Grandma Wisdom on "From Surviving to Thriving" (Career Advancement)

Dear Grandma Wisdom,

Will I be stuck in this spot forever?  Will it always be a struggle? How can I get a better job and make life better for the kids and me?

signed,

Hopeful Momma

My Sweet Girl,

Now sit a minute and let Grandma Wisdom talk to you, heart to heart.

I see you out there doing your best—raising those babies, keeping food on the table, holding everything together with hands that must get mighty tired sometimes. And I want you to know something real clear: you are already stronger than most folks will ever have to be. Don’t you forget that.

But I also know this—you’ve got dreams tucked away in that heart of yours. Dreams about doing more, being more, building something better for you and your children. And honey, there is nothing selfish about that. That’s purpose. That’s provision. That’s God planting something good inside you.

Now let me share a little wisdom with you.

First, don’t you go measuring your success by somebody else’s yardstick. Advancement ain’t always about fancy titles or long hours. Sometimes it’s a better schedule, a little more peace, or a paycheck that lets you breathe easier at night. You get to decide what “better” looks like for your life.

Second, give yourself credit. The things you do every single day—juggling schedules, solving problems, stretching a dollar, loving those children through everything—that’s skill, baby. Real skill. The kind no school can fully teach. Walk into every opportunity knowing you bring value, because you surely do.

Now I know time is tight, but if you can, learn a little here and there. A class online, a new skill, something that opens doors. You don’t have to do it all at once. Just take it step by step, like planting seeds in a garden. Water them when you can, and trust they’ll grow in time.

And listen to me good on this—stop thinking you have to do everything alone. The Good Lord didn’t make us for that. Lean on folks when you can. Trade help, ask questions, find people who want to see you win. There’s no shame in needing a hand.

When it comes to work, don’t you shrink yourself. Speak up for what you deserve. You’ve earned your place, and then some. If you’ve done the work, you ask for that raise. You go for that position. Expect that you will advance in your career. Don’t let fear talk you out of blessings meant for you.

Also, keep your eyes open for work that fits your life, not fights it. Flexibility is a blessing, and there’s more of it out there these days than there used to be. You deserve a life where you’re not stretched so thin you can hardly stand.

Now I know sometimes guilt creeps in when you start thinking about your career. But let me tell you something true—your building a better life is one of the greatest gifts you can give those children. You’re showing them what strength, faith, and perseverance look like.

Don’t rush the journey, sweetheart. You just take one small step at a time. Update that resume. Apply for that job. Learn that new thing. Little steps still move you forward, and before you know it, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come.

And please, don’t forget to celebrate along the way. Even the small wins. Especially the small wins. You’re doing holy work, whether anybody else says so or not.

I am so proud of you. Keep your faith close, your head high, and your heart open to what’s possible.

You’re not just getting by—you’re building a life, piece by piece. And it’s going to be something beautiful.

With all my love,

Grandma Wisdom

p.s. There are people to help you sort it all out. Have you heard about Dress for Success? Reach out to them to see how they can aid in your advancement.

_____

"Grandma Wisdom" is a fictional character representing collective advice and wisdom.

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