale, and Career Contessa’s The Salary Project are helpful resources to utilize.
You’ll likely discover some items you’d like clarification on during your research. These are great questions to ask the hiring manager during the interview. Make a list of these questions to have them on hand for the big day.

Practice, Practice, Practice.
You’ve taken the time to understand why you’re a good fit for the role and why your greatest strengths apply. Now, it’s time to articulate it. It’s one thing to think about your responses to common interview questions, it’s another to speak your responses out loud. I want you to think about common job interview questions (hint, there are some below) and how you’d respond. Then instead of just waking through your response in your head, I want you to say it. It could be to a friend or partner, yourself in the mirror, your voice notes, or an empty room, but speak how you’d answer the question into existence. 
By vocalizing how you’d introduce yourself, speak to your accomplishments, and respond to common job interview questions, you can get a feel for what answers sound good rolling off your tongue and what needs some work. It may feel a little strange at first, but I swear by this strategy for interviews (and even presentations!). 

Preparation is Your Best Friend.
By now, I’m sure you’re sensing the theme that preparation equals confidence. But don’t forget, there’s more involved than just preparing for the expected interview question and answer portion of the interview. You also need to think about a few other key items. The day before your interview, decide what you’re going to wear to feel like your most confident self. It may feel superficial, but when you feel good about yourself on the inside, you’re going to come across as more confident on the outside. 
Once you have your outfit locked in, check out the travel and parking situation if you’re interviewing in person. Nothing is worse than running late for an interview, arriving flustered, and not being in a calm head space to perform your best. Based on the travel distance and expected traffic, determine the best mode of transportation and time to leave. Then, if you’re driving, scope out the parking situation. Is there a lot or a garage? Is it free or paid? Also, think about what bag you plan to bring and what you need to pack inside it. Answering these questions beforehand will save you stress on the big day. 
If you’re interviewing virtually, double-check your connectivity and which platform you need access to for your interview. Verifying your technology is good to go will save you a headache and a frazzled call to the interviewer when you’re running late due to computer issues. The more interview red flags you can avoid, the better.

Be Aware of Your Body Language.
Practicing to communicate confidently is one thing, but you also need to communicate confidently even when you’re not speaking. I’m talking about body language. You can provide the best response to an interview question, but if you’re slouching and not maintaining eye contact, you may as well have provided the wrong answer to the question because the response isn’t going to land well. Simple things like a firm handshake, smiling, good posture, maintaining eye contact, and acting engaged in the conversation will ensure your interview will go as well as possible. 

Trust Yourself.
Once you’ve done everything you possibly can to prepare for an interview, the only thing left to do is to trust yourself and the work you’ve put in. You were chosen from all of the applicants to interview for the role, now believe in yourself and reap the rewards of your great work ethic.
Head into your interview knowing that the best person to talk about your accomplishments and why you deserve the job is you. When the interviewer asks you to answer this question, no matter what it may be, you can state your response with confidence because you know in your heart of hearts you’re the most qualified person for the job. Out of all the possible career paths, this is the one you’ve chosen. Trust that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

6 Common Interview Questions And Answers
To help you prepare for your next interview and set you up for success, here are some common interview questions and responses. 

Tell me about yourself.
At first glance, you may think this is the easiest question to answer. But when you’re tasked with summarizing who you are, what you’ve done, and why you’re the best candidate for the role in a brief self-introduction, you may find yourself stumbling on your words and not highlighting yourself in the best way possible. Keep your response related to the role and your relevant experience. Here’s how I would respond:
“I’m a communications professional and freelance writer passionate about women, work, and well-being. I have a master’s degree in professional accountancy and began my career in public accounting prior to falling in love with writing and storytelling. In my current role as corporate communications manager, my focus includes creating and executing internal communication strategies, fostering company culture, driving diversity, inclusion, and belonging efforts, and connecting the employee population across our footprint.”

Why are you interested in this role?
I’ll give you a hint on how not to respond. Don’t say things like, “because I rage applied for this job after a bad day at work,” or” my current boss sucks, so I’ll take whatever I can get.” Focus on what genuinely sparked your interest in the role, be it the work, the company, or the opportunity to grow in your profession. As a communications manager, if I were applying for a similar position, here’s how I would respond:
‘“I’m interested in this opportunity because I’ve always seen [insert company here] as a leader in the [insert industry]. This role specifically sparked my interest because [explain why you’re genuinely interested in the specific position]. I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute my expertise to help build the future of [insert company name].”

What’s your greatest strength?
Sharing your greatest strength in an interview is an opportunity to brag about yourself and your accomplishments. Even if you feel uncomfortable tooting your own horn, this is your chance to tell the hiring manager why your skill set would be the right fit for the job. Providing concrete examples and crafting a story around why you consider whatever you call out as your greatest strength is a plus!
“My greatest strength is my ability to formulate a communications strategy that benefits both a company immediately and in the future. In my current position, I’ve helped build the communications strategy by implementing processes that help meet the needs of our internal teams and employees while also thinking big picture to understand what’s sustainable in the long run. By being detail-oriented and self-aware of what will and won’t work and what will provide the greatest benefit for both our people and our team, I can implement and execute plans in a way that works for everyone.”

What’s your greatest weakness?
No one likes talking about their weaknesses, but if we’re being honest, we all have them. The key to this question is being self-aware enough to know what your areas of opportunity are and what actions you’re taking to mitigate those weaknesses. Here’s how I would respond:
“My greatest weakness is my tendency to get lost in the details. Since both of my degrees are in accounting, and I started my career in a very detail-oriented role, I’m hard-wired to focus on the details. This can cause me to lose sight of the big picture if I let it. Throughout the span of my career, I’ve learned to be self-aware of when I sense it happening. If I find myself getting lost in the weeds, it’s a cue to myself to take a step back and reevaluate the situation. This helps me get clear on the priority of the task and where I need to redirect my attention.”

Why do you want to work for this company?
This question is a great way to show your genuine interest in the role while also highlighting the fact that you’ve done your research. Ideally, the goal aligns with your experience, values, and long-term goals, so there’s no need to be shy about sharing that. If I applied to a dream role at a dream company, here’s how I would respond:
“From our conversation today and from what I’ve learned through your website and social media, [insert company name] sounds like an amazing place to work and grow my career. It’s important to me that the company I work for has values that align with mine, and it’s motivating to know your company’s values are a good fit. As I progress in my career over the next few years, I’m looking for a company I can build my career with, and this role and company provide a challenging and exciting opportunity to do just that.”

What questions do you have for me?
Always, always, always have questions for your interviewer. This is your chance to ask a thoughtful question that can help show a few things: (1) that you’ve been listening and engaged in the conversation, (2) that you’re passionate about the opportunity, and (3) that you’re the best person for the role because you’re qualified, intelligent, inquisitive, and (hopefully) genuinely interested and curious about the role. 
And remember, you’re interviewing the company just as much as they’re interviewing you, so don’t pass up this opportunity to ask your burning questions. Questions will likely come up during the interview, but if you want a few questions banked in case the interviewer addresses all your questions in the conversation, here are a few of my go-to’s:

From your experience, how would you describe the culture of [insert company name]?
What’s something that keeps you up at night that this role can help solve?
It sounds like you’ve built a great career at the company. What career path do you see available for this role?
What is your favorite part about working for [insert company name]?

What Hiring Managers Are Really Looking for in Your Cover Letter More

Despite feeling like I’m barely 23, my driver’s license tells a bit of a different story. With the big 3-0 approaching in the near future, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on everything I’ve learned up until now. Some lessons were hard-won (mixing juice with flavored rum? Never again) and some came a bit more gradually with years of accumulated wisdom (using retinol and a daily sunscreen? Non-negotiable!). 
Of all the areas I’ve learned about in my twenties, career and finance skills take the cake. After choosing a career path that was different from anyone else in my family and largely teaching myself about money management, I can assure you that I tried a lot of things and made a lot of mistakes. The good news is that with all of that trial and error, I slowly figured out what worked and what didn’t. So without further ado, here are the top 30 pieces of finance and career advice I’ve learned along the way, in nice bite-sized takeaways and in no particular order. 

The Best Finance and Career Advice I Learned Throughout My 20s

Create a budget and check on it regularly. It seems basic, but budgets are like houseplants in that they need regular maintenance to survive and thrive. 
Make sure your finances are in a good spot before setting up automatic withdrawals for things like savings and payments. Automation is great, but there’s nothing worse than an insufficient funds notification from your bank for an automatic withdrawal you forgot about.
If you’re someone who loves to treat others, make sure you’re not the one always buying drinks or picking up the tab because it adds up fast.  
There are a lot of dupes for high-end items that are so much better for your wallet. Give them a shot before shelling out for the real deal (you might even like the dupe better!) 
Negotiate everything, especially your salary. Even an extra two or three thousand dollars on an offer compounds over time and helps set you up for more money down the road.
Never burn bridges in your career if you can help it, no matter how toxic of an environment it was. You never know who will pop up down the road, so always keep it professional. 
Take the time to nurture your industry connections on a regular basis by letting them know when you think of them or by offering to help if asked. Don’t only reach out when you need something. 
On that note, be kind to the random people who ask to pick your brain. It only takes a few minutes to send a quick reply or set up a coffee chat (pro-tip: if you get a lot of people reaching out, create canned responses for the usual questions and schedule calls around times that work for you, like when you walk your dog or fold laundry!). 
Ask yourself if there’s a free version or a discount you can use before you buy something. You’d be amazed how many companies give 20% off coupons if you leave your cart for a few hours before checking out (Honey and Rakuten are also great!).
Don’t hang your self-worth on your salary, the amount in your bank account, or any material objects. It sounds fluffy, but these things can change at any time and you don’t want your self-worth to change with it. 
Set boundaries at work early and tell people about them. If you value dinner with your family or a daily lunchtime workout, make that part of your “brand” at the office so that time is automatically protected. 
Take your vacation time. Life is too short to let your PTO go unused (RIP to the time I could have spent on vacation instead of at my desk in the early years of my career). 
There is a time to hustle, and a time to rest. Learning when it makes sense to put in extra hours (like for a promotion) and when it doesn’t (every random Tuesday) will help you build better balance in your life. 
When in doubt, always dress a bit nicer than you think you need to for work.  
Take time to slow down and consider what you want out of your career. It’s okay if you don’t always know, but it’s important to consider what truly makes you happy.
Figure out what you value spending money on and make sure to budget for it appropriately. Never feel guilty for swapping daily lattes with buying flowers every week if that’s more your jam. 
Find a budgeting system that actually works for you. If you live in a city where your necessary expenses are more than 50% (per the 50-30-20 budgeting method), don’t try to make that system work and then feel defeated and give up after a few months. There are so many different budgeting methods and one will definitely work for you! 
Set financial goals that excite you and then create a tangible way to track them to keep you motivated. This could be an old-school pen-and-pencil tracker (the kind where you color in a new section each time you get closer, à la middle school fundraising) or naming your accounts (my “dream Chanel bag” account is slowly getting there!) 
Don’t put off investing. It seems scary, but once you get started you’ll realize it just takes a bit of upfront time and then you’ll barely think about it. Just do it! 
Know when to ask for help. Whether it’s filing your taxes, finding a career path you love, or even having your boss explain something you’ve never done before, asking for help is a sign of maturity. Pretending you know what you’re doing when you don’t is only going to waste time. 
Get in the habit of talking about money in your relationships as early as possible. Having convos about what your SO or friends can afford will make sure no one is ever put in a spot to spend more than they can. 
Always check the bill before paying to make sure it’s correct. It’s a literal crime to pay for a third glass of wine you never even got to enjoy. 
Find a mentor who you truly click with, ideally in the same industry as you but not at the same company. You’ll be able to get their honest and unbiased opinion whenever you need it! 
Reach out to potential colleagues whenever possible before accepting a job offer. It’s better to find out that a workplace isn’t healthy before joining than it is to experience it firsthand. 
Take the time to actually read the contracts you’re signing, whether it’s for a new job or a new rental agreement, to make sure everything checks out. Get help with this (see tip 20!) if you need it. 
Use all of your work benefits if you have them. Not just the go-to ones like massage therapy or dental, but also ones that might not be obvious, like seeing a podiatrist (basically a free pedicure!) or getting a tailored nutrition plan from a dietician. 
At the end of each quarter, carefully review your calendar and your bank statements. Identify anything that wasn’t a great use of time or money and minimize those things going forward. 
Take the time to compare financial tools and find the ones that will work for you. That credit card your BFF loves for its cash back might not be right for you if travel points for free flights is your priority.
It’s okay if you have debt, it doesn’t make you a bad person or financially irresponsible. Whether it’s student loans or a consumer line of credit, coming up with a plan to tackle it will help you feel like you’re in control.  
Nobody has it all figured out by age 30, with money or career or anything else. If you feel like you do, enjoy that feeling while it lasts because things are always changing! Being adaptable and pivoting where necessary are underrated skills that will always get you far in life. 

50 Affirmations for When Work or Money Stress You TF Out More

Some days, I feel like the kind of boss b*tch who wakes up and throws on a chic business suit with heels to match before proceeding to take the world by storm. On other days, I feel like the kind of woman who hits snooze one too many times before proceeding to roll out of bed and hobble to the computer. Of course, I’d love to be on my A-game 24/7, but life’s all about balance, right?
That said, while I know there is no secret to success, I’ve come to realize that there are undoubtedly universal career habits all successful women practice—a cold, hard fact I gleaned after having the privilege of interviewing three successful female entrepreneurs over the past month.
Whether you’re looking to move up the career ladder, change jobs, become self-employed, or start your own business, you’ve come to the right place. With these tips, you can start making moves and make your career goals a reality. Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about the career habits all successful women practice.

Meet the expert
Ana Pischl
Head of Selfmade at Brit + Co, Product Consultant, and CEO of First Product Hire
At Selfmade, Pischl has helped over 3,500 women live creatively and provide them with the tools, resources, and community to bring their business goals to fruition.

Meet the expert
Rachel Apfel Glass
CEO and Founder of GLOSSLAB
Glass reimagined the nail space in 2018 when she built GLOSSLAB under three key pillars: Hygiene, Efficiency, and Membership. First launched in NYC, GLOSSLAB has expanded to New Jersey, Texas, Maryland, Connecticut, Florida, and DC.

Meet the expert
Dr. Elisa Hallerman
PHD, JD, and Founder of Recovery Management Agency (RMA) and Author of Soulbriety
The mastermind behind RMA, Hallerman’s created a business that helps clients get to the root cause of their symptomatology by integrating mental health, behavioral-health, and primary-care treatment options.

1. They surround themselves with positive people
We’ve all heard about the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people, and successful women swear by this as well. For them, having an uplifting social circle is non-negotiable. They know and value their peers, and aren’t afraid to turn to them in times of need. Likewise, they also relish any opportunity to collaborate with others.
“Aligning yourself with others who share your values and building a strong support system is key to long-term success,” Pischl explained to me. “It will help you gain new perspectives, overcome any obstacles, and build a sense of community—which is something we, as women, need.”

2. They trust their gut
As humans, we’re conditioned to question ourselves and our judgment. More often than not, though, our gut knows what’s what, and successful women aren’t afraid to listen to it. In fact, following this inner instinct is what gave Glass the courage to launch GLOSSLAB in an already billion-dollar industry—a leap of faith that’s paid off massively. By trusting her gut, she was able to harvest her passion for clean, efficient manicures, muster up the courage to ask for what she wanted, and ultimately grow her business. 

3. They don’t overthink
Another thing successful women have in common is the fact that they don’t overthink things. That’s not to say they’ve never gotten caught up in this vicious cycle—they are human, after all—but when it comes time to get their feet wet, they’ll dive right in, despite their fear.
Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they take an all-or-nothing approach. Hallerman explained to me that they’ll dive in headfirst and take things slow; they’re willing to be patient with themselves because they know that all that really matters is that they start. So regardless of what career move they’re trying to make next, successful women make a plan and start taking steps in the real world daily to get there.

4. They stay on top of their finances
There’s no denying that success and money are commonly intertwined, which is why successful women have a healthy relationship with their finances. “It’s crucial to know how much money you’re earning and spending monthly, and it’s also important to make predictions and plan ahead,” Pischl told me. This means diligently tracking your finances, having an emergency fund, and adjusting your budget as needed.
When it comes down to it, women who are thriving in their career aren’t afraid to look at numbers. Likewise, they’re also not afraid to challenge themselves and set goals that help them become wealthier. They know that there’s no shame in working hard for whatever they want and everything they have, and they go after it wholeheartedly and unapologetically.

5. They take charge of their story
Successful women know that despite what fairytales and society have told them, they’re the only ones that can save themselves. While Hallerman says this mindset will not prevent them from dealing with heartbreak, loss, and grief, it will protect them from waiting around for someone else to fix them. This mindset empowers them to take charge and be the hero of their own story, and emboldens them to follow their dreams and give into their ambitions.

6. They never stop learning
Unlike anyone with a big, fragile ego (like a male), successful women aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something, and take every opportunity they can to learn and grow more when it comes to their career. “Viewing life as a never-ending journey helps you step into more opportunities that help you fulfill your purpose and happiness,” Hallerman explained to me. This is why boss chicks commit to always expanding their knowledge and wisdom to prevent themselves from stalling out in their career.

7. They know their worth and ask for what they deserve
They say you shouldn’t settle for anything less than you deserve, but women so often do in the workplace. However, Glass, Pischl, and Hallerman know their worth, and they price accordingly. They know exactly what they bring to the table and aren’t afraid to ask for what they want or take their business elsewhere in order to get paid what they’re worth. Some people might not like it, but that’s too bad—these women refuse to settle for less.
Knowing their worth is also what gives successful women the courage to fall back on themselves. They don’t let themselves get caught up in what everyone else is doing—something that’s admittedly very easy to do—and know that when it comes down to it, there is no formula for success. Stay true to yourself, trust your gut, and develop a healthy relationship with money, and in no time, you’ll be a powerhouse woman in your field.

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