Honest conversations about the psychology of modern work culture
Work made me a better mother, though no one wanted to hear it. “Don’t you miss them terribly?” The question came from a colleague at a business lunch, her voice thick with judgment. I should have lied, should have manufactured the expected tears of maternal separation. A better mother would have, wouldn’t she? Instead, I …
A young mother sits across from me, dark circles betraying her exhaustion. She absently bounces an invisible baby—a muscle memory from months of soothing her colicky infant. Between halting descriptions of overwhelm and doubt, she asks the question I’ve learned to anticipate: “Do you have children?” The words hang in the air. A familiar tightening …
Some of the most meaningful friendships come with an expiration date. The waiter set our plates down. Deanna poked at her ravioli, not eating. Outside, the wind slammed against the windows hard enough to shake them. “My husband thinks I’m ridiculous,” she said. “Getting emotional about someone I’ve known six months. A work friend.” She …
“You’re right, but it doesn’t matter,” my sister Helene said. This was her response after I shared about my refusal to comply with a background check request. The company I worked for ran one when I was hired. A client wanted to run their own. I said no. “What do you mean?” I asked. “You’re …
Insomnia has never been convenient. At 2:13 AM in a Las Vegas hotel, it became unexpectedly enlightening. Pacing the carpeted corridor of the 23rd floor, I crossed paths with my colleague Sarah exiting our boss David’s room. She wore yesterday’s conference attire, hair disheveled, heels in hand. Our eyes met briefly before she hurried toward …
My boss stood in my office doorway, arms crossed. “Victoria, the client presentation needs to be completely redone by tomorrow morning.” “Absolutely! I’d be happy to make those changes for you,” I replied, my voice rising half an octave. “Is there anything specific you’d like me to focus on?” The words felt sticky-sweet in my …