Hi friends,
It’s week four of my substack streak, thank you for continuing supporting and reading my writings.
This week I explore my identity as a “working woman” and in lieu of the weekly essays, I reached out to three friends who are twenty-something, working full time in various roles and industries to see how they are navigating the post-grad world. Enjoy!
* * *
Last minute editing update:
In light of recent development between Ukraine and Russia, it would be irresponsible of me to not acknowledge the situation.
tl;dr:
What’s happening: On Feb 24, 2022 Russia troops crossed the Ukraine’s border and launched attacks in the country’s multiple regions.
What’s the impact: The conflict in 2021 was estimated by the UN/Ukrainian Government to be affecting 2.1M people. As the conflict escalated, it’s only natural to expect higher number of civilians affected whether through violence, displacement, or poverty and hunger.
How you can help: Donate and stay informed.
See a full list of trustworthy news sources and ways to donate in this article.
Life quick hits:
What I’m watching:
Inventing Anna on Netflix
This limited series is based on a true story of a Russian swindler named Anna Delvey (Sorokin) who fooled the elites of New York City, from financiers to lawyers of Wall Street, in almost loaning her $40M while financing her lavish lifestyle. It’s a fascinating story, with lenses into how the mega-rich function and view money.
Anna Sorokin is out of prison now, completely unremorseful and also received $320K from Netflix to have the rights to document her life story.
Kaiti Yoo’s newest video:
This casual, sit down chit chat video has lots of depth to it - Kaiti covers and unpacks some fundamental fears of being in a relationship. Fear of commitment, fear of opening up, fear of being intimate (guilty as charged), fear of being heart-broken, etc.
Many of the times, people come together and break off with each other with little thoughts. I was talking to a friend yesterday about how challenging and vulnerable a person has to open up to let a stranger in into his/her life, getting as intimate as your family and friends of 10+ years. Watch this for yourself:
What I’m listening:
Not Overthinking Podcast - The Pathless Path Episode
A good discussion on what is a “good” career and why do most of us desire to have prestigious and well-paid jobs. Is there a way out?
Book Recommendations (W3):
Invisible Women - Caroline Criado Perez (commentary + synopsis coming next week)
Celebrations:
My dear friend/sister Jordyn secures her amazing summer internship in Boston. Can’t wait to visit her and see my favorite city again!
Got my COVID booster shot last Saturday! Grateful for little free things that make huge difference in life.
How do we work?
Thoughts on working a full time corporate job
Mood: Content and feeling supported at work per week three.
Motivation: Currently figuring out a system to set out concrete goals and career aspirations in the next 6 - 12 months. Scheduling lots of 1x1 call with more senior analysts and co-workers who have their shit together more than I do.
Schedule: Consistent 8am - 5pm ish.
Action: Organize a system to motivate myself and set out short and long-term goals for my career and personal finance.
When you’re in school, there is a certain rigidity and built-in consistency and schedule that is not the same with working. I’m building my Notion board to lay out objectives for the month and my work journey in the long haul. This is massively inspired by Eve Cornwell’s Notion video, check it out here.
Check out the Notion template I created.
Three twenty-somethings on work:
I asked three of my working friends, in three different cities and industries the same questions to pick their brains on how they view work. Love to see the diversity in experiences and perspective, makes you think about how much you can do in this world.
Note: I have also been sifting over anti-capitalistic, anti-dream job discussion by millennials and Gen-Z a lot lately so expect a discussion on that soon!

Jade, 22, works in Boston in food science
What do you do for work and how long have you been at your job?
In simple terms I make fake meat! Specifically for a startup working to recreate real meat like fibers and whole cuts of alternate meat - think chicken breast or pork tenderloin. I just celebrated one year of working here at the beginning of February.
How do you find fulfillment at work?
I find fulfillment in knowing that my work in developing our product will soon be available for people to enjoy a high quality, minimal ingredient plant based option! There’s no comparable product on the market right now (in my honest opinion at least :P) and it’s exciting to working at the forefront of the alt meat industry in creating sustainable food!
Do you set goals at work and how?
We have quarterly company goals and individuals will set their own goals to contribute to the greater company goals based on one’s personal experiences and interests. This helps foster a sense of working towards the greater good in a way that I feel passionate about and capable of!
How do you connect with other professionals at work and in your field?
My company is quite small and I’ve been there since the beginning and so our company culture is quite close, we have fun at work and outside of work! I connect with others in the field by attending conferences and through the academic institutions in the area researching cellular agriculture.
Helene, 23, works in San Francisco, self-employed
What do you do for work? and how long have you been in your job?
I’m a self-employed tax accountant. I have been working for a year, starting a few months after college graduation.
How do you find fulfillment at work?
I work closely with my clients and help them with tax filings and planning. I am fulfilled by learning new tax knowledge and helping my clients achieve their goals.
Do you set goals at work and how?
I want to ensure the quality of my client work while building up my client base. Another goal of mine is to pass the CPA.
How do you connect with other professionals at work and in your field?
I feel a little unconnected with other professionals right now because I am self-employed. I do have a few classmates who are in the same field as I am who I connect with occasionally. They provide me with different perspectives even if we’re in the same field.
Pallavi, 23, works in NYC in marketing
What do you do for work? and how long have you been in your job?
I work in Marketing Measurement & Analytics in New York City. I have been in my job for 1.5 years now. I started in June 2020 after graduating from college in May 2020.
How do you find fulfillment at work?
I find fulfillment at work by being transparent with my manager and co-workers on opportunities, new ideas that I have or projects that I want to be a part of. In addition to my day-to-day client work, I participate in social impact and stretch projects to continue diversifying my skills and learning new things. I also try to go into the office 2-3 times a week to find social fulfilment and get to know my coworkers as humans, which personally helps me a lot in working with them.
Do you set goals at work and how?
Yes - I set yearly and quarterly goals. I first create a draft based on what I want to work on in my individual professional development and then how I can connect it to my client work, team and organizational goals. I also get it reviewed and obtain feedback from my manager and other leadership so that I am making these goals as relevant and useful for all including me.
How do you connect with other professionals at work and in your field?
I connect with people primarily through LinkedIn. I've found my podcast has also proved as a great avenue to meet new people and learn from them whether that's related to my career goals or help me in broadening my horizons especially as I am so early in my career.
Pallavi has a podcast that features South Asian & Desi creators, business owners and pioneers who are changing the world around them, one step at a time. Episodes range from being Women in STEM, Growing up Indian to Entrepreneurship stories. Check The Caffeinated Brown Girl Podcast here.
Thanks a ton for subscribing to my newsletter.
You are an absolutely rock star and incredible human being.
Before leaving, please consider:
Letting me know your win of the day/week/month in the comments or by replying to this email.
Letting me know a book or multiple books you are reading.
Leaving a feedback on this week’s newsletter.
Talk soon,
m.d.d