You’ve Got Goals, Let’s Match Them with Action

Let’s be real for a second: most of us didn’t grow up hearing “You can demand more.”

If you’re a woman—especially a woman of color—you’ve probably been told to “work twice as hard to get half as much.” And while we’ve shown up, done the work, and proven ourselves, too often, we’re still underpaid, undervalued, and overworked.

We were told to work hard, keep our heads down, and be grateful for whatever opportunities came our way. But what did that actually get us? Lower paychecks, managers who don’t see our brilliance, and a seat at a table that’s too small to hold our dreams.

Not anymore.

2025 is the year of claiming our space. It’s about building careers that don’t just pay the bills but make us proud. It’s about unlearning survival mode and stepping into abundance.

If you’ve been feeling like you’re playing small, sis, this blog is your roadmap to more: more money, more peace, more opportunities, and more of the career you deserve. Let’s break it all the way down.

1. You’re Underpaid—Here’s How to Change That 

Let’s start with the money because it matters. 

Too many of us are in roles where we’re doing senior-level work on a mid-level paycheck. Why? Because we were taught to just be grateful for the job, to avoid rocking the boat, or to accept the first offer given. 

It’s time to change the narrative. The people who are thriving in their careers aren’t “lucky”—they’re intentional. They know their worth and aren’t afraid to negotiate. 

Step 1: Educate Yourself

The first step to demanding what you’re worth is knowing what that number looks like. Free tools like Levels.fyi or Payscale are game-changers. They’ll give you salary ranges for your role, broken down by location, experience, and even company size.

But don’t stop there. Talk to people in your network who are in similar roles or industries. Ask questions like, “What’s the typical salary range for someone with X years of experience in this field?” These conversations will not only give you valuable insights but also help you feel more confident when it’s time to negotiate.

Step 2: Practice Your Negotiation Skills

Negotiation is about confidence—and confidence comes from preparation. Practice responses to common questions like:

•  “What’s your desired salary?”
•  “Why do you think you’re worth that number?” 

Here’s a script to start with:

“Based on my research and the skills I bring to the table, I’m targeting $X-$Y. Does this align with the role’s budget?”

💡 Pro Tip: Remember, salary isn’t the only thing you can negotiate. You can also ask for signing bonuses, more PTO, remote work flexibility, or a professional development budget.

2. Toxic Workplaces Are Expensive: It’s Time to Leave

We need to talk about toxic workplaces.

 You know the type, the ones where your boss is a micromanager who emails you at midnight, or the culture makes you feel like an outsider no matter how hard you try to fit in. These environments don’t just affect your productivity; they affect your mental health, your confidence, and even your physical well-being.

Signs You’re in a Toxic Work Environment

• Your boss is a micromanager or a gaslighter. 
• You feel anxious or sick just thinking about work.
•  Your manager undermines or discredits your ideas.
•  There’s little to no transparency about growth opportunities.
• The culture rewards overworking and burnout.

If you recognize these signs, it’s time to prioritize your peace and start looking for something better.

It’s not just about finding a better job; it’s about finding a better fit.

How to Spot Red Flags During Interviews

Not every workplace is toxic, but it’s up to you to do your due diligence. During interviews, ask questions like:

•  “How does leadership support employee growth?”
•  “What steps does this team take to resolve conflict?”
•  “How would you describe the company’s approach to work-life balance?”
• “What’s the retention rate on this team?”

Also, pay attention to the interviewer’s tone and body language. Are they excited to talk about their team, or do they avoid the topic? Their answers will give you clues about the culture.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just rely on Glassdoor reviews. Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn for candid feedback.

 3. Build a Career Plan That Aligns With Your Life

Most companies won’t hand you a blueprint for success, and even if they do, it’s designed to benefit them, not you. That’s why you need to take control and design your own career plan.

2025 is the year to become the architect of your career.

Step 1: Get Clear on What You Want

Think about your ideal role, salary, and work environment. Write it all down, no matter how big or unattainable it feels. Do you want to work remotely? Lead a team? Earn six figures? Put it on paper.

Step 2: Break It Down

Once you’ve defined your big goals, reverse-engineer the steps to get there. What skills do you need? What roles are stepping stones?

• Need a specific certification? Research programs and start saving for the course.
• Want to move into leadership? Start networking with mentors who can guide you.

•  Invest in yourself. Take the course, hire the coach, or attend the conference. You are the best investment you’ll ever make.

Break each goal into small, actionable steps so you’re not overwhelmed.

Step 3: Schedule Quarterly Check-Ins

Life changes, and so will your goals. Set a reminder every three months to review your career plan. Are you making progress? Do you need to adjust your focus? Treat it like a living document that evolves with you.

💡 Pro Tip: Share your goals with a mentor or accountability partner who can help you stay on track. Set a reminder every six months to revisit your goals. Life changes—your career plans should, too.

 4. Your Peace Is Priceless: Set Boundaries That Stick

Let’s normalize putting ourselves first. Let’s leave grind culture in 2024, okay? Hustling at the expense of your mental health is not the flex they told us it was

It’s easy to fall into the trap of overworking, especially if you’re trying to prove yourself in a new role or industry. But here’s the thing: no job is worth sacrificing your mental health.

Boundaries Are Your Best Friend 

• Be Clear and Direct: If you’re not available after 6 PM, communicate that to your team.
• Stop Overcommitting: Learn to say no to tasks that aren’t urgent or aligned with your goals.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Block off time on your calendar for breaks, workouts, or anything that helps you recharge. Block time on your calendar for yourself—whether it’s gym time, therapy, or Netflix-and-chill.

• Close The Laptop - answering emails at 10 PM (no one’s impressed)..

Why Boundaries Matter

When you set boundaries, you’re not just protecting your time—you’re signaling to others (and yourself) that your well-being matters. It’s a form of self-respect, and it’s non-negotiable in 2025.

💡 Pro Tip: Protecting your peace is revolutionary. Don’t let anyone guilt you into overworking.

5. Networking Is Non-Negotiable in 2025

Let’s be honest: networking can feel awkward or intimidating. But the reality is, 80% of jobs are filled through connections. If you’re not building relationships, you’re missing out on opportunities.

But let’s take the sleaze out of networking. It’s not about using people—it’s about building real connections that can open doors.

How to Start

Step 1: Reconnect with Your Network

Start with people you already know—former colleagues, classmates, or mentors. A simple message like, “Hey, it’s been a while! How have you been?” can open doors.

Step 2: Build New Relationships

DM someone whose career inspires you and tell them why. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with people in roles or industries you’re interested in. When reaching out, be specific about why you’re connecting and what you admire about their career.

Step 3: Add Value

Networking isn’t just about asking for help; it’s about creating mutually beneficial relationships. Look for ways to offer support, whether it’s sharing a resource or making an introduction.

💡 Pro Tip: Use my Progress & Profit  toolkit for scripts and strategies to network like a pro without feeling fake.

This Is Your Year, Sis.  2025: The Year You Stop Settling

You’ve been playing small for too long, and 2025 is your year to change that. You deserve a career that values you, pays you what you’re worth, and leaves room for the life you want.

This is your reminder that you deserve better. You deserve to be paid, valued, and supported in every space you step into. No more settling for less—this is your year to thrive, not just survive.

This is your time to level up. Let’s get to work.