My boss once told me I was 'too direct.' I found a way to turn that critique into my strength in the workplace.

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woman holding up her hand while typing on the computer
The author, not pictured, was told she was too assertive by her boss.

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I'm a single mother who just graduated with a master's degree. My two toddlers helped me survive the chaos.

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Ke'Yonna Hall with her two kids on graduation day
The author with her two kids on graduation day.

Courtesy of Ke'Yonna Hall

When I quit my job, the CFO came to my house and kissed me. We've now been married for over 25 years.

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Pauline Milner and her husband have been married for 25 years
The author, left, met her husband, right, when they were coworkers.

Courtesy of Pauline Milner

My wife and I are both freelancers, which can be a strain on our marriage. We do these 5 things to support each other.

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a man and a woman facing away from the camera on their computers
The author, not pictured, is a freelancer with his wife.

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My coworker hated me and badmouthed me to everyone. Leaving the job I loved was the best decision I ever made.

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illustration of a two women tugging a rope over a cliff
The author and her coworker did not get along at work.

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I'm a boomer who's about to retire at 59. I'm nervous about retirement because I'll have less income and too much free time.

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a woman standing at the end of a dock, looking out
The author, not pictured, is retiring early at 59.

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When my husband and I started working together, I was nervous. But it has only helped our relationship.

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Ashley Archambault and her husband hugging
The author, right, and her husband work together.

Courtesy of Ashley Archambault

I went to college at 40 while raising my 5 children. I had to make some parenting sacrifices.

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Victoria marie lees in her cap and gown
The author went to college while raising her kids.

Courtesy of William Lees

After getting hired, I started dating a man from the interview panel. It put targets on our backs and made promotions difficult.

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a woman faces two job interviewers who are blurred out
The author, not pictured, married the man who interviewed her for a job.

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I was too afraid to tell my boss 'no.' My burnout was so bad that one day I left the office on a stretcher.

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headshot of Shannon Laliberte
The author collapsed at work because of anxiety and burnout.

Courtesy of Shannon Laliberte

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