WWSFKD? #4: I have a work crush, what do I do?
+ why living at home isn’t the end of the world
This week’s WW(SFK)D? is all about work. I’ve been working since I was twelve years old. I was the voice of a cartoon character. I worked in corporate for three and a half years, and now I run my own business and manage a team. I’ve seen both sides. So whether you’re climbing the ladder or jumping off it to build your own, this one’s for you.
But before we get into it, I have to acknowledge what’s happening in LA right now. ICE agents have been stopping people in broad daylight, and the fear it is creating, especially in immigrant communities, is real. If you’re in LA, please stay informed, look out for each other, and know your rights. It is terrifying, it is infuriating, and it deserves our attention. For more on how you can help click here.
Zara L. asked: Advice for starting a new job in a few weeks?
SFK: Whenever I start something new, I remind myself that if I wasn’t ready, I wouldn’t have the opportunity. You were chosen for a reason, and you’re absolutely capable of succeeding in this role.
It’s important to walk in with confidence, but stay open and curious. You’re stepping into a new environment with different dynamics, and part of being great at what you do is being willing to learn, ask questions, and observe.
Give yourself grace as you adjust. No one expects you to know everything on day one, and your ability to grow will matter more than your ability to get it all perfect immediately.
Finally, I always recommend building a real relationship with your manager. Let them know you’re serious about your professional development and that you want their mentorship. That kind of initiative sets the tone.
You’re not just starting a new job. You’re stepping into the next version of yourself. LFG! You got this.
Jess B. asked: Lost in my career! Working for my mom part time to keep up my resume but the job market SUCKS. What should I do?
SFK:
Jess, you are not lost. You are in a transitional chapter, and that is very different. Working for your mom might not be your dream job, but it is keeping your resume alive and your skills engaged. That is a win, not a failure.
Now is the time to take control of the narrative. Pick up a side hustle, even if it feels small. It will keep your momentum going and remind you that you still have agency. If you have a passion or an idea, start your own project. It does not have to be perfect and it does not need to make money right away. It just needs to feel like yours.
Ask yourself what actually excites you. What makes you feel awake and alive? Once you know, create a plan to move toward it. Start with one small step, then take another. The clarity comes through the doing.
And while you are building, talk about it. Share what you are up to. Document the process. That is exactly how I created my live dating show on Instagram during the pandemic, which eventually led to my Let’s Fucking Date card games. I started with something small, shared it with my audience, and let it grow from there. I did not wait for someone to hand me an opportunity. I made one. And you can do the same.
Abby P. asked: I have a work crush…what do I do?
Abby, in general, I would say avoid this. Do not shit where you eat. A work crush can be fun and flattering, but it can also get complicated fast. You have to ask yourself: is really worth the risk?
If you work closely together, especially if there is a power dynamic, I would steer clear. The last thing you want is for your professional environment to become uncomfortable or distracting. No one needs office tension or gossip when you are just trying to do your job and get your bag.
If you still feel like there is potential, keep it playful and professional. Test the waters outside of work in a group setting and see if there is something real there. But if you are looking for something serious, I would much rather see you find that connection in a space that does not come with a built-in HR risk.
You can flirt with the fantasy, but protect your reality.
Alexa H. asked: How long should you stay in a "learning" job to get technical skills before starting your own?
SFK:
Alexa, I stayed at Refinery29 for about three and a half years. It was an incredible place to grow. I developed my voice, sharpened my production skills, and learned how to advocate for myself in high-pressure rooms. But I left when I stopped learning. I started to feel complacent, like I was just going through the motions. I felt like a zombie.
There is no exact timeline for how long you should stay in a learning job. For most people, one to two years is enough to build a strong foundation. But the truth is, you will know when it is time. When the excitement fades and the work starts to feel repetitive, that is your sign.
If you feel ready to bet on yourself and you have the skills to back it up, you do not need to wait. You are not meant to stay stuck in student mode forever. At some point, you have to trust that you are ready to lead.
Emily K. asked: How do I make the best of moving back in with parents for a few months? Dreading it.
SFK: Emily, I lived with my mom for two and a half years after college, and it was really fucking annoying. Going from having your own life to being back under your parents’ roof can feel like regressing. I felt totally infantilized. One minute you are making career moves, the next you are being asked why you were at a rave until five in the morning.
But here is the thing: that time gave me space to figure out what I actually wanted, without the pressure of paying rent. I got real time with my mom, which I will never get in the same way again. And because I saved so much money living at home, I was able to quit my job and take a risk on myself. That would not have been possible if I had rushed to move out.
Just make sure you stay busy. Keep up with your friends, dive into side projects, and do not let yourself get too comfortable. Most importantly, set an end date or a goal to work toward. Living at home is not forever, but it can be for a purpose. It is a short-term sacrifice for long-term gain.
Love you all SO much and see you next week!!!
Have more questions you want me to answer? Comment them below, reply in the chat, send me a DM, or shoot an email to natalie@sfklfg.com