Welcome To Friday!

“I’ve been OOO for the last week and I’ve officially entered the wanderlust phase of travel.

While in beautiful Playa del Carmen, I read somewhere that a lot of people are afraid to take time off and use their PTO right now because of this “Great Value” job market and rollback economy. Well, I would rather get fired on my day off (thanks Craig!). One thing’s for sure. I’m taking all my days and some.

Did you know that if you passed away today, unfortunately, and unexpectedly, your employer would have your desk cleared off and your job posted by the end of the pay period? This is why you should be taking your PTO, often and always.

You owe you! Did you know that according to a recent study from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 33% of wage and salary workers in the US don’t have access to paid leave from 2017 to 2018? AND in 2019 the US Travel Association found that a record 768 million vacation days went unused in the previous year, with about 55% of workers reporting they didn’t take all the paid time off their job offered. SMH!

Studies show lower wage workers are impacted by this the most, According to a survey by the Pew Research Center done in 2023, most American workers say they don’t take their paid time off due to guilt. They didn’t want to fall behind, they didn’t want their co-workers to have to do their work, they don’t want to lose their jobs. I couldn’t find the stats, but I know if there was a study out there it would show Black women most likely take less paid time off than any other demographic.

I have unlimited PTO ( and will not work anywhere if the vacay policy isn’t super generous) and I’m not afraid of using it (AND will!). You should use ALL of the days every calendar year. Here’s why:

• It’s one of the top ways to unplug and have a life reset

• It’s been known to increase creativity and productivity

• It’s one of the best ways to reconnect with yourself

• And it’s one of the best ways to stick to your personal boundaries and core values

I need to know what you think. Do you feel guilty taking more than five consecutive days off of work in a pay period? Do you use all of your PTO days and catch flights instead of feelings? Let’s talk!

Are you team no days off or I took too many days? Guess where I stand!

Have a good weekend friends!

#ICYMI

Here’s what’s going on in tech this week according to Black women….

“If you’re doubting your skills, chances are everyone else around you is too” - Author and founder Jacque Aye shares some tips on dealing with imposter syndrome in corporate spaces. She reminds us, “You deserve to take up space”!

What to do when salary transparency isn’t enough?- Data from Hired, shows that the pay gap is widening and Black women earn the least out of any demographic group. Michael Berhane, the founder of POCIT, shares five tips on what to do to counter pay inequities facing gender and racial pay gaps.

25 Reasons Why You Deserve A Bigger Bag - Say it again for the people in the cheap seats! You deserve that salary! Career coach for WOC, LaTrice Huff shares a list of 25 reasons you deserve the salary you’re asking for.

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#FTW

Here’s a list of Bloomology-approved companies with remote jobs that are hiring this week #techistillhiring

Service Now is hiring a Skills Transformation Senior Manager, Talent Development

Catch is looking for a Product Manager

TEKSYSTEMS is hiring a Digital Product Manager (W2 Contractor)

Yahoo is looking for a Director of Design, Communications

Spotify has a new role and is looking for a Product Marketing Manager

#BTW

Today is always a great day to level up or upskill

Create Your Luxe Career Strategy Today - I just re-released my free guide on how to create your own career strategy to win in today’s job market. Let’s design your dream career and map out your next steps together!

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