Wednesday

"Every season of my life teaches me something new."

Welcome to Wednesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Cold pitching for a job

• When impostor syndrome creeps up at work

• Can you make a living by writing?

• Your job could be hurting your sleep

What is Cold Pitching for Jobs?

Hundreds of applications, one interview. That’s the reality many job seekers face when resumes get filtered out by applicant tracking systems before a human even looks at them. Enter cold pitching: a proactive strategy that skips the line and gets your name in front of decision-makers.

A cold pitch isn’t about blasting your resume everywhere. It starts with preparation: polish your LinkedIn, update your resume, and research companies you admire. Look for shared values or projects you could contribute to. This gives your pitch real weight. If there’s an open role, send a short, tailored message to the hiring manager after applying. If not, start by connecting with employees, engaging with their posts, and requesting a quick coffee chat before sharing your interest.

The key is intention. Keep messages short, specific, and personalized. Skip generic inboxes and long paragraphs, and instead aim to spark a conversation. Cold pitching doesn’t always lead to an instant offer, but it often leads to something more valuable: a real connection.

Tips to Handle Imposter Syndrome at Work

One slip-up at work can trigger self-doubt that feels impossible to shake. Psychologists call this imposter syndrome: the sense that you don’t belong, even when your skills prove otherwise. Research shows it often affects high achievers the most, and it can lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout if it’s left unchecked.

Experts recommend fighting those doubts with evidence. Keep a running list of accomplishments or save positive feedback from your manager to remind yourself of your strengths. You can also check in with a trusted coworker or friend for perspective.

Another helpful shift is lowering the bar from “perfect” to “great enough.” Psychologists say that unrealistic standards only fuel self-criticism. Allowing space for mistakes makes it easier to stay confident and keep moving forward.

Finally, remember that your job isn’t your only identity. Making time for hobbies, exercise, or time with friends reinforces your worth outside of work and can ease the pressure you put on yourself in the office.

A Surprising Way to Get Paid to Write

What if your next creative outlet could also become a steady stream of income? There’s a lesser-known form of writing that thousands of businesses are quietly paying for—often $1,500 per piece. And the best part? It’s just two pages long.

No journalism degree or novel-in-progress required. Just a clear, thoughtful voice and a few hours a week. This style of writing is easy to learn, surprisingly fulfilling, and designed to fit into your life—not take it over.

Curious how it works? This free guide breaks it all down, step by step.

See how two pages can change everything.

Thank you to American Writers and Artists Institute for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How Your Job Could Be Hurting Your Sleep

If your nights feel restless, your job could be part of the reason. A study that tracked more than 1,000 workers over 10 years found clear links between work and sleep.

Researchers identified three sleep types: good sleepers, insomnia sleepers, and catch-up sleepers. People in sedentary jobs were 37% more likely to develop insomnia-like symptoms, such as restlessness, short sleep, and low satisfaction. Meanwhile, those working nontraditional shifts, like evenings or overnights, were 66% more likely to rely on weekend “catch-up sleep.”

The fixes don’t require overhauling your life. Build movement into the day; even short walks or stretches help regulate stress hormones. Stick to a regular sleep and wake time, especially if your schedule is unusual. Limit caffeine after lunch, get some daylight, and cut back on screens before bed. Small changes can make your nights feel more restorative, no matter what your workday looks like.

A Note From Us

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ True or False: True! Many people make fulfilling career shifts well into midlife and beyond.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Your path doesn’t have to be linear. Careers shift, interests change, and what fits now might evolve. And that’s okay!

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!