Life Got Hard, So I Took a Break: Feeling Behind, Starting Again & Finding My Way Back

The Truth About Career Growth, Money, & Feeling Behind

Have you ever looked around and felt like everyone else has their life figured out except you? Everyone seems to be getting promoted, landing jobs, buying homes, travelling, building businesses, getting brand deals, and reaching milestones while you’re still trying to figure out your next step. In this episode, we’re having a real conversation about the pressure of modern life, career struggles, financial independence, job hunting, making money, and the emotional impact of feeling behind. We’ll discuss why so many people are silently struggling despite appearing successful online, why building wealth isn’t as easy as social media makes it seem, and why rejection doesn’t mean you’re failing. We’ll also talk about the reality of living in the UK during a challenging economic climate, the rising cost of living, the difficulties many people face when searching for jobs, and the pressure young adults feel to have everything figured out by a certain age. If you’ve been questioning your progress, feeling frustrated with your journey, or wondering when your breakthrough will come, this episode is for you. You are not behind. You are not failing. And your story is still being written. Join the conversation and let’s talk about the things more people should be honest about.

Life Got Hard, So I Took a Break: Feeling Behind, Starting Again & Finding My Way Back

Welcome back to Episode 20 of its_that_girlpearls Podcast. It’s been a while. I took a step back from podcasting to focus on myself, my mental well-being, and the realities of life that don’t always make it onto social media. Sometimes life gets overwhelming. Sometimes you’re trying to balance your goals, your finances, your career, your relationships, your responsibilities, and your personal growth all at the same time. And sometimes, despite your best efforts, things don’t go according to plan. In this episode, I’m opening up about what it feels like to take a break when life gets difficult, navigating seasons of uncertainty, feeling behind in life, and learning how to start again when things haven’t worked out the way you hoped they would. We’ll also talk about the pressure of comparing ourselves to others, the challenges of building a career, trying to become financially independent, and the reality that growth isn’t always visible. If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, lost, exhausted, or like everyone else is moving ahead while you’re trying to figure things out, this conversation is for you. This is not a perfect success story. It’s an honest conversation about showing up anyway. Welcome back to the podcast. I’m so glad you’re here. 🤍

Stop Auditioning for Love

In this episode of itsthatgirlpearls podcast I’m talking about something many of us do without realizing it: auditioning for love. That pattern of over-explaining yourself, over-giving, and trying to “prove” your value to people who keep giving you the bare minimum. Whether it’s in friendships or relationships, auditioning for love can look like always being the one to check in, always being the one to forgive, always being the one to keep things going—until you’re exhausted and emotionally drained. I share my reflections on why real love and real friendship should not feel like a competition, confusion, or a constant fight for attention. You shouldn’t have to beg for consistency. You shouldn’t have to shrink your needs to keep someone around. And you definitely shouldn’t have to sacrifice your self-respect just to be chosen. This episode is a reminder that you can be kind, soft, and genuine… while still having standards. We talk about choosing mutual energy, watching patterns instead of words, slowing down access, setting boundaries without guilt, and learning how to walk away from anything that keeps you auditioning. Because the right people won’t need you to perform—they will meet you halfway with respect, clarity, and effort. If you’ve ever felt taken for granted, unseen, or like you’re “too much” for wanting basic care, this one is for you. Keep your love—just stop giving it to people who don’t know how to value it.

The Desperation to Be Queen — What It Taught Me About Respect and Peace

In this short reflection inspired by Campus Queen: The Desperation to Be Queen, I talk about the illusion of fame, the hunger for validation, and why peace will always be more valuable than popularity. If you’ve ever been taken for granted in friendships or relationships, this is your reminder: keep your love, but change your access. Real people earn your trust with consistency, respect, and patience.

Outgrowing People Without Feeling Guilty

Sometimes the hardest part of growing is realizing that not everyone can come with you. In this episode of its_that_girlpearlspodcast, we’re talking about outgrowing friendships and relationships — and how to do it without carrying unnecessary guilt. We’ve all had those connections that just… don’t feel the same anymore. The inside jokes stop landing, the conversations feel forced, and deep down, you know the relationship has run its course. But then the guilt creeps in. Am I a bad friend? Am I selfish? Do I owe them more? This episode is here to remind you that outgrowing someone isn’t cruel — it’s a sign that you’re evolving. I share how to recognize when it’s time to let go, how to walk away gracefully without drama, and how to honor the memories while still prioritizing your growth. If you’ve ever felt guilty for pulling back from a friendship or relationship that no longer aligns with who you are, this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Overcast, and more. 💌 Don’t forget to rate, comment, like, repost, and share this episode so it can reach someone who needs this reminder right now!