Episode 3: When the Glass Slipper Hits the Glass Ceiling

Listen to this episode from Overworked on Spotify. Join Overworked as we talk about dealing with situations where fairytales don't match up to reality. We take a deep dive into the Meghan Markle interview, the idea of a "dream job" and the reality of glamorizing overworking.

In episode 3, we talk about Megan Markel’s interview with Oprah and what happens when reality doesn’t line up with your fairytale dream. We dive into mental health stigma, how to deal with gaslighting in the workplace, and the emotional strength it takes to walk away from something you thought was your dream.

“In gaslighting situations, if you’re not that confident in where you stand, you can start to believe that alternative narrative. It’s important to stand in your own power and not always believe what you hear.”

— Mousumi Behari

Quick Links:

• You can find Elizabeth Lesser’s book “Cassandra Speaks” on Bookshop or at your local bookstore. If you read the book, let us know how you build your Toolbox for Inner Strength!

• If you haven’t watched Oprah’s interview with Megan Markel and Prince Harry, check it out for free on the CBS app.

Solutions

• Before you say “yes” to the fairytale role (or degree, or company), use your network to do research. Meeting up virtually for a 15 minute conversation can give greater insight into the day-to-day of the role instead of the idealized version you’ve created for yourself.

  • If you’re an introvert, The Muse wrote a 5-step guide to making informational interviews less awkward and more useful. For a more in-depth dive there’s a similar piece by Harvard Business Review. The key advice is to come prepared and keep it short.

• Keep in mind that dream roles change over time! Set aside time quarterly to assess what you truly love doing - and note what you avoid or procrastinate on.

  • Challin mentioned using the Pivot Method to evaluate her career path and make big changes in her career. You can read the full book by Jenny Blake here.

  • If you think your role might be your “former” dream, take a look at these four signs you actually hate your dream job from Inc. It’s a quick pulse check on if you’re still in the right job for you.

Inspiration

This week we’re recommending Casper Ter Kuile’s book The Power of Ritual, which is a great resource for creating meaningful moments in the everyday. In the beginning of the book he advises aligning your “soul to your role,” and what’s most important about that is that your soul comes first. Don’t ignore the work or values that resonate with your soul just because it doesn’t line up with your “perfect role” or fairytale vision for your career. Let your soul lead first and your role will follow.

Where to Find Us

We’re on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Interested in a guest post on our blog, or want to be a featured guest on the podcast? Email us at weareoverworked@gmail.com.