Listen on…

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What I’m doing to cope with the 2025 dumpster fire and how job sharing gave me stability and security during the great recession.

There’s something in the air this year, and I felt the need to talk about it with you—how I handle difficult times when the world feels unstable. This is a more personal episode, and if you’re feeling the weight of uncertainty, I hope it resonates with you.

Before you listen:

Grab your Be Your Best Self in 2025 Workbook → workmuse.com/bestself

Handling uncertainty in 2025

I’ve been reflecting on how we navigate stress and instability—not just globally but in our personal lives. The truth is, we’re in a unique period of history. Many of us have been through a lot, and if we haven’t taken the time to do the personal work, it’s going to be harder to handle external chaos.

A few years ago, I went through one of the most challenging personal experiences of my life. The pandemic, coupled with becoming my mom’s caregiver, reshaped how I see resilience and emotional well-being. I learned firsthand that trying to control what’s uncontrollable only leads to pain and suffering.

How Job Sharing Helped Me Through Hard Times

Job sharing played a critical role in creating stability in my life, especially during turbulent times like the 2008 recession. As a 100% commission-based employee in marketing and advertising, I had no salary safety net. When the economy crashed, advertisers pulled their budgets, and job security felt non-existent. But my job share partner and I had each other—we supported one another in ways that traditional employees didn’t have.

Here’s what job sharing gave me during that time:

✅ A built-in support system—someone equally invested in my success.

✅ The ability to truly unplug on my off days and recharge.

✅ A sense of security in an unpredictable work environment. ✅ A professional and personal anchor—we lifted each other up.

When the world feels chaotic, community matters. Having a job share partner is like having a best friend at work, and that’s one of the biggest factors for happiness in your career.

Here’s a glance at this episode:

Download your workbook to catch up or simply settle in with a coffee in your plushest robe as you put yourself into a slower pace of mindset for:

• [01:26] Why I felt called to record this episode—navigating tough times in an uncertain world.
• [02:41] How a deeply personal and traumatic experience reshaped my approach to emotional resilience.
• [04:58] The importance of self-awareness and self-regulation when the world feels overwhelming, and what actions I took personally to mind my and my family’s well-being.
• [08:43] Setting boundaries: Deciding what you will say NO to so you can focus on what truly matters and be a “helper.”
• [09:22] The 2008 recession and how job sharing created financial and emotional stability in my life.
• [10:13] Why having a job share partner during uncertain times makes all the difference.
• [11:03] The power of community: tuning into what’s needed and tuning out the noise.
• [12:22] The role of self-care in work-life balance—how personal well-being impacts your career—and what coping strategies I’m focusing on in 2025 to show up as my best self.

GRAB YOUR BE YOUR BEST SELF IN 2025 CHALLENGE WORKBOOK:

What are your coping strategies for 2025?

’d love to hear from you! What habits, boundaries, or support systems are helping you navigate uncertainty this year? Share your thoughts with me: DM me on LinkedIn: Melissa Nicholson LinkedIn Text me directly from the Apple Podcasts app! Join our Facebook Community: Job Share, Live Life + Slay Work

Rate, review & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Melissa and Job Share Revolution.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — find the true work-life balance that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Want to explore job sharing? Grab my free guide: workmuse.com/guide
• Join the Job Share, Live Life + Slay Work Facebook Community for like-minded folks who value the humans in their lives AND their careers
• Work Muse Instagram
• Work Muse LinkedIn
• Melissa Nicholson LinkedIn

Thank you for listening:

This episode was a bit different—more personal, more off-the-cuff—but I hope it’s helpful for you. The world may feel heavy, but we can create stability through intentional choices, self-care, and support systems like job sharing.

Until next time, remember: It’s all in you.

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