Learning U: A Guide To Meaningful Work For Sensitives, Creatives, And Empaths

Ep. 8 - Work, Class, Money: A Response to "Hillbilly Elegy"

Hey y'all!   My mama wasn't on drugs. My daddy never left. My parents are still married. I don't know anyone on meth.   Have you ever been stereotyped? Have you ever been on the receiving end of people believing a single story about you (or defining you by a single thing)? Back in 2021, I wrote a post on Instagram as a response to the movie and book, "Hillbilly Elegy" by J.D Vance. Although this is NOT a political podcast, post, or episode, I thought it was timely, with Vance recently accepting the republican nomination for VP, to continue the conversation. Today's episode is not a critique of the book or film as I try to not be critical of another person's life or story. It's just another life and another story worth sharing and hearing - a story from another "educated hillbilly" - a story that is mine. This story just happens to also be a bit of a counter-narrative to the one currently popularized.   A few of the topics covered in this episode are as follows:   1.) There is a danger in a single story. (Watch the TEDTalk, y'all.) 2.) Selling the myth: "It's their own fault that they are poor." 3.) Selling the myth: "Military, Education, and/or Marriage" 4.) "Poor" does not equal dumb, drug-addicted, or dysfunctional. 5.) Higher education is not always a "ticket out of poverty." 6.) There is nothing wrong with being a hillbilly. 7.) "Success" looks different to different people. 8.) However, money also matters and should be used for good. 9.) Strategies for avoiding the single story and making the world a better place. 10.) How this all connects to money, work, and class.  11.) Love (and a Song Dedication)   Stick around to the end on this one, y'all. You might just ugly cry...in a good way.   Song references: Time of Day - Turnpike Troubadours Follow You to Virgie - Tyler Childers   I can't wait to hear your thoughts! Comment or DM me on IG (@hannahbphd) to share! Opportunities to connect are coming soon!   Until then, feed the good in yourself and others by leaning in, learning, and never accepting a single story of a person or place.   Happy Trails. A country mile in my hillbilly shoes.   Yakoke (Thanks)!   Hannah B., PhD

Ep. 7 - Creatives, Empaths, and Highly Sensitive People Can't Be Beat When It Comes To This ONE Skill

Hey y'all! What one skill helps you make friends, avoid unnecessary conflict, have deeper, more meaningful relationships, and navigate work and social situations with ease? What one skill can land you meaningful work and a life you love? What one skill also happens to come naturally to most highly sensitive people, creatives, and empaths? Answer: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE Today's episode is all about emotional intelligence - what it means, where you rank, things you can do to improve it, and how it can be a superpower at work and beyond!   For quick reference, a few highlights are as follows:   5 Key Elements: 1.) Self-Awareness 2.) Self-Regulation 3.) Motivation 4.) Empathy 5.) Social Skills   Areas of Focus for Improvement (or to Turn Your Strength into a Superpower): 1.) Get to Know You 2.) Identify Your Unique Triggers (And Plan To Overcome Them) 3.) Take Responsibility for Your Emotions 4.) Listen to Your Body 5.) Don't Suppress - Recognize, Process, and Channel Bonus - Empathy   At Work: 1.) Observe Dynamics - Watch Social Cues, Non-Verbals, and Micro-Expressions 2.) Listen 3.) Pay Attention to the Stories 4.) Observe What Matters (Individually and to the Group) 5.) Avoid People and Triggers Bonus - Dare to be Authentic   How can you capitalize on emotional intelligence? What area most resonated with you? I would love to hear your thoughts! DM me on IG (@hannahbphd) to share yours! Opportunities to connect are coming soon!   Until then, feed the good in yourself and others through emotional intelligence!   Happy Trails. The emotionally intelligent kind.   Yakoke (Thanks)!   Hannah B., PhD

Ep. 6 - Is your passion a hobby, job, career, or calling? How knowing the difference can guide you toward purpose and get you paid!

Hey y'all! Who do you want to be when you grow up? What are your passions? How do you discern whether your passions are a hobby, a job, a career, or a calling? And, ultimately, how do you actually get paid to do something you enjoy? Today's episode is all about making the abstract more concrete so that we can create efficient and effective plans for financial stability and work we love! We discuss ideas around embracing your multi-passionate nature and streamlining it for your version of success. We also outline the differences between a hobby, job, career, and calling and how to use these as containers to help you get where you want to be. For quick reference, our working definitions of these concepts are as follows:   HOBBY - Something you do for fun. No one has to know. You don't get paid. JOB - Transactional. Trade time, energy, or output for money. Don't have to love (or even like) it. Typically, more short-term.  CAREER - Devote time and energy to it. Investment. Education. Trajectory. Strategic Effort.  CALLING - Can't "not" do. Divinely inspired. Vocation. Would do it forever, for free.   Where do your passions fit? Have they changed over time? Ultimately, can purposeful and fulfilling work also make you money? I would love to hear your thoughts! DM me on IG (@hannahbphd) to share yours!   Opportunities to connect are coming soon!   Until then, feed the good in yourself and others by sharing your passions!   Happy Trails. The passion-filled kind.   Yakoke (Thanks)!   Hannah B., PhD

Ep. 5 - It's Not You, It's Them: Why Your Job Is The Problem And How To Navigate It

Hey y'all!   Do you wonder why you can't find a job you like? Or, why you dislike jobs once you start them? Maybe you think that is just the way it is? Wonder if the problem is you? I am here to tell you that it's not you, IT'S THEM. They (the hopelessly antiquated jobs) are most often the problem. Today's episode is all about the traps we fall into when acquiring a job, ways to navigate out of them, and other tips and encouragement on your journey to meaningful work and a secure and balanced life you love! This episode is straight from my heart to yours and covers topics like:   1.) Performing Interviews 2.) Interviewing Back 3.) Expectation Management 4.) Personality Conflicts 5.) Understanding Your Why 6.) Your Values, Intentions, and Giftings 7.) People-Pleasing  8.) Boundaries 9.) Tweaking Your Job 10.) Leaving Your Job (Making a Plan)   I would love to know which topic most resonates with you?! I love hearing your thoughts! DM me on IG (@hannahbphd) to share yours! Opportunities to connect and work together will be available shortly! Stay tuned! Website also coming soon! Until then, feed the good in yourself and others by unapologetically pursuing that "something more" you've been looking for!   I'm here for you and I'm rooting for you!   Happy Trails. The kinds that lead to work you love.   Yakoke (Thanks)!   Hannah B., PhD

Ep. 4 - Not Into Networking? The Best Communication Tips To "Conversate," Your Way (For Introverts, Sensitives, Empaths, And Anti-Socialites)!

Hey y'all! Not into networking? Today's episode outlines the very best communication tips to "conversate" in your unique way (for introverts, sensitives, empaths, and anti-socialites everywhere)! In today's world, we are more disconnected than ever. This episode is an exploration into the ways in which we can build real genuine authentic connections with the people we were designed to do life with. It's not about the icky slimy "networking" practices that society tells us will get us ahead. Those only further drive disconnection and cause frustration for many of us. It's time to give networking a glow up y'all! This is another important piece of the puzzle that gets you one step closer to work that matters and a meaningful life you love! For quick reference, my top tips mentioned in the podcast are as follows: The Do Nots 1.) Don't Multitask 2.) Don't Equare Your Experience 3.) Don't Pontificate 4.) Don't Complain The Dos 1.) Use Open Ended Questions 2.) First Word Floodgates 3.) Find The Me Toos 4.) Pay A Unique Compliment 5.) Ask For An Opinion 6.) Name, Place, Animal Thing 7.) Create Intention 8.) Know The Levels 9.) Chain Stories 10.) FORD (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams) The Bonus Ideas 1.) Hand-Written Cards Or Notes 2.) Like, Subscribe, Rate, And/Or Review 3.) Donate/Volunteer 4.) Text/Email Thanks/Compliments Pick one of these and try it. Action creates clarity y'all. This is a big step toward transforming your life and making space for the opportunities you have been waiting for! It's a quick win with major long-term impact! You just have to try it! I can't wait to hear how it goes! Comment or DM me on IG (@hannahbphd) to share your wins! Opportunities to connect, build community, and work together will be available shortly! Website also coming soon! Until then, feed the good in yourself and others by building real soul connections and walking in love. Happy Trails. The genuine kind. Yakoke (Thanks)! Hannah B., PhD