When I worked in corporate, they'd do some sort of restructuring every few years, resulting in layoffs. These layoffs always targeted the people who had been at the company for a long time (like me!).

My biggest fear was losing my job and my income. Every time layoffs happened, it would trigger this threat to my security and my deepest fears. So, I'd wake up in the middle of the night terrified about what I'd do if I lost my job. I became obsessive over the possibility, even though I knew it wasn't something I could control, and all I could do was ensure I was providing value by doing a good job.

After years of feeling terrified, in September 2021, my biggest fear became my reality.

Self-care is essential for everyone. But for introverts, self-care is KEY because the world is designed to support extroverts, not introverts.

While extroverts are recharged by being social and around others, introverts are drained by too much socializing. To recharge and feel refreshed, introverts need to spend time alone.

It's easy for introverts to find themselves overwhelmed because of the fast-paced nature of society, the constant push to be surrounded by others, and the ever-increasing noise that surrounds us each day.

Back when I worked a corporate 9-5 job, the team I worked on would gather for an annual Summit to map out projects for the following year. This was a multi-day event where they'd essentially sequester us at some off-the-grid hotel. That meant breakfast, lunch, and dinner were eaten together (along with full days of meetings!).

It was exhausting.

I liked my coworkers, but by the time dinner rolled around, the last thing I wanted was to eat dinner with them!! I would've much preferred to order room service and enjoy a quiet dinner by myself in my room while enjoying a movie of my choice.

I needed that time to recharge to have sufficient energy for the next full day of meetings.

As a kid, I remember meeting other kids in my neighborhood or school and always finding a few where we hit things off and became fast friends.

As an introvert, I never had a huge circle of friends. I didn't need it or want it because I preferred those few friends that understood me since we shared so much in common.

One benefit of being an introvert is that we connect deeply with people. So while we have a smaller social circle, those within it tend to be those deeper, more meaningful relationships.

Ahhh...summer! The time of year when everyone wants to be outside to soak up the sun, slow down, and have some fun!

For introverts, this can be a challenging time because it's also when everyone feels the urge to throw a party, have a BBQ or gather around the campfire. Of course, introverts don't hate all parties, but a summer filled with never-ending social events is enough to send even the most confident introvert into hiding!

But, if you're already feeling exhausted looking at your social obligations for the next few months, let's explore some ways to navigate the social scene while protecting your energy and honoring your desires.

Networking gets a bad rap. Most people see it as something they should do but not something they want to do. And, for most introverts, the discomfort factor is STRONG!! But what if it didn't have to be something you dreaded, and it became something you genuinely enjoyed?

When you learn to approach networking in a way that honors your energy and aligns with your introverted advantages, you benefit in ways that you may not have previously considered.

I'm a hardcore (and proud!) introvert, and I LOVE networking, but this wasn't always the case.