In this episode I talk about how to evaluate opportunities without burning out or losing sight of your worth. Early in my career, I said yes to far too many things because I thought that was how you proved yourself. This conversation is about slowing down your decision making and learning how to tell the difference between an opportunity that moves you forward and one that quietly drains your time, energy, and confidence.
I break down the reality of exposure, when low paying or unpaid work can actually be a smart investment, and when it is simply a cost. We also talk about second shooting, mentorship, burnout, and boundaries, and how clarity and intention are key at every stage of your career. The goal is not to say yes less, but to say yes with purpose, protect your energy, and build a career that is sustainable.
Key takeaways:
- Exposure is not a form of payment. If an opportunity cannot clearly explain who will see your work, how it will be shared, and why it matters for your goals, it is not a strategy, it is a vague promise.
- Low paying or unpaid work can be valuable when it offers real learning, mentorship, or meaningful connections. Second shooting and intentional mentorship often accelerate growth more than jumping straight into your own bookings.
- Burnout is not just about being busy. It often comes from imbalance, especially when effort is not matched with fair compensation, respect, or recognition.
- Red flags are usually about a lack of clarity. Vague expectations, pressure to decide quickly, no contract, or working for free while others profit are signs to pause or walk away.
- Your career moves in seasons. A strategic yes can be an investment in one phase, and a strategic no can protect your energy in another. Growth comes from intentional decisions, not saying yes to everything.
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