But here’s the cold, hard, spreadsheet-certified reality check, stripped of all the feel-good fluff: Mandating a true, high-cost-of-living wage for every single employee, at every single business size, in every location, is a beautifully intentioned economic catastrophe. Let's stop talking about Jeff Bezos for one second, and start talking about Brenda’s Bakery and why she’s about to have to fire her kid.

But here is the harsh truth I see as a career coach: Prioritizing popularity actively works against your managerial effectiveness.

It's time to talk about something that has been driving me nuts for a long time. I often wonder what leads people to make certain decisions when it comes to their career. Some people choose college, some technical colleges, the military, teaching… the list goes on and on. But there is one decision that always leaves me scratching my head....

Remote work has entered the chat! It has been creeping up in popularity in the last decade and now we are seeing it become one of the top requested benefits for new hires. While work from home can create a sense of empowerment, it can also introduce challenges that impact your mental health, productivity and career growth.

But I'm going to drop a truth bomb right here, right now, so brace yourself: For a lot of us, "self-care" is just well-branded, expensive, and socially acceptable procrastination. Ouch. I know. It stings a little, but hear me out.

Let's be real, interviewing is a performance, and you wouldn't go on stage without knowing your lines, would you? (Unless you're a comedian, in which case, fair play, but even they practice!) So, grab a coffee (or a stronger beverage, we don't judge), and let's dive into how to truly blossom in your next interview.

Hold up! Before you pop the champagne and dream of endless beach vacations, let's have a quick chat from Career Bloom Solutions. Because sometimes, a "perk" looks great on paper but is actually a little sneaky... like a ghost in a friendly sheet. 👻

You hear career coaching like me talk about the STAR method all the time.. But have you ever had it broken down for you?

A perfect thank you note is not just "Thank you for your time." It's a strategic, three-part message.

It all starts with a simple tap. You're chilling on the couch, scrolling through your feed, and you see something political that makes you so mad you just have to react. Maybe it's a hot take on a new law, an opinion about a political figure, or just a hilarious meme that perfectly sums up your frustration. "What's the big deal?" you think. The big deal is that your company's HR team is probably watching.

Navigating 2025: Your Guide to Thriving in Today's Job Market Issue 09 | September 2025 Welcome to this month's edition of the The Bloom...

Creating a resume can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. But don't worry! A well-organized resume is your key to grabbing the job you want. This guide will walk you through building your resume step by step using two popular tools: Canva and Microsoft Word.

The rise of AI is a massive game-changer, and it's completely normal to feel a bit of anxiety about it. For many Career Bloomers, especially in entry-level tech, administrative, and creative roles, the impact is already being felt. The good news is that AI isn’t just replacing jobs; it's creating new ones and reshaping existing roles. The key is to stop thinking about a job as a static thing and start thinking of your career as a constantly evolving journey.

The question on every job seeker's mind right now is how to rise above the noise. With a notable increase in unemployment and a decline in overall hiring, the competition is real. But here's the good news: the most effective strategies for standing out go beyond simply applying to hundreds of jobs. It’s about being deliberate and strategic with every step you take.

Ghosting is the New Normal (for Companies, too): You've probably heard about it, but the reality is that the job search process is a lot slower and more impersonal than it used to be. Many companies are getting thousands of applications for a single role, so don't take it personally if you don't hear back. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and your job is to keep your head up and stay focused on the roles that are the best fit.

You are casting a wide net... or are you? The theory seems to be, send out as many job applications as possible and hope one sticks. But I can't help but think: in all that time you spent clicking the apply button and sending it out with all 7 seconds of consideration, could you have applied to fewer jobs with more purpose and seen better results? Are you job searching out of frustration and panic, or purpose and desire?

So, let's chat about what you can and can't post, and why being mindful of your digital footprint is absolutely crucial for cultivating your career. ✨

The resume is your first impression. Many returning parents worry about the "gap," but here, we'll turn it into your greatest asset.

One of the biggest concerns for stay-at-home parents returning to work is the "gap" on their resume. Instead of viewing it as an empty space, reframe it as a period of immense personal and professional growth. Think about the skills you've honed:

Pro Tip: When you're researching, don't just look at the national average. Location plays a HUGE role. The salary for a marketing manager in New York City is going to be different than for one in a smaller town.