Great piece! I listened to the same podcast episode, and it made me pause listening to that part, too. I was a SAHM, and when I did go back to work, my hours were dictated by the hours my kids were at school. Once they'd been picked up, that was it. I wasn't working.
I paid a price, of course I did, but it was one I was okay paying. Now, the kids are older, one of two is away at university, and finally, my career can take centre stage. I have done well for myself the last few years, but I am not yet a millionaire entrepreneur and don't know if I ever will be, but by metrics that I feel are realistic to my life, I'm doing well.
I think while I understand what they mean, at the same time, hearing them put it the way that I did, it could be a little demoralising for others who cannot, for whatever reason, hustle the way that they have. It means quite a large number of the working population will immediately think of themselves as failures because they can't do what they did.
Yes, there is some hustle required, we all know that, but at the same time, if the powers that be were able to create this workspace that invited flexibility they'd probably find employees who would do their utmost best to achieve because they wouldnt' want to leave a working environment that lets them have some semblance of having it all. We won't have it all. It's not possible, but we can try our best to have something as close as possible... Sorry, I rambled on there when basically I wanted to say, great article!
Not a ramble at all, so interesting to read. Life is all about seasons and it sounds like you’re stepping into a new season now your kids are older. That’s interesting that you listened too, I find her interesting, she’s clearly in tune with her gut and I think she’s a good role model for women in some respects. But then, yes - to your point, it isn’t reality for everyone. And the power does sit with the powers that be to create containers that fit other people too
I love this Sinéad! So appreciate you sharing as I really resonate with approaching life with a softer, more intentional way, that aligns rather than grates. We learnt so much from the pandemic and I’m so excited to see more of this shift.❤️
Love what you wrote here especially “I think now, more than ever, people are realising that an extraordinary life can be created in other ways - extraordinary moments of softness, of presence, of alignment. And that doesn’t mean that it can’t be coupled with abundance. “
I feel like this hit me hard, because it’s exactly what I’m trying to do with my life in this moment
One of the game changers for me during the Pandemic was this book by Simone Stozloff - The Good Enough Job. (Not a self promotion plug) I've written a book review which I can message it to you. And an excerpt from his book I've added in my latest essay too. In short, " you are not your job". This insight has given me clarity and has helped me choose a job that helps me strike a work - life balance. More importantly, when we have a toddler at home this balance matters a lot.
Thank you so much for this beautifully written piece Sinéad, it articulates so much of what I’ve felt but struggled to put into words. It’s incredibly frustrating that hustle culture is still positioned as the only valid path to success, especially when it actively harms so many of us who aren’t wired for that kind of relentless pace - and even if they are - at what cost? This mindset fails to consider that people process, create, and contribute in different ways - especially HSPs, introverts, neurodivergent folks, carers - is not just outdated, it's damaging.
What stood out to me most was your framing around redefining ambition. I’ve also experienced burnout from trying to fit into that “one-size-fits-all” version of success. And like you, I’ve come to believe that success can look like sustainability, softness, and alignment - not just sacrifice. Thank you for naming this so clearly and powerfully. It’s deeply validating and so needed right now 🙏🏼
My absolute pleasure, thanks for reading and for the thoughtful comment. I agree, and every time I write about it, I feel as if I’ve skimmed the surface of what I want to say. It’s such a big topic and it feels like so much is broken that a reckoning does need to happen. No doubt more musings from me on this topic soon!
Brilliant piece! After COVID, I knew I could never go back to the traditional way of working. The cost on my health was just too high. I know I need flexibility to do my best work and I’m only interested in working for organisations that understand that.
Hard relate on the introvert/ extrovert balance! I just don’t think school or traditional workplaces work for the neurospicy among us - so grateful to the pandemic in this regard (only!)
Great piece! I listened to the same podcast episode, and it made me pause listening to that part, too. I was a SAHM, and when I did go back to work, my hours were dictated by the hours my kids were at school. Once they'd been picked up, that was it. I wasn't working.
I paid a price, of course I did, but it was one I was okay paying. Now, the kids are older, one of two is away at university, and finally, my career can take centre stage. I have done well for myself the last few years, but I am not yet a millionaire entrepreneur and don't know if I ever will be, but by metrics that I feel are realistic to my life, I'm doing well.
I think while I understand what they mean, at the same time, hearing them put it the way that I did, it could be a little demoralising for others who cannot, for whatever reason, hustle the way that they have. It means quite a large number of the working population will immediately think of themselves as failures because they can't do what they did.
Yes, there is some hustle required, we all know that, but at the same time, if the powers that be were able to create this workspace that invited flexibility they'd probably find employees who would do their utmost best to achieve because they wouldnt' want to leave a working environment that lets them have some semblance of having it all. We won't have it all. It's not possible, but we can try our best to have something as close as possible... Sorry, I rambled on there when basically I wanted to say, great article!
Not a ramble at all, so interesting to read. Life is all about seasons and it sounds like you’re stepping into a new season now your kids are older. That’s interesting that you listened too, I find her interesting, she’s clearly in tune with her gut and I think she’s a good role model for women in some respects. But then, yes - to your point, it isn’t reality for everyone. And the power does sit with the powers that be to create containers that fit other people too
I love this Sinéad! So appreciate you sharing as I really resonate with approaching life with a softer, more intentional way, that aligns rather than grates. We learnt so much from the pandemic and I’m so excited to see more of this shift.❤️
Completely agree! Have you changed how you work since then? I have massively, although jt took quite a few years!!
Oh my!! I'm referencing the same interview in an article I'm working on right now.
Oh amazing, there was so much in it, I’m excited to see you unpick it. Share once it’s done!
took a different angle :) But here it is: https://substack.com/@semakaraman/p-163988746
Love what you wrote here especially “I think now, more than ever, people are realising that an extraordinary life can be created in other ways - extraordinary moments of softness, of presence, of alignment. And that doesn’t mean that it can’t be coupled with abundance. “
I feel like this hit me hard, because it’s exactly what I’m trying to do with my life in this moment
Ah that’s great. Are you going through a career change or similar?
One of the game changers for me during the Pandemic was this book by Simone Stozloff - The Good Enough Job. (Not a self promotion plug) I've written a book review which I can message it to you. And an excerpt from his book I've added in my latest essay too. In short, " you are not your job". This insight has given me clarity and has helped me choose a job that helps me strike a work - life balance. More importantly, when we have a toddler at home this balance matters a lot.
I really love that quote, thanks for sending me there. I have added the book to my Wishlist too!
Do kindly read it at leisure. And @Simone Stolzoff is already working on his next book. Eagerly looking forward to it as well.
I will, thanks for the recommendation!
Thank you so much for this beautifully written piece Sinéad, it articulates so much of what I’ve felt but struggled to put into words. It’s incredibly frustrating that hustle culture is still positioned as the only valid path to success, especially when it actively harms so many of us who aren’t wired for that kind of relentless pace - and even if they are - at what cost? This mindset fails to consider that people process, create, and contribute in different ways - especially HSPs, introverts, neurodivergent folks, carers - is not just outdated, it's damaging.
What stood out to me most was your framing around redefining ambition. I’ve also experienced burnout from trying to fit into that “one-size-fits-all” version of success. And like you, I’ve come to believe that success can look like sustainability, softness, and alignment - not just sacrifice. Thank you for naming this so clearly and powerfully. It’s deeply validating and so needed right now 🙏🏼
My absolute pleasure, thanks for reading and for the thoughtful comment. I agree, and every time I write about it, I feel as if I’ve skimmed the surface of what I want to say. It’s such a big topic and it feels like so much is broken that a reckoning does need to happen. No doubt more musings from me on this topic soon!
Brilliant piece! After COVID, I knew I could never go back to the traditional way of working. The cost on my health was just too high. I know I need flexibility to do my best work and I’m only interested in working for organisations that understand that.
It’s amazing how much is changed the game, and gave so much freedom to people who don’t suit a 9-5 every day! Are you a fellow introvert/ HSP?!
I’m an introvert/extrovert with the right conditions! I’m also a HSP and have ADHD so I’m definitely not built for traditional work 😂
Hard relate on the introvert/ extrovert balance! I just don’t think school or traditional workplaces work for the neurospicy among us - so grateful to the pandemic in this regard (only!)