12 Degrees: A Wellness Podcast
I’m Not Available During That Time: The Career Degree
Career wellness involves pursuing work that aligns with personal values, strengths, and professional goals and mastering professional competencies while maintaining work-life harmony. Emphasizes finding fulfillment and joy in professional work.
Career wellness isn’t just about dream jobs or fancy titles. It’s about alignment between your work, your values, and your season of life. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Christina, and Deshna get real about career plot twists, toxic team dynamics, protecting your time, and redefining success on your terms. They’ll also break down why passion isn’t everything, how purpose can evolve, and what to do when micromanagement is killing your vibe.
Real-Life Strategies for Career Wellness:
- Audit for Alignment – Check in with your current role: Does it align with your values, strengths, and season of life? If not, identify what’s missing—and what might bring you closer.
- Pause Before You Say Yes – Practice taking a beat before accepting new commitments. A simple “Let me check my capacity and get back to you” can protect your energy and your calendar.
- Name Your Dealbreakers – Get clear on what you won’t tolerate, like micromanagement, lack of flexibility, or value clashes. Knowing your no helps you find your yes.
- Let Purpose Evolve – Purpose doesn’t have to be a single, grand calling. It can shift, stretch, or show up in unexpected places. Focus on what feels meaningful right now, and give yourself permission to grow into what’s next.
- Redefine Productivity Around Energy – Design your day around when you feel most focused or creative, not just when your calendar’s open. Energy > availability.
- Ask for What You Need – Boundaries aren’t always about saying no; they can also be requests for support, clarity, or time. Start with: “What would make this more doable for me?”
- Track the Good Stuff – Use a gratitude practice to notice what’s working (supportive teammates, meaningful moments, small wins). It helps balance out the tough stuff.
- Enlist Outside Perspective – Ask trusted people what they see as your strengths. It’s often easier to name your skills and values when you hear how others experience you.
- Make a Personal Mission Statement – Write a sentence or two that captures your values and vision. Use it to filter opportunities and to stay grounded when you feel pulled in too many directions.
- Know When to Pivot (or Stay Put) – There’s no shame in leaving a job or staying in one that meets your needs. Career wellness is personal, not prescriptive.
- Support Others, Too – If you’re asked to do something you can’t take on, consider recommending a colleague or mentee. Uplifting others can also be a wellness practice.
