“The cast for the film was not what Homer intended.”

This nearly exact thought was posted by someone on LinkedIn (you read that right). Let’s be real, we know they were talking about Lupita Nyong'o (Helen of Troy/Clytemnestra) and Elliot Page (Sinon). Firstly, racist and/or transphobic comments have no place anywhere.

We’re all just doing our best; why can’t we appreciate and acknowledge people for who they are without trying to tear them down while pretending that’s not what we’re doing? The original is FANTASY. Sure, Homer described Helen of Troy as white, but the general legend of Helen of Troy describes her as hatching out of a swan’s egg. For all we know, some people back then imagined her glowing in the dark, too. Like, really, that’s what we want to attack? The fact that the actress didn’t match the description? Last I checked, this movie was never intended as an exact reproduction of the poem, or it would have been one old guy reading the whole thing. And, of course, Helen isn't the only character causing unhinged outrage.

Let’s talk about Sinon, because this is where it gets straight funny. Sinon is a character pulled from Virgil's Aeneid, NOT Homer's Odyssey. And yet, people care that Elliot Page played this role? The double standard is real.

You know what Homer REALLY didn’t intend? About a 1/3 of the adaptation was different than Homer’s original version. The movie never showed us Mt. Olympus or the Greek Gods debating the fate of the humans below. There were also changes to the monsters and the underlying themes. But nobody complained about any of these major changes on LinkedIn or anywhere else.

I don’t know why some people are clinging to “but it’s not what the original said” when all movies are adaptations and are designed as entertainment for today’s day and age. The actors and actresses chosen were chosen because Nolan believed that they would bring his creative vision to life. And boy, did they!

What is this world coming to?

When society can’t appreciate creative freedom, especially in a world where AI is becoming a superpower, we’re in trouble. What happened to the “it doesn’t matter who you are, it’s what you do that matters” mentality? The actors were legendary. I haven’t appreciated a movie as much as I appreciated The Odyssey since watching Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022). The story, the acting, and the pure feelings of the movie were top-notch. Dissing such an awesome experience and pretending it’s out of loyalty to the original is ridiculous. We’re better than that.

And that’s where I’m at now. We can do better. I know we can. But it starts with the individual. It starts with understanding and listening. I hope we get more movies that break the “norm” until the norm no longer needs breaking. And that’s the takeaway. If you’re fighting for your voice, keep fighting. If you’re helping others find their voice, keep at it. Positivity is out there, and it’s more powerful than hate.

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Between onboarding meetings, client downloads, and desperately hunting down school supplies, I had to keep my brain turned on every. single. second.

Don’t get me wrong. My past “marketing content specialist” roles at agencies definitely had me doing strategy, leading client meetings, running SME interviews, project managing, and wearing about five different hats at any given moment. And it’s not like I didn’t have a child or pets or a husband back then. But this time, I have the title that matches what I do. And honestly? It’s scary, but it also feels great.

It’s like someone handed me the keys to a brand new car after I spent years driving a semi-reliable, 10-year-old junker that rattles violently at high speeds yet somehow still makes it out of the driveway every single morning. For the first time in a LONG time, I have a clear (if challenging) path ahead.

Yes, I’m exhausted. Yes, I probably forgot to do a good dozen life-related tasks this week (if you are waiting on a text back from me, my bad!). But by golly, I got to step up and make a real difference for my new agency during my very first week, and that feels incredible.

I do, however, have a confession.

When my alarm went off on Monday morning, I lay there, stared at the ceiling, and genuinely did not want to move. The pressure was heavy enough to pin me to the mattress.

But these turning points don’t define us… WE define our turning points. I laid there for a minute, told myself I could be the little engine that could, and thought myself right out of bed, got dressed, and stepped up to the plate. Our jobs change, our teams shift, and the daily grind doesn’t stop. But how we handle those high-pressure times makes dealing with the next one a lot easier.

One thing I have always known about myself is that I will fight for myself until there is nothing left in the tank. I’m worth it, my family is worth it, and that’s really just how the bunny hops.

So whatever turning point or intimidating new car you’re stepping into right now, keep fighting to live your life YOUR way. We got this.

Thanks for reading Jessica’s HOP Stories! If this week’s newsletter gave you a little boost (or a relatable nod of solidarity), please like, comment, or share. Thanks as always for reading!

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You see a post that ticks you off, so you leave a spicy comment, share it to shame them, or even stare at it in disgust a little too long. Boom. The algorithm kicks in. It doesn’t care if you loved it or loathed it. But it knows that you paid attention. Which means you’re going to get MORE content just like it.

To help us manage social without losing our minds (or our wallets), I’m covering both sides of the garbage party. First, some tips for everyday scrollers on how to tame your feed. Then, for my fellow marketers and business owners, a no-apologies reality check on how to reach people without driving us all up the wall.

Part 1: For the Doomscrollers

Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram are built on full-funnel mechanics. Every tap, pause, or scroll-stop is a vote for the dark side. If you interact with a post, the platform marks you as interested. So, of course, they’ll pelt you with more until you get worn down enough to hit “Buy Now.”

If you want to reclaim finances and your mind, try these ground rules:

• Mute and Hide like it’s your job: Don’t argue with content you hate. Hit the platform’s hide, mute, or “see less of this” button and keep on scrollin’. It forces the system to STOP rage baiting you.

• The “Look, But Don’t Touch” Rule: If you see something you like, but you know you shouldn’t (or can’t) buy it right now, do not engage. No likes, no comments, nonothing, because the second you interact, that brand will stalk your feed until you surrender to the Siren’s call and make the bad decision you told yourself you weren’t going to make.

• The Animal Shelter Trap: Case in point: I made the mistake of liking one reel from DuPage County Animal Services. ONE! Now, my feed is a relentless parade of heart-melting, adoptable guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, and cats looking directly into my soul. My willpower has held up so far, but you can bet as soon as we can afford it, someone is coming home with us. (Care to take a guess on which pet type wins that race?)

Part 2: For the Marketers (Stop writing War and Peace for ads)

If you’re writing promo copy or running campaigns, please read this more than once. Stop making ads so long. Nobody is going to stick around for the whole thing, we have doomscrolling to get back to, tyvm!

Take those RYZE mushroom coffee ads, for example. I appreciate catchy jingles and good storytelling as much as the next creator, but running a video for over two minutes while trying to squeeze every single health claim under the sun into one spot?

Don’t get me wrong, the angle and the creativity are noteworthy, but because they are SO long, I almost never watch them through, and I’m definitely not buying. (Plus, Gemini said there’s no clinical research proving mushroom extracts in coffee can do half of what the hype claims… it’s likely a placebo effect, or just the fact that drinking less caffeine stops people from being jittery wild boars).

If you’re trying to build brand authority without destroying consumer trust, do this:

1. Respect the Hook: You have about three seconds before we move on. If your ad requires a dramatic three-act narrative arc before you tell us what it is you’re selling, Bye, Bye Miss American Pie.

2. Ditch the Sketchy Tactics: Stop doing what companies like Remitly are pulling with in-app game ads. Hiding the “X” close button, making it the size of a single pixel, or holding users hostage through an endless countdown is just frustrating. Similarly, make sure any sale you’re promoting on social is still active on your website. Being shady or unclear breaks trust instantly.

   

3. Transparency Wins Every Time: Clear, honest messaging beats over-engineered hype every single day of the week. Treat us like intelligent adults, and you’ll see intelligent actions.

Real Talk

Whether we’re trying to be responsible with the scroll or wanting to craft copy that hits home, it comes down to intentional choices. Social media is meant to be a tool, not our master.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go step away from the internet before another small mammal tricks me into adopting it. Stay brave out there, and may your social feed forever be in your favor.

Thanks for reading Jessica’s HOP Stories! If this post brought a little clarity (or a chuckle) to your scroll, feel free to like, comment, or share. Thanks, as always, for the support!

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But money doesn't make soul-crushing subject matter feel any lighter.

Most of you have probably done it. You showed up to a job you didn’t like doing and you put in 100% because of the money. I did that when I was a teenager serving people at Olive Garden in good old Houston, TX. I did it again when I decided I no longer wanted to bend over and train dogs while 5 months pregnant- I took an online ESL teaching gig that started at 4am five to six days a week. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t hate teaching. But getting up at 4am when I was hypoglycemic and low Iron (thanks to the apple-sized Zenya in my belly) was not ideal.

Still… there are times when you (ME) need to let the heart win. Take this week. I’ve been applying to jobs and getting interviews. I think that I’m really close to an offer, as long as we’re a goal and vibe match. But I’m also still sending out applications because I’ve been this close before only to get stepped on and over at the end. However, there’s been a change in my process.

I was tagged for a job that would view me as a top candidate since I have direct, proven experience writing in their industry. The pay range is great and the job is fully remote. My brain screamed at me to do it. But my heart whispered a firm yet gentle “No.” and I listened.

That job would have required easily 60hrs a week because they wanted a one-person team for ALL of their marketing and reporting efforts, and it was in the medical industry which meant strict compliance deadlines and more hurdles than you’d find at a track meet. I would have been burned out within a few months. Plus, I don’t think it’s cool to take any job and then drop them as soon as you find something better. I’ve been burned more times than I can count, but I would never use that as justification for burning another team.

There was another job that I would have enjoyed a bit more, but they had a 1 or 2 day a week in-person in Chicago commitment. One or two days isn’t a huge deal. If it were just me, I’d do it. But my amazing husband, Jon, already commutes 3 days a week into Chicago for his job. Our daughter Zenya deserves to have us around as much as possible, and meals together wouldn’t be possible if Jon and I were trading commute days. My heart said my family is more important than the impressive paycheck that job would have offered. I listened.

There was a third job that I applied to despite my heart being scared. It was for a Lead Editor role, and my heart felt nervous about the responsibility and the size of the massive, successful corporation. My brain said do it because you’re qualified. I listened to my brain.

When To Listen To Your Brain

Logic can be logical. If it’s irrational fear holding you back, listen to your brain as it maps out the real problem and the solution. If the brain can’t invalidate that fear or other strong feeling, then the heart wins. With the soul-crushing job position, my brain knew that what my heart felt was valid. I’d written dry, sterile copy before and would not enjoy doing it again long-term. With the commute job, my brain knew that, yes, it would negatively impact my family dynamics. But with the huge corporate job? My brain systematically pulled apart my hesitations. In the end, my heart conceded that the fear was irrational.

Respect Your Logic AND Your Feelings

I take the time to think things through because I owe it to my whole self to make sure that my choices are made in my best interest. You owe that to yourself, too. If you’re stuck in the middle of making a big decision, remember to slow down. Feel your feelings, acknowledge the facts, and see what makes sense for you. Best of luck out there, we’ve got this.

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First, the good news: I did NOT hit myself in the head with my nunchucks during last night’s kung fu practice (don’t ask about last Friday). Second, Zenya officially semi-mastered a hands-backflip. Behold her glory!

On the “professional development” (read: soul-crushing) front, I’ve had a rollercoaster. I got a rejection call after a skills test and four interviews. It’s a loss, but I’m choosing to look at it this way: I made it to the final two. To the person who got the job: please, for the love of frolicking fish sticks, don’t quit in a month. I need to know my loss was at least good for the company.

Oh, and I received an automated rejection email from a major CRM company at 3:00 AM, only to have one of their VPs add me on LinkedIn a few hours later. I’m tempted to reach out, but I’m holding back so I don’t come off as the bitter copywriter.

There were a few highlights, too. I made some pretty killer connections on LI this week, plus someone asked little old me to proof their AI-powered business concept. They couldn’t pay me, but I was really happy to take a look. It’s fun to help (in between meltdowns and interviews). So, about connections…

The Meat: Why Connections Beat “Perfect” Answers

I saw a post on LinkedIn recently from someone struggling with recruiter screens. It hit home. We think these things are about being the “perfect candidate” on paper, but surprise: if you’re not in the middle of a job hunt, this is still about your life, too. We are constantly making connections, and we’re all a little rusty.

Talking to a stranger on the phone is naturally awkward. Here’s how to make it less… well, human-cringe.

1. Treat the “Screen” like a Conversation, Not an Interrogation Recruiter screens are 20-30 minute filters. Yes, they have to ask their pre-written questions, but they already read your resume. They know your skills. What they don’t know is who you are.

During a recent call about the PetPedia project, the conversation drifted from the job description to our dogs. I ended up sharing a photo of my dog Iggy using acting like a human. He’s just that way.

By the end of that call, the recruiter told me I was moving to the next round. Connection, people!

2. Sympathy is a Superpower Recently, someone on LinkedIn posted about the pain of being ghosted. Instead of ignoring it or “liking” it and moving on, I chimed in with some genuine sympathy and a solution. Now, we’re connected. She’s since sent me links to jobs she thinks are a great fit for me.

The Takeaway: Lead with Listening

The lesson is simple: Lead with listening. If you can figure out what would make someone smile, you’re halfway to building a real connection.

I’ll be honest—I have straight-up wrecked first impressions before. I’ve tripped over my words and been awkward. But the beauty of connecting with new people is that every single conversation is a fresh start.

So, dear HOP subbies: go out there. Be brave, be attentive, and whatever you do, don’t nip and run like Cookie would have.

Alright, you’ve made it this far, might as well answer: What’s the most cringe-worthy first impression you’ve ever survived? Let me know in the comments and let’s laugh at ourselves together.

If you enjoyed, please like, share, all the things.

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Come check it out and drop a quick hello comment on any of my notes to introduce yourself! Think of it as entertainment, networking, and free virtual fist bumps.

Go to Notes

How to join

Head to substack.com/notes or find the “Notes” tab in the Substack app. As a subscriber to Jessica’s HOP Stories, you’ll automatically see my notes. Feel free to like, reply, or share them around!

You can also share notes of your own, so don’t let me have all the fun! If you tag me in your note, I will absolutely reply!

If you encounter any issues, you can always refer to the Notes FAQ for assistance. Let’s figure life out together, shall we?

Go to Notes

If you’ve been reading HOP Stories for a while, you know my style is generally sharing unpolished, chaotic truths and finding the humor in life’s events.

Secretly, though, my brain is a bit of a contradiction. I’m living life’s messy moments in real-time. However… because of my background in education and a decade spent as a copywriter, I am constantly trying to figure out why certain stories land with a community and why others vanish into the abyss, otherwise known as the internet.

Honestly, I think it’s just like my husband’s YouTube Short that hit 16 million views vs. one that got 12 views… the algorithm super-beings of the digital world playing musical chairs with content. But I do think one thing is true: The more consistently well you tell your story, the more likely you are to touch hearts and inspire hope.

What Connects

Making connections through words starts with sharing your truths, whatever they are. Honesty wins. Some of my most successful stories were about my toughest moments, like when we lost Cookie in December or my frustrations with job hunting over the past few months.

But many stories connect because they are relatable. Very few (if any) of my readers have ever owned a rabbit. Where is the connection? Well, nearly everyone has lost someone dear to them. And going beyond just telling the story and examining how I’ve dealt with life’s potholes is the secret ingredient. There’s also humor I use as a saucy seasoning to keep the story from feeling bland or self-woe-ish.

What Flops

Stories that take way too long to get to the point. Stories that don’t have a point (or a lesson). Stories that feel so dry, your eyes are itching for drops. A lot of people think writers have a natural talent, and that they bleed creativity and comedic timing. Maybe some writers were born that way, but I sure wasn’t one of them.

I’ve written more than one story that I chose not to publish because I knew I didn’t hit the mark. I believe that “knowing” when something reads well and when it doesn’t (and how to fix it) can be learned. Which brings me to today’s point!

Introducing the Experiment!

Lately, a few of you have asked how to take your own weird encounters, career shifts, or “did that REALLY just happen?” moments and write about them. How do you inject natural humor without sounding like you’re trying too hard? How do you share an honest, painful lesson without making it read like a total cringe self-help book?

So, I’ve decided to run a little experiment.

Over the next three weeks, I’m building a digital toolkit and audio guide called The Art of the Honest Pivot. The idea is to show you how to mine your own blunders and turning points for structured, compelling short-form stories (or whatever else you want to write).

What I’m Putting Inside:

• The Humor Without Try-Till-You-Die Framework: A tactical exploration of how to find comic distance from a bad situation so it reads as genuinely funny.

• The Fluff-Filter Editor Checklist: A practical tool to strip out passive voice, clichés, and empty filler words so your narratives stay sharp and active.

• The Anatomy Case Studies: This is my favorite part. I’m recording short audio breakdowns evaluating:

  • My most successful post (analysis of why it worked).

  • My least successful post (an honest look at the biggest flop).

  • A few random, brilliant posts across Substack (analysis of how other writers structurally hook an audience).

The Founding Writer Special

Because I want to make sure this is incredibly high-value, I’m opening up pre-orders today to find 1 or 2 Founding Writers to grab the very first copies before the formal launch in 3 weeks. If no pre-orders happen, then this idea gets shelved and I’ll eat some ice cream and move on.

When it officially drops, the price will reflect the master’s level instructional design and years of professional writing and editing experience that went into it. But right now, you can pre-order it for a cool $20. In addition to the toolkit, Founding Writers get a free editing session where I’ll evaluate up to 2,000 words of your writing and share tips via a 30-minute Zoom call.

If you want to grab one of these beta spots and help me shape the final version, you can pre-order via the link below.

Pre-Order: The Art of the Honest Pivot

Either way, the usual free stories will keep coming to your inbox. Thank you for reading, for laughing at the blunders, and for being a part of this tiny corner of the internet.

Cheers,

Jessica

First, the Blue Envelope Program is an initiative to help those on the autism spectrum handle police encounters. It’s a simple blue envelope with clear instructions and holds copies of a person’s important information (like their DL and insurance card). On the back side, it gives instructions to the police officer for effective communication strategies.

Several case studies show that these envelopes, along with police training, make police counters with those on the spectrum both safer and less stressful for all involved.

So, I ask again, why doesn’t every PD have this program?

I did some more digging. This isn’t a program from the Fed, and only about a dozen states have passed legislation for it. I don’t share much about my extended family, (their business is their business), but I do have a relative with severe autism, and the realization that he may not have this program in his city really hit home.

Sharing this information is unlikely to do anything right now, but I figured, why not do it anyway? Spreading the word about little snippets of information like this is how we become better as a society. The more people who can see the world for what it really is (including all the ugly, broken, and misguided parts), the more likely we are to move in a better direction. And celebrating wins, such as the states, counties, and cities who ARE part of the Blue Envelope Program, can help us determine WHICH direction is “better” in the first place.

I know you’re busy. Life is hard. Heck, I’m still waiting to hear back from a company (please keep your fingers crossed for me that it’s a job offer!), and wincing at a higher electricity bill as Summer starts to heat up, even here in Illinois. But take a moment. Is there anything around you that could make someone’s life a little easier, if only they knew about it? Take the time to share information because while it might not apply to you, it could be hope for others.

If you got something out of this post, please Share, Subscribe, and Live your best life.

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The Hatching Paradox

A bonded pair of Eastern bluebirds moved into the nesting box almost immediately. As the momma started laying her eggs, I had a million questions for my friend, who had already researched everything. She told me the blue eggs would only be about the size of plump jelly beans, and that the female almost always lays one a day, up to six in total.

It was magical seeing that first tiny egg.

By the fourth day, there were indeed four eggs, but the momma wasn’t sitting on them. I admit it. I was worried. Why would they go through all this work only to let the eggs get too cold? Then my friend explained that sitting on the eggs wouldn’t happen until the last one was laid. I found that rather strange, but what could I do? I waited for updates.

On the fifth day, the momma laid the fifth egg. She was done.

Then, she settled in while her partner brought her food and kept watch outside. Although this wasn’t the main lesson, it reminded me that a good partner helps whenever needed. My husband is that way, and I couldn’t have asked for someone more supportive, thoughtful, and genuinely kind.

Roughly two weeks later, the first egg hatched in the early morning. Only an hour and a half later, the second one hatched. In fact, all five babies hatched on that same day. The female knew she could keep their growth rates the same if she started sitting on them at the same time. It was a brilliant adaptation I knew nothing about until now, and I have been obsessed with it ever since.

Here is a video of the proud bird parents taking care of the first few babies.

Lessons from the Nest

Knowing WHEN to make your move is as important as the move itself. That got me thinking about my own life. What could I do differently?

This is how I want to apply this bluebird logic to my world:

• Don’t rush the job hunt. It’s beyond tempting to fire off a hundred applications to feel productive, but that rarely gets you where you want to be. Slow down and plan your moves. Set your sights on where you see yourself career-wise and work backward from there.

• Speak up if you have something to say. Holding back out of fear or uncertainty can do more harm than good. If the moment calls for it, say it or do it. Don’t be afraid to share your truth; whether that’s with your boss, a potential employer, or a family member. Time is limited.

• Look for patterns and help where you can. It’s so easy to just roll with whatever is happening, but that could mean a missed opportunity. Look for patterns and make adjustments because course-correcting can have a huge ripple effect. Improving something for one person might end up helping many others in the long run.

My friend is enjoying her close-up view of wildlife, but I am the one walking away with a new perspective on growth.

I hope you liked this story, but I also hope it got you thinking. How do you decide when it is the right time to hold back and when to go all in?

If you liked this story, please share and/or subscribe. Every bit helps!

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First, what this jerk did was illegal (he said he had “bloodlust” right before taking aim), but he faced no known consequences, as big productions settle these things under the table. Panama likely got a small payment and thus allowed Netflix to air the episode. I’m not linking to that show’s info. Instead, here are some things I’ve been watching that are ten times better:

1. My Husband’s YouTube Channels

Yes, I’m totally biased, but come on, some of these shorts and videos are pure gold. For example, take this episode of Mr. Poopy’s Reviews (a satirical movie & game review channel) in which our daughter did the voices of Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails.

I’d rather watch this over and over again than watch another second of that “show” who must not be named. You can like/subscribe/comment/enjoy more of these silly and cute shorts right here. I may get perks (like bathbombs and a date!) if you subscribe/support his channel, so pretty please check it out!

He also has a second channel that has some great gaming and movie commentary, as well as old videos of us gaming together. Below is a rather fond memory of me scoring way higher than Jon… likely the ONLY time it’s ever happened 😂.

If you laughed at least once (and if you didn’t, are you alright???), you can check out this channel here for hours and hours of entertainment. And yes, he could afford to take us on a vacation if he gets enough subscribers/views since this is a monetized account thanks to the short that got 16 million views.

2. Hal Gill’s Live Video Podcasts

I can’t catch the Harrowings Podcast as often as I’d like, but whenever I do, it’s always a fun surprise. Hal will chat with anyone about anything interesting. It’s a fun, thought-provoking podcast. I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with him a few times on the show, and I’m probably due for another chat sometime soon. We’ve chatted about everything from my pet care app, PetPedia, to fun stories about real-life events from the past. I consider him a friend and a kind soul who sends a clear signal through the noise every time.

3. Sirens

Sirens is on Netflix, and totally worth the watch (and the hyperlink). Jon and I just finished the limited series, and boy, what a ride! The vibe brings back memories of the movie Pan’s Labyrinth, where you can’t quite tell what’s real. The main difference is that there are no awesome monsters or creatures, just whispers of supernatural influence. The story has some delightfully cool twists and turns, and doesn’t get as dark as I’d feared after watching the creepy promo.

I’m curious… what are you watching/doing this summer. Share! And as always, thanks for reading!

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When I get home, my daughter Zenya is watching cartoons. I call her over to show her the plant in my hands. Before I’m able to utter out what it is, she grabs the plastic excitedly, possibly thinking it was some sort of wrapped toy. I’ll admit this now: I’m a hypocrite. I was furious. How dare she crush a live plant??? There was only one thing that could be done… we had to now rehabilitate this plant and hope for the best.

This was back in January, and it was still extremely cold. I put this poor, half-dead plant in my master bathroom. I figured the warm, steamy air would be its best hope. We named the plant Baze, and I watered it daily. Fast-forward several months. Baze is thriving, my bathroom smells fantastic, and we’ve had some amazing culinary creations topped with a few fresh basil leaves. There was one problem, Baze started dying.

I wasn’t sure why at first. I’d put it on the windowsill and even moved the blinds out of the way to make sure it was getting decent sunlight (all while hoping drones weren’t playing Peeping Tom at my morning and evening bathroom routines). It wasn’t until I picked up the tiny starter cup that even my barely green thumb figured it out. The roots were growing through the drain holes. Baze needed space.

Some animals, like shellfish, only get as big as their environment allows. But Baze said, “Nah, it’s either give me a bigger space or I die.” There’s something rather inspiring about this thought. While Baze was pretty adaptable, it had a need for growth, and it was non-negotiable. (More on non-negotiables later, but let’s finish the cool story of Baze first.)

I put Baze in a bigger pot, and since it was now late Spring, I moved it to my kitchen window. Two weeks. That’s how long it took before Baze grew to about 4 times its size and now needs another, bigger pot. I have Baze’s next pot ready, and the repotting will be taking place this weekend. Behold the glory:

Non-negotiables are interesting. One of my biggest ones is that I’m really looking for a fully remote or super flexible hybrid Copywriting role. I’ve been contacted by recruiters who say they can get me into an interview as a top candidate. The catch? A daily commute into Chicago. I’ve politely turned them down. The thing about non-negotiables is that if someone is willing to accept that and meet your needs, they’re doing THEMSELVES a favor, because someone who is cared for in the way that they need can grow beyond all expectations.

This is a not-so-subtle-reminder. Respect non-negotiables, including your own, and watch the amazing things that happen. Thanks for reading. If you got this far, please do me a solid and share, subscribe, and stay positive. If you’d like to share your own journey, I’d love to read about it. We’ve got this!

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Yep, my kid is awesome. I’ll tell you more about how her competition went in just a bit, but I’m going to keep the typing down to a minimum. After all, what was the point of taking so many pictures if not to share them???

Here's how our trip went in pictures and videos:

On Saturday, I was in the tournament. I entered two forms: a hands form and a sword form, Female Adult Beginner, and no, I’m not telling you the age range 😄. There wasn’t much competition, and considering that I was as hopped up on cold meds, that was probably a good thing. I got Gold for both. I’m proud of myself for that, but I do plan on doing the forms way better for my next belt test. Below is my sword form. Again, please don’t judge too harshly; standing was difficult, let alone having to spin around so much.

That night we had a fun Hibachi dinner.

After a quick breakfast, Zenya and Jon rehearsed and then performed with the team for their group performance. They won first place. Although Jon hadn’t technically signed up for it, they gave him a Gold for holding one of the team members on his shoulder for the final pose. After that, it was Zenya’s turn to do all four of her solo competition forms.

Zenya was a Rock Star. She earned a Gold for her Tiger, a Gold for her Nun chucks (against a lot of competition), a Silver for her other hands form, and a Bronze for her dagger form (she did great, but one of the flags on the dagger hilt fell off during the form, which counted against her).

And she’s so darn cute, too.

Sunday afternoon, it was finally Jon’s turn to give it a go. Like me, he didn’t have much competition, but he did great. He ended up getting gold medals for all three of his forms.

Afterward, our Sifu saw us taking pictures together, and he handed us a huge Gold Cup to include in our shots. Obviously, we didn’t win it, but it felt like we did for getting through the crazy weekend!

Most of our team flew home either Sunday night or Monday. We took the holiday to spend time together, let Zenya try a surfing lesson, and watch The Mandalorian and Grogu movie at an Ale House theatre. Tuesday morning, we flew home, exhausted but happy.

During the trip, I got a call from the vet telling me that Nutty’s urn was ready for pickup. We have her back now, and she’ll go on our memorial shelf with our other furry family members. It’s been quite the time, but I’m so glad that we were able to go and have a good time. This cold of mine needs to go away already, but looking back at all the smiles from the weekend, I’m still counting my blessings.

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Fast forward to today. I just saw a “Copy Supervisor” role on LinkedIn that includes EVERYTHING but supervising.

I’ll spare the company by not sharing their name, but here is the job description, word for word:

• Develop and implement the overall copy strategy for our organization, ensuring consistency and accuracy in messaging across all channels.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand project requirements, target audience, and marketing objectives.

• Create and edit compelling and persuasive copy for various marketing materials, including websites, email campaigns, social media posts, advertisements, and presentations.

• Ensure that all copy is error-free, proofreading for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and overall readability.

• Provide guidance and feedback to junior copywriters, helping them refine their skills and produce high-quality work.

• Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices in copywriting and communication.

• Collaborate with other departments, such as design and marketing, to develop integrated marketing campaigns that effectively communicate our brand message.

• Conduct thorough research on industry-related topics and competitors to enhance the quality and relevance of our copy.

• Monitor and analyze the performance of our written content, making data-driven recommendations for improvement.

Of the nine bullet points, five are either for a Sr. Copywriter or a Content Strategist (the offending text is in bold). Guiding junior copywriters barely qualifies as a copy supervisor’s responsibility, but I’ll let it slide.

The issue with job postings like this is that it will hurt the company AND whoever they hire. So if you’re a CEO OR looking for work, this HOP story is for you.

I’m now on a first-name basis with more than one recruiter. Next to none of them hire for the roles I’m after (Sr. Copywriter/Marketing Content Strategist), but networking is an important part of the job hunting process. With that comes a few tips from the “other side" of the playing field.

Job searching tips for job hunters:

1. Ignore the job title.

Other than making sure your resume file name and job title under your name at the top of your resume match the company’s listed job title, put it out of your mind and focus on the job responsibilities. If you can do what’s required, then apply.

2. Semi-ignore experience requirements.

Most job listings also have “experience requirements” listed as well as general requirements for the role. While in-person and hybrid role types are typically non-negotiable, just about everything else “required” is more of a filter than a true requirement. For example, postings might say you need a degree.

However, if you have 4+ years of directly related experience, you still have a shot. Pay extra special attention to companies that encourage applicants to apply even if they don’t tick every box. I’ve started seeing more and more companies include this, and it’s a clear sign that general hiring processes are starting to improve.

3. Networking, networking, and more networking.

Following up with every job you’ve applied for is exhausting, so don’t do it. Instead, go after the ones you really want. Find the company on LI, figure out who to contact from that company, and “Follow” them FIRST before sending a “Connection” invite a few days later.

When you do send that Connection invite, make sure you add a Note that says who you are and what role you’ve applied for. Even if you end up not getting the job, do NOT forget to thank them for their time. Building connections is a way easier way to land a job than trying to stand out over 200 other applicants.

4. Know your worth.

Many jobs, even those that list a salary range, ask you for your ideal compensation. Do not guess. Get to researching by your location and job title so that you have a comfortable range that you can fire off at any given time. Pay close attention to how the question is asked. Do they want your “total compensation” (including 401k matching, insurance/HSA accounts, bonuses, and so on) or your “base salary” requirements? Are they asking for a range or an exact number?

Job listing tips for hiring/leadership teams:

I know what you’re thinking: What the heck do YOU know about job listings???

More than you might think. As an Upwork Freelancer, I’ve written them. More than that, I was asked to write my own job description for a large franchise company (unfortunately, one of the key stakeholders decided they didn’t need a content strategist at all- their loss). And of course, I’ve read hundreds. I’m not saying I’m an expert, but if your company is making these mistakes, I’d encourage you to look into it.

1. Put your fairly estimated compensation on the listing.

If you need to check with legal/add that it depends on location, do so. But not being upfront with what you can afford to pay someone creates a huge waste of time (for you, your recruiting team, and for applicants). People need jobs, but they also need to know that they can afford to feed their families. More importantly, your company should already know well ahead of time what roles and what pay are needed to keep all the cogs moving.

2. Keep the responsibility bullet list to fewer than 7.

My husband has been working for the same company for ten years. His responsibility list is easily two pages long, but had they told him that on Day 1, he surely would have run. Only include the immediate, core responsibilities. You can say that there may be additional collaboration/responsibilities as they grow into the role, which would read as learning opportunities and growth potential, vs. doing the job of five people.

3. Say clearly what you want.

The job title should match the description. I’ve seen Project Manager roles that read like Marketing Director roles, and it just doesn’t make sense. I know that everyone wants to keep pay expectations in line with job titles. Totally fair. But, if you’re asking for the moon and you’re only paying ten cents, anyone you hire is likely to fall over and quit sooner rather than later. Design and communicate the role so that you can hire a quality person, and that’s what you’ll get.

4. Don’t repost old job listings, DO send rejection emails, and DO close the listing when you’re done.

I’m sorry about this one. I really am. I know how much easier it is to repurpose content than to have to start over. But if you don’t craft an updated job listing, you’re going to get the same types of applicants you got before (which clearly didn’t work the first time, or you wouldn’t be reposting). And once you’ve hired someone, grats!!! CLOSE the listing immediately and notify all applicants.

I keep applying to jobs where the “Thanks for applying” email is really the “We’re only going to message you again if you made it to the next round,” email. CRMs, like HubSpot, make it so easy to add all of your applicant email addresses to a segmented list and send a polite, personalized decline email to everyone all at once. I’ve never done this exact scenario, so for anyone who has, please share in the comments how long it took you. I’m guessing from my experience with HubSpot and contact list segmentation that it would take under an hour from start to finish. Even if it takes a little longer, sending that rejection email is the kindest thing you can do for anyone you didn’t choose. It allows them to accept the outcome and move on.

And there we have it folks!

Applying and hiring are both a pain. But we can make it a little easier for all involved if we follow a few common-sense, people-first practices. Best of luck, and keep on hoppin’!

If you think I should write my Substack full-time instead of occasionally when I can, now’s your chance to become a paid subscriber and put your money where it’ll help.

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I plan my content. In fact, I still have last week's finished draft saved to my Google Drive Substack folder. But a lot has happened in a very short while, so there it stays for now.

We lost Nutty over the weekend and used our garage sale money for her cremation. That was not the intended purpose, but all of my pets (including our 1 ½ pound guinea pigs) are family. We've also cremated our cat, Squiggles, our dog, Fay, and Cookie, the sassy inspiration behind my HOP stories.

It would have felt weird leaving Nutty off our memorial shelves. Of course, that meant we didn't have money for an autopsy. The vet thinks her damaged eye and upper respiratory infection overwhelmed her immune system. I don't know, but I do know she will be desperately missed.

To add icing atop this unhappy cake, I woke up very sick. Jon had gotten sick last week, so at least I knew it was coming.

I always look for the positive side of things. This time, I'm grateful for the loving support of my husband and daughter; plus the real help and kindness shown by some of my closest friends (you know who you are).

While I managed to get my important contract work done, I've spent most of my time today in bed. This means I read the news about the hate-crime shooting and rampant wild fires in California. My condolences to those who have suffered loss (and not just in Cali, to everyone).

May this week bring better news and opportunities to add positivity to the table of life.

All of that ^ is why I have to write. I don’t want to (more job application rejection emails, one of my guinea pigs injured her eye, possibly beyond repair, I’ve rewritten my resume 12 times in 5 days), but if I give up on myself, then how could I expect anyone to believe in me? Just like with Zenya and Sifu, I have to know and show I can do it if I want others to see it too.

And then, there’s the mental health side. Writing is a passion, and my Substack is the space where I can forget about using a brand voice or talking people into buying something… I can just write for the joy of it (but if you want to upgrade to a paid subscription, that wouldn’t hurt!). I tried to write last Wednesday. I even had the idea of writing pretty much what I’m writing now. But the pressure to keep job hunting, applying, and checking my email over and over again (sorry, Confidence Coach Ken, efforts were made), was too much.

But Nutty’s eye over the weekend looked horrible. Who knows how she’d hurt it, not me. It was clear she couldn’t see out of that eye, and she needed medical attention. It pulled me out of my internal struggle and forced me to pay attention to what was going on. The vet on Tuesday said he “thinks” we can save her eye. He gave me 3 medications for her, and I’ve been administering her doses exactly as instructed while she sits in her newly constructed emergency care pen in my home office.

So why am I writing today? Well, if I’m going to find a Senior Copywriting or Content Strategist job, I need to have an outlet so that I’m clear-headed when filling out applications, showing up at interviews, and tweaking my portfolio website. Hearing Nutty rustle around in her cage reminds me that I’m not the only one who is riding the struggle bus.

This is a little too vulnerable a post to feel happy about. It might even make a potential employer back away slowly while avoiding eye contact. But if I have to hide every imperfection every second of the workweek, maybe that’s not the environment for me anyway. But I am proud of this post. It’s proof that although things are tough, I’m tougher than I look. That scrappy kid who got back on the horse after being thrown off is still present.

I realize that writing on Substack can’t just be about me. I need to do what I can to get that signal out there, as puts it. But maybe by sharing my recent struggles, someone else who gave up on themselves will give it another try.

Thank you for reading. If you found this post helpful, please share.

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Case in point: If you are hunting for a job, your headline under your name should match the exact job title you want. Just a heads up: you must be qualified for that title, or it is a no-go.

That’s your quick win for the day. Now, it’s time for my slower-burn top tips for making LinkedIn work right for you.

1. Post frequently, but comment more often

Consistent posting increases your chances of being seen. But the algorithm is specifically designed to boost your visibility if you’ve been commenting on other relevant posts. However, dropping a comment like “YAH!” isn’t going to help. It has to be a thoughtful contribution for LinkedIn to do you a solid.

2. When you do post, do NOT copy and paste from your AI chat

LinkedIn professionals can sniff out AI slop faster than Iggy finds his fave parts of his dog food in his bowl.

Using ChatGPT, Gemini, or other LLMs to brainstorm what you should post is totally fine. That said, all of LinkedIn will know you didn’t write that well-structured, hyper-em-dashed, mathematically spaced-out post yourself. Show off your personality and writing style, and stick to topics you care about.

3. Follow first

If there are specific people on LinkedIn that you want to connect with, follow them first. Sending a connection request out of the blue is not much better than cold-calling or being that obnoxious salesperson banging at your front door. Warm it up a little first.

4. Hashtags, tags, long-form, and humor?

The answer is: it depends. Hashtags used to make a point or a joke can up the chances that your readers will read your entire post. Hashtags that just repeat what you already said? NAH.

Tagging connections who would genuinely appreciate the post is a great idea, but do not overdo it. Nobody wants to feel used. As for post length, generally speaking, shorter posts are more likely to get read. Bonus points if it has a fun picture or graphic. People doom-scrolling LinkedIn are likely doing so during their lunch break or between meetings. Keep things short, concise, and to the point.

If you have been reading my other Substack stories, you know I love some good quality humor. Honestly, some of the most-interacted-with posts I have made on LinkedIn are funny. But, I find that a mix of humor and value is the magic recipe for getting those connect requests and comments flowing in.

5. Don’t give up

When I first started my job hunt over four months ago, I used LinkedIn to really spread the word about what I do. I tagged the right people and had a lot of post engagement. But, I wasn’t getting any messages (except for scams).

I didn’t give up. Now, in just April alone, I have had three REAL recruiters message me because they saw my posts. Why? Well, I looked at which tactics were working, and I kept doing them. I scrapped the things that didn’t work, like messaging recruiters directly, and I stayed as positive as I could, even when “for sure” opportunities did not pan out.

If you have some more LinkedIn tips, share them below! Happy social media-ing! Don’t forget to take breaks and avoid the drain at night if you can. I find stretching or spending time with my fam before sleeping is so much more rewarding. I talked about it during Ken’s self-help book club the other week when we discussed Ch. 5 of The Gap and The Gain. Happy trails!

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The Downward Spiral

The chaos began on March 22 during a simple boarding evaluation at Hounds Town. Iggy spent forty-five minutes in the lobby under high stress (for him). From my perspective, it was 42 minutes standing next to me while the manager sat on the floor and scratched Iggy’s butt while making gentle cooing noises, followed by a 3 minute visit by a fat poodle mix who wanted nothing more than to be friends. So naturally, Iggy thought he was in the 7th level of Hell from Dante’s Inferno. By that evening, we saw the first signs of trouble with loose stool. By 4:00 AM the next morning, we were officially in the middle of a vomit and diarrhea tornado that led us straight to a white rice diet.

He spent the next few days in a cycle of persistent symptoms and failed experiments. We tried Forti flora, but that just caused more vomiting. We tried specialized stomach food, but there was no improvement. Although I tried potty pads, Iggy preferred to relieve his tummy and his bowels everywhere except on the pads, and instead used them as a comfy resting place RIGHT NEXT TO HIS DOG BED. Sorry for the yell, but the frustration was beyond real.

Finally, a stool sample came back normal on March 28. A new protocol of chicken broth, white rice, and boiled eggs seemed to do the trick. For a brief, shining moment between March 29 and March 31, Iggy was back to his normal self.

The Relapse

Then came the actual “free” week of daycare. I took him for three days in a row, each only a few hours at a time. He was fine. No issues. Then, the day I decided to give him a break from daycare, things hit a crisis point.

It was on the evening of April 5, when we came home from watching the new Super Mario Bros. Movie and discovered bloody stool that looked like raspberry red liquid (all over my home office carpet). This earned us an 8:30 PM trip to the emergency vet at VEG. While his X-rays and bloodwork were normal, the bill was anything but. Between the $1,600 ER visit and another $300 for a follow-up with his regular vet when he still wasn’t improving, my bank account cried for mercy.

The Personal Nightmare

The aftermath in our house was a literal nightmare. Iggy managed to ruin my home office carpet. Even today, the room still smells like a toxic cloud of industrial cleaners. At one point, he even vomited on our bed at 2:00 AM. Between the fumes from the cleaners and the constant trips outside in the middle of the night, I ended up catching a nasty bug myself.

During the peak of this madness, I realized why I am so invested in the mobile app I am co-founding, PetPedia. When you are standing in an ER at midnight, trying to remember exactly when the “puddle” consistency started or when the last bit of rice was eaten, your brain just stops working. Having the ability to generate a professional symptom report like the timeline I made for my vet is a total game-changer for pet owners. It turns your panicked, sleep-deprived observations into actual data. His vet said that my report was incredibley helpful for ruling out other issues. Since I don’t want anyone to have to wait until PetPedia is live, here is Iggy’s Illness Timeline that you can use as an example in case you ever need to create one of your own.

As of today, Iggy is fully recovered and back to his usual self. I am still nursing a lingering cough. Apparently, the dog gets the expensive IV fluids and the luxury canned food, while I just get the leftover cleaning fumes.

As always, thanks for reading. How have you been managing the chaos in your own world lately? Please let me know!

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