When I first met Jack, I was terrified of him. I wasn't expecting a fun, laughing, enjoyable, exciting guy. I walked into his office like most people, with my knees knocking together. I was scared.

I knew I was going to be a journalist, and that was it.. full stop.

I think in a way nobody doesn't work anymore. Even moms who say, 'I am out of the workforce.' They may be writing mommy blogs with no expectation of making money, but they are building an onramp for when they do go back.

Just keep asking questions. Does this job allow me to be myself? Does it make me smarter? Does it open doors? Does it represent a compromise I accept? Does it touch my inner being?

Most people don't know where they stand. One day their boss gives them an eye roll, and it can set back their whole day. It causes enormous stress.

We are perfectionists. We are hungry to work all the time. We are entertained by every aspect of business and we never want to stop working.

Embedded reputations - that's one of the most daunting dynamics that can happen. You start as a secretary, or assistant, and you have that plastered on your forehead. My advice is that you have to do something - change companies, get a degree, or go to a training program. Or ask to be on a very hard assignment or project that no one else wants. You can do it, but it doesn't happen without true exertion.