Lazy Girl Jobs - A Counterpoint (Issue #17)

This week’s theme is mind + body - exploring how we care for our physical and mental health in an ever-changing and stressful world.

Hi friends!

Have you heard of the “lazy girl job?” It’s a term first coined by @gabrielle_judge in this TikTok video, but it has since spread across the app and come to mean a number of different things. Gabrielle defines a lazy girl job as “something that you can basically quiet quit,” and folks will point to remote jobs with good pay, a standard 9-5 work schedule, simple and repetitive task lists, and little oversight as examples. For the creators most invested in this trend, Lazy Girl Jobs are the solution to hustle culture, exploitative employers, and the general lack of work-life balance found in most workplaces. And could it be possible, that an “easy” job that respects their workers not only exists but is just as ideal as one might imagine?

Last week, I read this opinion piece by columnist Megan McArdle, in which she warns that “lazy girl” jobs just might be too good to be true. I may have some bias, as I was the kid writing resumes and college application essays in middle school (and I loved it!) But now at 28 years old, it’s not lost on me that these years are some of the most critical in establishing and growing not only my career, but my retirement and future stability for decades to come. And while my multiple Taurus placements definitely crave this stability, I also have ambitions to create things, build things, and establish a career that I can really be proud of. 

McArdle also observes that we’ve been living in a really good economy for a while now (though it might not feel like it, hello inflation!!), and many younger folks haven't yet had to experience the workforce during a real economic downturn (aside from Covid, when stimulus packages and increased unemployment payments provided a rare social safety net). This really struck me. It makes sense that “lazy girl jobs” would gain popularity now in a time when workers have a lot more comfort and stability than what is guaranteed. But, as McArdle argues, when layoffs do eventually hit, “lazy girl jobs” might be some of the first at risk. As influencers and full-time content creators glamorize “easy” jobs that stagnate self-advocacy and career growth, some folks may regret not investing now in careers they feel passionate about.

Now, I am in no way saying that work can’t be exploitative or that passions outside of the workplace can’t be extremely meaningful (of course they are)! In fact, one of the main reasons I started my own business was to escape the racist, exploitative, micro-managing, and oftentimes hostile atmospheres I frequently encountered in more traditional work environments. Even looking to history, folks used to hustle at work in return for a livable wage, robust social programs, and benefits that are few and far between in modern workspaces. And I do think we should advocate for ourselves at work, setting boundaries and pushing against exploitative practices and expectations. But I want to find ways to do that without sabotaging my future opportunities and potential career growth. It’s all very nuanced, which is also why I think short TikTok videos advocating for major changes in someone’s career are worth thinking deeply about!

So much of our time is spent engaging in work, so it’s only natural that our job situation would have a HUGE impact on both our mental and physical health. So for today’s theme, we’re exploring all the ways to care for ourselves and enjoy the time we have. Onto today’s recommendations!

A round-up of things to watch, read, and listen to as you head into the weekend.

*Indicates a gift link. I know how frustrating paywalls are! When possible, I’ll try to offer gift links through my subscriptions to support access to high-quality journalism.

• Podcast: Therapy for Black Girls

  • My mom turned me on to this podcast, and I’ve really enjoyed the episodes I’ve listened to thus far. The show has great reviews (4.8 stars with 5.3k ratings on Apple podcasts!) And is hosted by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia. Mental health care tailored by and for Black folks can be difficult to find, so not only is this podcast really good, it’s also really needed.

• The Washington Post: A catatonic woman awakened after 20 years. Her story may change psychiatry.* by Richard Sima

  • April Burrell had a normal life before a traumatic event at 21 led to her developing psychosis. Originally diagnosed with a severe form of schizophrenia, April spent the next 20 years trapped in a state of psychosis. Eventually, doctors discovered what looked like schizophrenia was actually untreated lupus attacking her brain. After months of treatment, April awoke from her catatonic state. This story may provide the answer to key advancements in psychiatry, and research continues to examine the connection between autoimmune diseases and psychosis. A truly fascinating read, check it out!

• The New York Times: What Does Good Psychedelic Therapy Look Like?* by Dana G. Smith

  • Speaking of advancements in psychiatry, this article examines the use of MDMA and psilocybin treatments as they make their way into the mainstream. The article is a great primer on the topic, explaining what it’s really like to undergo these treatments, and examining the implications as psychedelics continue to be legalized and decriminalized in certain areas across the U.S. 

Add some adventure to your week and check off as many as you can!

A self-care bucket list to start your weekend off right:

• Complete a timed to-do list challenge: I’m highly motivated by quickly approaching deadlines, so it’s no surprise that I love a good timer activity. Start by brainstorming 1-3 projects around your house that you’ve been putting off. Think of things like cleaning out your junk drawer, finally sorting the papers on your desk, doing a closet clean-out, or deep cleaning your fridge. When you’re ready to start, set a timer for 30 minutes and see just how much you can accomplish in that time. Often when folks think of self-care they picture rest and relaxation, but getting things done that will help your life can also be a rewarding way to care for yourself.

• Pair a podcast with a puzzle: If you’re a fan of my podcast Truer Crime, you probably already know that this bucket list item was something I leaned on heavily after I was defrauded by my financial advisor at the end of 2020. My ideal combo is a lit candle, a true crime podcast (I highly recommend Truer Crime, Freeway Phantom, and Dear Alana), and a cat puzzle. If you don’t already have a puzzle, I recommend picking one up from your local thrift store or using an online puzzle app like this one (a fave of mine for puzzle time on my iPad in bed). 

• Build your own animal friend with a crochet kit: My friend has become a huge fan of The Woobles animal crochet kits, which are a great way to de-stress. They have tons of beginner-friendly kits, so you don’t need to know how to crochet to end up with your very own hand-made friend. With tons of different designs to choose from they have something for everyone, but I’m personally a fan of this beginner-friendly dinosaur crochet kit. 

• Get moving with some simple exercises: Another friend of mine recommended Grow with Jo, who she discovered after looking for a fun and accessible workout. She posts a variety of videos on YouTube and TikTok, and has tons of suggestions on how to get moving even if you only have a few minutes to spare.

• Develop a stretching routine: My husband Andrew has turned me on to carpal tunnel stretches, which are a game-changer if you’re someone who spends a lot of your time on your computer. This video is a great tutorial to get you started!

• Try sketching + drawing: I stumbled upon this Reddit thread a few weeks ago, and it is a great place to start if you want to get into a more consistent visual art practice. r/SketchDaily posts a prompt every day about what to sketch, and you can post your creation right into the thread. You can also scroll through old prompts for extra sketch ideas, and get inspired by the artists who have shared their work!

• Start a journaling habit: If you are more of a writer than a visual artist (which, same! 🙋🏽‍♀️), a journal challenge is a great way to kick-start a new habit. This 15-day journal challenge by Sarah Aboulhosn will send you an email with a journal prompt every day to get you started.

Note: Links preceded by an asterisk (*) are affiliate links that allow me to collect a small commission when you purchase something I’ve recommended. That said, I can promise that I’ll only ever share items I truly love. Buying through these links is one way to support me and my small biz. ❤️

Things to try + share in the group chat.

• I tried Cook this Book: Techniques That Teach and Recipes to Repeat by Molly Baz last year and loved her approach to recipes. My go-to cookbook hack is to request the e-book through my library via the Libby app to easily view on my iPad or phone. That way, I can try the book for free and if I really love the recipes I will buy the physical copy. My fave recipe in Cook This Book was the Farro and Charred Corn Salad with Salted Almonds and Queso Fresco. I added grilled chicken for a fuller meal. The salad can be eaten cold or at room temp, making it a perfect lunch for work or school.

• I originally bought *these antiperspirant wipes for my wedding this past June, but they are a great option for other special events where you want to ensure you’re as sweat-free as possible! First recommended to me via wedding TikTok, the wipes are clinically proven to provide sweat protection for up to seven days after use. All I had to do was wipe under my arms the night before my wedding and I noticed significant sweat reduction well into my honeymoon!

• Speaking of my honeymoon, Andrew discovered *this wine while in Italy and it has quickly become a staple in our home. It’s a really nice quality red wine at a relatively affordable price, and it’s been nice to bring a little piece of Italy into our normal lives <3

Have a great weekend!

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