I'm an entrepreneur who fixed my burnout by treating myself to a business retreat where I did absolutely nothing

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a woman staring off into a lake
The author, not pictured, went on a business retreat where she did nothing.

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I was put on a performance improvement plan. Surviving a PIP not only let me keep my job but made me a better employee.

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The author was a teacher who survived a performance improvement plan.

Courtesy of Lexi Weber

I once took a nearly 50% pay cut for a better work-life balance. It was worth it.

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The author willingly took a significant pay cut.

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I was able to keep my office romance a secret for 2 years. We've now been married for over a decade.

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Shana Westlake and her husband
The author and her husband.

Courtesy of Shana Westlake

I was laid off after 25 years of working my way up in the insurance industry. It was the best thing to happen to me.

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The author was laid off after 25 years.

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Don't start your work presentations by simply saying 'hello.' Here's how to be more engaging in the conference room.

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A young businesswoman making a presentation speech at work.
Start your presentation at work with a question.

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My toxic boss ruined my confidence in the workplace. I'm learning to build myself back up again.

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illustration of a woman yelling at another woman
The author says her boss made her question everything she did at work.

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My work wife threw me under the bus to get a raise at the office. It was hard to realize I couldn't trust her anymore.

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illustration of two women sitting as a table
The author feels betrayed by her work wife.

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