Today’s newsletter is a virtual hug.

If you’re feeling energized and locked in as you return to work this week, let’s celebrate!

If you don’t feel that way (and maybe feel envy or skepticism toward those who do), this message is for you. While I don’t know exactly what moves you need to make in 2026 to gain energy and momentum, I do know this with 100% confidence: you’re not stuck. Tomorrow can be better.

This hug is specifically designed to melt shame.

It’s hard enough sensing that something’s off and not knowing how to fix it. Especially if you’re used to being a passionate, high-achieving go-getter with a goal, a plan, and pep in your step.

Maybe you thought the holidays would restore your energy, but you’re still zapped. Maybe an opportunity you were counting on fell through. Maybe those whispers about restructuring or five-day return-to-office are now on a slide at the company All Hands.

Or maybe you watched Park Chan-wook’s satirical black comedy thriller No Other Choice and your AI layoff anxiety shot through the roof (I’m still recovering).

These things are hard enough on their own.

Do not beat yourself up for experiencing them.

Almost 700 Cornell University alumni signed up for my Should I Stay or Should I Go? workshop. That’s hundreds of high-achieving professionals across industries and generations who are bravely admitting, “I’m at a career crossroads and I don't know how to move forward.”

So if you’re nodding along, you’re in very good company.

Shame pops off in the dark. And time and time again, the biggest blocker I see to positive progress in our careers is judging ourselves harshly for not having it all figured out. Assuming everyone else has. Believing that someone with our education, resources, or privilege should have by now.

That’s nonsense. And even if there’s a grain of truth buried in there, focusing on what feels “off track” won’t give you the creativity, problem-solving, or energy needed to decide how you want to play the game.

So today’s shame-busting hug includes three reflection questions:

1. Joy: How can I invite levity and play into my life right now (even with big, unresolved questions looming)?
2. Growth: If this chapter were secretly training me for something important, what muscles might I be building?
3. Strength: What’s helped me move through previous “I-have-no-idea-what-I’m-doing” seasons in my life?

If you’re done carrying existential career questions alone and want real clarity on whether to stay or go—and a plan to confidently get there—take the first step. You’ll share where you are, where you want to be, and if it feels like a fit, we’ll have a no-pressure conversation.

Onward!
Grace

P.S. You can catch the replay of the Cornell Should I Stay or Should I Go? workshop on my resources page.