The Invisible Coworker

Feeling lost when it comes to your career? Trust me, you're not alone. One minute, you're inspired to "love what you do." The next, you're scrolling job boards wondering if "Chief Croissant Tester" is a thing (and if you're qualified). Meanwhile, your friend's LinkedIn announcement about landing their "dream job" this year doesn't exactly help. I want to talk to you about 10 reasons why my career constantly feels like one giant question mark (and you could be feeling this way too). Between endless options, constantly shifting advice, and the pressure to find "passion," it’s no wonder so many of us are out here scratching our heads. If you’ve been caught in the spiral of overthinking work and wondering if there’s a perfect path, this one’s for you. Spoiler alert: You’re probably doing better than you think. Read on, and let's figure it out together. https://lnkd.in/esWy5qz5

“Remote work killed office gossip” they said. But we all know that’s a lie. Slack DMs and Teams chats? They’re just the digital version of the breakroom whisper. The key? Healthy gossip. Yes, it exists. It’s the "Did you see Mark’s cat crash his client presentation? Iconic." kind of gossip. The moments that spark collective laughs and bring just a little bit of humanity to our sometimes boring virtual offices. Because even when you’re miles apart, those shared laughs or “spilling the tea” in the group chat keep the connection alive. It’s never been about the walls of an office; it’s about finding joy in the small, honest moments. What’s your favorite “remote watercooler” moment?

Workplace envy. It sneaks up on you when you least expect it, doesn’t it? One minute you’re casually scrolling, and the next, you’re staring at Jane from Cybersecurity’s big promotion post, complete with balloons, heartfelt gratitude, and 100+ comments cheering her on. And suddenly, there it is, that whisper in your head: “When would it be me?” Here’s the thing. Feeling that pang? Totally normal. We all experience it, whether we admit it or not. But envy doesn’t have to leave you spiraling through a LinkedIn doom scroll at 2 AM. What if you could channel it into something bigger? What if career envy isn’t your downfall? What if it’s just a nudge to focus on what’s next for you? https://lnkd.in/gtGDC_ku

Career chaos gets a bad reputation, doesn’t it? We’re told to have it all figured out by 25 and then stick to “the plan”. Whatever the heck that means. But chaos isn’t a flaw. It’s how you stumble (sometimes fall flat) onto what actually fits you. Trust your gut. Seriously. That thing knows what it’s talking about when it comes to your career. But it's true, not all instincts come with GPS-level clarity. Bring a plan. It doesn’t need to be perfect, just something flexible enough to roll with the punches and the missteps. Because the truth? No one’s career makes perfect sense. It’s a puzzle we’re assembling while half the pieces hide under the couch. The mess? That’s where you learn. It’s where you discover what makes you light up, what drains you, and what feels like home.

I quit my job yesterday. Decided to chase some big dreams overseas (new adventures, new culture, potentially new boyfriend... TBD). And honestly, I kind of thought my bosses would, you know, beg me to stay. I wasn’t going to stick around, but a little groveling never hurt anyone, right? Cue the Pinocchio moment. I sent my notice and waited for my “We’ll move mountains to keep you!” email. What did I get? A polite “Sorry to hear that; wish you all the best, let's hop on a quick call to arrange your last weeks” response. They moved on faster than my Wi-Fi reconnects after a power outage. I mean, I always knew corporate life works like this. Nobody’s irreplaceable, desks still get filled, and Slack channels keep running. But damn, feeling it firsthand? It kind of hurt. So, of course, I had to turn all that repressed disappointment into a newsletter post on beehiiv. Because if there’s one thing we millennials do best, it’s spin existential workplace moments into content, am I right? Read all about my fancy corporate reality check, complete with dreams of greener pastures, a TikTok astrology pep talk, and one very delicious sandwich to commemorate the experience. https://lnkd.in/g9qBP8Ui And hey, feel free to share your “Was I that replaceable?” moments too. Misery loves company.

Ever feel like your workday could be the episode of a sitcom? Turns out, sharing those moments might just be our secret LinkedIn superpower. Work-based humor and authenticity are trending because, let’s face it, we’re all craving a little more realness in our feeds. Whether it’s a funny Zoom fail or a lesson learned the hard way, your story could be the one that makes someone’s day. What’s the most relatable work moment you’ve seen on LinkedIn lately? Tell me 👀

Job hunting feels a bit like that recurring nightmare I had about the girl from The Ring when I was a kid. Creepy, relentless, and impossible to escape. But is there hope after rejection after rejection? Probably. (Okay, definitely.) We explore our feelings about it through this essay by one of our guest authors: https://lnkd.in/eT4ySbeK

I never thought I’d be preparing for a job interview with a robot (Is this what we're calling AI interviewers, right?) No friendly small talk about the weather, no polite nods after giving what I thought was a very smart answer... Just me, my laptop, and what felt like an intense game of 20 Questions with an algorithm. Companies like Remote are flipping the script, and I’ll admit that I thought I’d be one of their toughest critics. But now... I might have become a full-on convert? Here are a few tips on how to befriend the bot and ace those AI interviews: https://lnkd.in/e8Y7HBie

We’re told to “follow our passion,” but what if my passion has zero chill (or job openings)? Building a satisfying career often feels like a balancing act between paying bills, climbing ladders, and keeping that tiny voice inside of me from whispering, “Do you even like this?” So, how do you balance practicality with purpose? And when is it okay to just admit, “I have no clue what I’m doing”?

Here’s something worth reflecting on: every single person you work with has a unique perspective, skill, or strength that shapes the bigger picture. Whether you're leading a team, collaborating on a project, or tackling challenges solo, recognizing and valuing those differences is a game-changer. The best workplaces thrive not because everyone is the same but because everyone is different. And I know how cliché that sounds, but it is true. Each person's contribution adds a new layer, a fresh idea, or an untapped solution. So, as you go through your day, ask yourself, “What do I uniquely bring to the table? And am I creating space for others to bring theirs?” The power of a team lies in its diversity. That’s the not-so-secret secret. #WorkplaceCulture #DiversityAndInclusion #Teamwork