I’m so excited to introduce a brand-new category here on The Fulfilled Hustle: Work on Purpose.
As many of you know, I’m a working mom—and my work brings a lot of fulfillment to my life. But that wasn’t always the case. Over the years, I’ve made some major life changes to make sure I’m truly working on purpose.
So what does that actually mean?
It means understanding that life is not just about work.
I love my job. I love what I do. I feel like I make a difference, and I give 110% when I’m at work. But I also know that at the end of the day, if I were to leave, someone else would be hired—and they would do a great job. And if I work myself to the bone without leaving any energy for the rest of my life, I risk becoming burned out, bitter, and completely unbalanced—missing out on this incredibly valuable season with my family.
That realization changed everything for me.
How I Got Here
Work was always something I took seriously. Growing up, I was told—by teachers and educators—that I needed to go to college, study hard, and get a good-paying job. My dad encouraged me to find a job with a pension so I could set myself up for retirement. Success, stability, and achievement were always the goal.
Bring on the challenge! I was ready to take on life, finding that career—and I was going to succeed.
What I didn’t know was how winding that path would be.
I went to college with a dual degree in biology and chemistry, fully planning to become an FBI forensic investigator. Somehow, that journey led me to where I am today—as a Director of Learning & Organizational Development.
Along the way, there were pivotal people who challenged me at just the right moments, personal obstacles I had to overcome, and hard decisions about what actually mattered. I took lateral moves, pay cuts, and unconventional steps—not because they were easy, but because they helped me grow and prepared me for what was next.
And here’s the surprising part: what’s next isn’t a title for me.
The role I’m in now fills my cup. I’m in a formal leadership position with real responsibility, but I’m also in a place that aligns with my personal values. I work for an organization that offers flexibility and leave time—so I don’t miss award ceremonies, school events, or meaningful family moments.
That matters to me.
Why Work on Purpose Exists
The goal of this category—and the posts that will live here—is not for you to follow the same career path I did.
Maybe you need a job that pays a certain salary.
Maybe you need flexibility or generous leave time.
Maybe you’re navigating a season as a stay-at-home parent.
There is no one “right” path.
My goal is to help you develop the intentionality and growth mindset to make smart decisions, set meaningful goals, and create change when needed—so work doesn’t subtract from your life, but instead becomes a supportive and purposeful part of it.
If this resonates with you, you’re in the right place.
What You’ll Find in This Category
In Work on Purpose, we’ll talk about:
- Career growth in real-life seasons
- Leadership without burnout
- Boundaries, flexibility, and values-driven decisions
- Tools and systems that reduce mental load
- Designing work to support the life you actually want
This is about working with intention—on purpose.
Thanks for joining me on this journey!
R