how to twenty-something

Show Notes

NEW COURSE: How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/

Watch my TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI

We are usually more than happy to help someone else when they need us, yet the second we're the ones who need support, we suddenly convince ourselves that we should be able to figure it out on our own.

In this episode, I'm breaking down why asking for help can feel so uncomfortable, especially in your twenties. We talk about the pressure to appear competent, self-sufficient, and like you have your shit together, even when you're navigating something you've never experienced before. I also talk about vulnerability, the fear of being a burden, pride, and why asking for help doesn't mean you're weak or incapable.

And because knowing you should ask for help and actually doing it are two very different things, I walk you through how to ask for help without immediately talking yourself out of it. From figuring out what kind of help you actually need, identifying the right person to ask, starting with smaller asks, getting specific about what you're struggling with, and learning how to handle a "no," there are practical ways to make asking for help a little less uncomfortable.

Because you can white-knuckle your way through everything yourself, or you can find the people who are a few steps ahead of you and let them help you get there faster.

• You hate asking people for help, even when you know you need it.
• You feel like you're supposed to have everything figured out because you're an adult.
• You'd rather struggle on your own than admit you don't know what you're doing.
• You're afraid of being a burden to your friends, family, coworkers, or boss.
• You're the "strong friend" who is always helping everyone else.
• You're navigating something for the first time and don't know where to start.
• You struggle with vulnerability or opening up about what's actually going on.
• You need help but keep convincing yourself you should be able to figure it out alone.

• We all need help with something; it's just a matter of how willing we are to ask for it.
• Asking for help doesn't mean you're weak, incapable, or don't have your shit together.
• When you're experiencing something for the first time, there's no reason you should already know how to navigate it.
• Asking someone who is a few steps ahead of you can help you get where you're going faster and easier.
• Vulnerability is a muscle, and you build it through practice.
• Get clear on the kind of help you need before asking someone for it.
• Make sure you're asking the person who is actually equipped to help you.
• Don't assume someone doesn't have the capacity to help you. Let them decide that for themselves.
• You don't have to navigate your twenties alone.

Why is it so hard to ask for help?

Asking for help can feel uncomfortable because we've been taught to associate self-sufficiency with competence. You may worry that needing help means you're weak, incapable, annoying, or a burden, even though you wouldn't think those things about someone else who came to you for support.

How do I ask for help without feeling like a burden?

Start by remembering that the other person gets to decide whether they have the capacity to help you. Instead of deciding for them that you're asking too much, simply ask if they have the capacity to help and give them the opportunity to say yes or no.

What if someone says no when I ask for help?

A no doesn't mean you're unworthy of help or that you shouldn't have asked. People have their own lives, responsibilities, and limitations. If someone can't help you right now, reset and find someone else who can.

How can I get better at asking for help?

Start small. Ask a friend for a recommendation, ask a coworker to review something, or ask someone in your network for a small favor. Vulnerability is a muscle, so the more you practice asking for help, the easier bigger asks can become.

How do I know who to ask for help?

Think about what you're actually struggling with and find someone who has experience in that area. Your boss may be the right person for a work question, while a friend might be better suited for emotional support. The more specific you are, the easier it becomes to find the right person.

What if I don't know what kind of help I need?

That's often part of why asking feels so difficult. Before reaching out, get as specific as you can about whether you're looking for advice, emotional support, a favor, accountability, or simply someone to listen.

Can a coach help me if I don't know how to ask for help?

Absolutely. Coaching can provide a space where you don't have to pretend you have everything figured out. A coach can help you identify what you're struggling with, determine what kind of support you need, and create a plan to move forward.

Helpful Resources:

Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success

3 ways to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/

Email Me: [email protected]

Contribute to an episode: https://forms.gle/QwvBrZFbZXRdCjQv9

Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/oiLVCbrydjzaK5pq5

Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons/Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

NEW COURSE: How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/

Watch my TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI

What if you stopped waiting for someone to give you permission to build the career you actually want?

In this episode, I’m joined by Austin Lutz, a technology consultant, entrepreneur, product builder, and host of Lut's Talk, to talk about what it actually looks like to take career risks before you feel completely ready. We talk about Austin leaving a stable job for a startup just months before getting married and buying a house, why your twenties can be the best time to take calculated risks, and how to know the difference between a bad idea and an idea that just needs to be reframed.

We also get into the reality of being a multi-passionate person, balancing a full-time job with side projects and family, and why you probably have more time than you think you do. Austin shares how building businesses outside of his full-time career has actually made him better at his day job, while I break down the skills your full-time job can help you develop for the career or business you want to build later.

And perhaps most importantly, we talk about why you shouldn't wait for a promotion, title, degree, or someone else's approval to start doing the work you want to be known for. Your career doesn't have to follow one perfectly planned path—and you don't have to have everything figured out before you start creating opportunities for yourself.

• You don't have to wait for someone else to give you permission to pursue the career you want.
• A calculated risk isn't about throwing your life into chaos—it's about understanding the potential risks, rewards, and outcomes before making a decision.
• Being busy doesn't necessarily mean you don't have time. You have to intentionally decide where your time goes.
• You don't have to abandon an idea just because the first version isn't working. Sometimes you need to reframe it.
• Your friends and family can be your cheerleaders, but you also need people who are willing to challenge your ideas and tell you the truth.
• The people you meet throughout your career can become future mentors, collaborators, employers, or opportunities.
• What you do outside of your full-time job can teach you skills that make you better at your full-time job.
• Your full-time job can also help you develop the skills you need to eventually pursue entrepreneurship or another career path.
• You don't need to work more hours to prove yourself. Focus on improving the quality of your work and building skills.
• Don't tie your self-worth to your job title, salary, or promotion.
• Doing nothing is still a decision, and it won't move you any closer to the career or life you want.

How do I know if I'm ready to take a career risk?

You probably won't ever feel completely ready. The goal isn't to eliminate the risk or fear, but to understand the potential outcomes, think through your options, and decide whether the risk is worth taking.

Should I quit my job to start a business?

Not necessarily. The episode emphasizes that there are multiple ways to build toward something new. You can keep your full-time job while developing skills, networking, testing an idea, and building something on the side before making a bigger transition.

What if my idea isn't working?

Don't immediately assume the entire idea is bad. Look at what isn't working, talk to people outside your immediate circle, gather feedback, and consider whether you need to change the audience, messaging, product, or approach. But also be willing to admit when something genuinely isn't working and move on.

How can I make time for a side project?

You can't manufacture more hours in the day. Instead, you have to decide which projects deserve your limited time and temporarily table things that aren't a priority. Being intentional about your calendar can create more space than you realize.

Why is networking so important in your twenties?

The people you meet can expose you to opportunities, perspectives, and knowledge you wouldn't have access to otherwise. Finding mentors and intentionally building relationships can help you grow faster and connect you to opportunities later in your career.

Do I need to be qualified before I start doing the job I want?

Not always. The episode explores the idea of starting to do the work you want before someone officially gives you permission. You can build skills, take on responsibilities, create projects, and demonstrate your ability before you have the title that says you can.

What if I don't have the right degree or credentials?

Credentials can be valuable, but they aren't the only indicators of whether you're capable of doing something. Skills, curiosity, willingness to learn, follow-through, and the ability to solve problems can matter just as much in many careers.

How do I deal with imposter syndrome?

Recognize that feeling unqualified doesn't necessarily mean you are unqualified. Sometimes you're simply doing something you've never done before. Taking action, building experience, and allowing yourself to learn along the way can help you develop confidence.

Is it okay if my career doesn't follow one path?

Absolutely. Your career can change throughout your twenties, thirties, and beyond. You don't have to choose one permanent identity or have your entire career figured out right now.

Helpful Resources:

Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success

3 ways to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/

Email Me: [email protected]

Contribute to an episode: https://forms.gle/QwvBrZFbZXRdCjQv9

Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/oiLVCbrydjzaK5pq5

Connect with Austin Lutz

Website: lutztalk.com

Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons/Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

NEW COURSE: How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/

Watch my TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI

If you're unhappy with where you are but keep doing the exact same things, I have some tough love for you: nothing changes if nothing changes.

In this episode, I'm talking about why we stay stuck even when we're miserable, and why knowing you need to make a change doesn't always mean you're willing to make it. I break down the comfort of the familiar, the fear of the unknown, the complaint loop, and the sunk cost trap that convinces you to stay somewhere simply because you've already invested so much. I also walk you through how to figure out what's actually making you unhappy, whether you're the common denominator in your own patterns, and how to focus on what you actually have control over.

This episode is for you if...

• You're unhappy with your job, relationship, city, or current situation but haven't done anything to change it.
• You keep complaining about the same problem over and over again.
• You know what you should do but keep finding reasons not to do it.
• You're afraid that making a change will make things worse.
• You feel trapped because you've already invested so much time, money, or energy into something.
• You keep waiting for someone else to change.
• You're wondering whether the problem is actually your circumstances or your mindset.
• You need a little tough love to finally take your next step.

• Being unable to change your circumstances is different from being unwilling to change them.
• Your brain often prefers familiar misery over unfamiliar possibility.
• Complaining can become a substitute for actually taking action.
• Waiting for someone else to change is not a strategy.
• Staying somewhere simply because you've already invested in it can keep you stuck.
• Getting specific about what's making you unhappy makes the problem more solvable.
• If the same problems follow you everywhere, you may need to look at your own patterns.
• You can't control everything about your situation, but you can control your response, boundaries, requests, and next steps.
• You don't have to know exactly how everything will work out before you make a change.
• Readiness isn't something that magically arrives—you often have to do it scared.
• You don't need to change your entire life today. Focus on the next 1%.
• Accountability can help you stop negotiating with your own excuses and actually follow through.

Why do I stay in situations that make me unhappy?

Your brain tends to prefer what is familiar and predictable, even when that familiar situation is making you miserable. The unknown can feel more threatening than something you already know how to navigate.

What if I know I need to change but I'm scared?

You probably won't ever feel completely ready. The goal isn't to eliminate fear before you act; it's to learn how to distinguish a real risk from fear that is simply trying to keep you comfortable.

How do I know what I actually need to change?

Get specific about what is making you unhappy. Instead of deciding that your entire job or relationship is the problem, identify the specific action, person, circumstance, or pattern that's creating the issue. Once you identify the actual problem, the solution often becomes more manageable.

What is the sunk cost trap?

The sunk cost trap is staying in something because you've already invested significant time, money, energy, or effort into it. But what you've already invested doesn't mean you have to keep investing if the cost of staying is now greater than the cost of leaving.

What if the same problems keep happening everywhere I go?

It may be time to look at your own patterns. If you're unhappy at every job, in every relationship, or in every city, your circumstances may not be the only problem. You may need to examine your mindset, behaviors, or expectations.

What do I actually have control over?

You can control how you respond, what you ask for, the boundaries you set, and what you decide to do next. You don't have to solve everything—you just need to focus on the parts of the situation where you have agency.

How do I start making a change when everything feels overwhelming?

Don't try to figure out your entire future. Focus on one thing that could move you forward by 1%. Your next step doesn't have to solve the entire problem; it just needs to move you out of where you are.

Do I need to feel ready before I make a big change?

No. Readiness is not a feeling that magically appears one day. Sometimes you have to say yes before you know exactly how, or take the next step while you're still scared.

Can a coach help me get unstuck?

A coach can provide accountability, perspective, and support as you identify what needs to change and follow through on the actions you've decided to take. The key is that you still have to be willing to make the changes.

Helpful Resources:

Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success

3 ways to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/

Email Me: [email protected]

Contribute to an episode: https://forms.gle/QwvBrZFbZXRdCjQv9

Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/oiLVCbrydjzaK5pq5

Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons/Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

NEW COURSE: How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/

Watch my TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI

You don't always need more advice. Sometimes you need someone who actually gets it.

In this episode, I'm talking about why relatability matters more than advice, especially when you're navigating your twenties. Because while the people who love you may have the best intentions, they aren't always living the same version of adulthood that you are.

I break down the difference between someone who can sympathize with what you're going through and someone who truly "gets it," and why having people around you who understand your specific context can make you feel less alone. We talk about friendships, relationships, career advice, finding a coach or therapist, and why different people in your life can serve completely different purposes.

• Why relatability can matter more than generic advice
• The difference between someone who sympathizes and someone who "gets it"
• How your life experiences shape the advice that's actually relevant to you
• How to find people who relate to your current season of life
• Why you shouldn't expect one person to understand every part of your life

This episode is for you if...

• You feel like the people around you don't fully understand what you're going through.
• You keep getting advice that doesn't actually resonate with your situation.
• You've grown apart from friends because you're on completely different life paths.
• You're struggling to explain why something feels so difficult when everyone else seems to think it's simple.
• You find yourself comparing your experience to people who are in a completely different season of life.
• You're looking for a coach, therapist, mentor, or community that actually understands your perspective.
• You want to build a stronger support system in your twenties.
• You're tired of trying to figure everything out by listening to people who haven't experienced what you're experiencing.

• You don't always need more advice; you need someone who understands your experience.
• Relatability isn't necessarily about age; it's about shared context and experience.
• The world changes, which means advice that worked decades ago may not work in the same way today.
• You shouldn't expect one friend, partner, parent, therapist, or coach to understand every part of your life.
• Ask people for advice when they're actually on the same road you're traveling.
• Having people who "get it" can make you feel less alone in experiences that otherwise feel isolating.
• As you move through different phases of life, the people who understand your current season may change.
• Find your people—the ones you don't have to constantly explain yourself to.

What does it mean for someone to "get it"?

Someone who "gets it" doesn't just sympathize with what you're experiencing. They have enough shared context or experience to understand what it actually feels like and can often offer guidance based on something they've personally navigated.

Why does relatability matter so much in your twenties?

Your twenties are filled with experiences that can be very different from person to person. Having people around you who understand your specific stage of life can help you feel less alone and make the advice you receive more relevant.

Does this mean I shouldn't listen to older generations?

No. The episode isn't about ignoring older generations. There is plenty to learn from people who have lived longer than you. The point is to recognize when you're looking for advice about navigating the world as it exists today, and seek out people who understand that current context.

How do I find my "Get It" people?

Start by looking for people who are navigating something similar to you or have recently navigated the road you're currently on. This could be a friend, mentor, coach, therapist, colleague, or community.

What if the people I love don't understand what I'm going through?

That doesn't necessarily mean they don't care about you. Someone can love you deeply and still not understand your current experience. Instead of expecting them to fill every role, look for additional people who can relate to the specific part of your life you're navigating.

Helpful Resources:

Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success

3 ways to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/

Email Me: [email protected]

Contribute to an episode: https://forms.gle/QwvBrZFbZXRdCjQv9

Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/oiLVCbrydjzaK5pq5

Connect with Christiane Palpant:

Website: https://www.cuethelifeboat.com/

Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons/Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

NEW COURSE: How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/

Watch my TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI

What does it actually mean to own your life?

It's a phrase I talk about constantly, but owning your life doesn't mean having everything figured out or knowing exactly where you'll be five years from now. It means taking responsibility for the direction you're going, making decisions based on what you want, and being willing to take action even when you don't have the entire plan figured out.

In this episode, I share the story behind my Own Your Life System and how leaving the corporate world forced me to stop doing what I thought I was "supposed" to do and start making decisions for myself. I break down what owning your life looks like in your career, relationships, routines, decisions, and the way you respond when things don't go according to plan.

Because your twenties aren't about figuring out your entire life. They're about figuring out what you want your life to look like right now—and then doing something about it.

• What it actually means to own your life
• Where the Own Your Life System came from
• Breaking out of the "good girl" mentality
• Why following the path you're "supposed" to take can leave you feeling stuck
• Taking action before you have everything figured out
• Making decisions based on your own values instead of other people's expectations
• Taking responsibility for your life without blaming yourself for everything
• Why consistency matters more than motivation
• How to respond when things go wrong
• What it feels like when your life actually starts to feel like yours

This episode is for you if...

• You're questioning whether the life you're living is actually the one you want.
• You feel like you're following a path because it's what you're "supposed" to do.
• You're constantly looking to other people for permission or validation.
• You know you want something different but don't know exactly what that looks like yet.
• You're ready to take more responsibility for the direction of your life.
• You want to stop waiting for motivation, certainty, or the perfect time to make a change.

• Owning your life doesn't mean having a five-year plan or knowing exactly where you're headed.
• Your decisions should be based on what you want, not what you're told to want.
• You can question the status quo without having the entire alternative figured out.
• Taking action creates options and can help you discover what you actually want.
• Owning your life means taking responsibility for what you can control.
• Consistency and systems will carry you further than waiting for motivation.
• When things go wrong, curiosity is more productive than blame.
• Your definition of success doesn't have to look like anyone else's.
• Your life can be messy and still be completely yours.
• Owning your life isn't a destination—it's a decision you make over and over again.

What does it mean to own your life?

Owning your life means taking responsibility for the direction you're going, making decisions based on your own values and desires, and taking action instead of waiting for life to happen to you.

Do I need to know exactly what I want before I can own my twenties?

No. You don't need your entire life figured out. You need enough clarity to identify what you want to work toward right now and be willing to take the next step.

How do I know if I'm living someone else's life?

Ask yourself whether your current choices are based on what you genuinely want or what your parents, friends, society, or your younger self told you success was supposed to look like.

Is owning your life something you eventually achieve?

No. It's an ongoing process. There isn't a single milestone that means you've officially "made it." It's choosing to show up for the life you want again and again.

Helpful Resources:

Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success

3 ways to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/

Email Me: [email protected]

Contribute to an episode: https://forms.gle/QwvBrZFbZXRdCjQv9

Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/oiLVCbrydjzaK5pq5

Connect with Christiane Palpant:

Website: https://www.cuethelifeboat.com/

Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons/Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

NEW COURSE: How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/

Watch my TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI

We spend so much of our lives being taught how not to get pregnant that we rarely talk about what happens when you actually want to.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the realities of trying to conceive that you might not hear about until you’re already in the middle of it. I talk about why pregnancy can’t be planned as perfectly as the rest of your life, how long it can actually take to conceive, what happens when you come off birth control, and why a negative pregnancy test doesn't automatically mean something is wrong.

I also dive into pregnancy loss and why miscarriage is far more common than many people realize, the impact of age on fertility, why male fertility needs to be part of the conversation, and the many factors that can affect someone’s ability to conceive. And because we live in a world where pregnancy announcements, bumpdates, and newborn photos are constantly appearing on our feeds, I talk about how social media can make an already emotional experience feel even more isolating.

Whether you're nowhere near ready to have kids, starting to think about family planning, or already trying to conceive, this episode is a reminder that there is no universal timeline for pregnancy—and your journey doesn't have to look like anyone else's.

• Why you can't perfectly plan pregnancy or motherhood
• How long it can actually take to conceive
• What to expect when coming off birth control
• The reality of miscarriage and pregnancy loss
• How age can impact fertility
• Why male fertility matters, too
• The different factors that can affect conception
• How social media creates unrealistic expectations around pregnancy
• Why comparing your fertility journey to someone else's isn't helpful
• The importance of talking openly about fertility and pregnancy loss

This episode is for you if...

• You're thinking about having kids someday and want to understand what the journey can actually look like.
• You're starting to think about family planning in your twenties or thirties.
• You're currently trying to conceive and need a reminder that everyone's timeline is different.
• You've experienced pregnancy loss and have felt alone in that experience.
• You find yourself comparing your fertility journey to what you see online.
• You want to have more informed conversations about fertility before you're ready to have kids.

• Pregnancy isn't something you can plan as precisely as the other milestones in your life.
• Getting pregnant can take longer than you expect, even when there are no known fertility issues.
• Coming off birth control doesn't necessarily mean you'll immediately conceive.
• Pregnancy loss is common, but many people experience it privately and don't talk about it.
• Fertility is influenced by many factors, and your journey may look completely different from someone else's.
• Age can affect fertility, which is worth considering when you're thinking about family planning.
• Male fertility is an important part of the conversation and contributes to a significant portion of infertility cases.
• Social media only shows you one side of someone's pregnancy journey.
• Comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else's highlight reel can make an already difficult experience feel even more isolating.
• Talking to medical professionals and people you trust can help you feel less alone and better understand your individual situation.

How long does it usually take to get pregnant?

The episode discusses how conception can take several months, even for couples in their twenties with no known fertility issues. A first-month pregnancy is not the only normal outcome.

Is pregnancy something you can plan?

You can plan when you'd ideally like to start trying, but you can't guarantee when conception, pregnancy, or motherhood will happen. Your body may not follow the timeline you've created.

Is miscarriage common?

Yes. The episode discusses how pregnancy loss is more common than many people realize and why it deserves more open conversation and support.

Does age affect fertility?

Age can affect fertility, particularly as egg quantity and quality naturally decline over time. That doesn't mean pregnancy isn't possible later in life, but it is something to consider when thinking about family planning.

Does fertility only depend on the woman?

No. The episode emphasizes that male fertility is an important part of conception and infertility, too.

Why does social media make trying to conceive harder?

Social media tends to show pregnancy announcements, bump updates, births, and happy moments without showing the struggles that may have happened behind the scenes. This can make you compare your entire journey to someone else's highlight reel.

What should I do if I'm struggling to get pregnant?

The episode encourages you to talk with appropriate professionals, including your OBGYN or a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist, as well as trusted people in your life. Your individual situation deserves individualized guidance.

Helpful Resources:

Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success

3 ways to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/

Email Me: [email protected]

Contribute to an episode: https://forms.gle/QwvBrZFbZXRdCjQv9

Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/oiLVCbrydjzaK5pq5

Connect with Christiane Palpant:

Website: https://www.cuethelifeboat.com/

Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons/Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

NEW COURSE: How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/

Watch my TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI

What if the biggest thing no one tells you about life after graduation is that it's not supposed to be linear?

In this episode, I sit down with professor, author, and speaker Christiane "Professor CP" Palpant to talk about why your twenties can feel so confusing after college—and why that uncertainty is actually a normal part of adulthood. We dive into the pressure to have everything figured out, how social media makes us feel like we're falling behind, and why comparing your timeline to someone else's only adds to the confusion.

We also explore one of the biggest questions every twenty-something faces: How do you know when it's time to keep going versus change directions? Professor CP shares practical questions you can ask yourself when you're feeling stuck, while I share how I've navigated career pivots, entrepreneurship, and the unexpected twists that ultimately led me to coaching.

Whether you're a recent graduate, questioning your career path, or simply wondering if you're doing adulthood "right," this conversation is a reminder that there is no perfect timeline—and that's exactly what makes your journey your own.

• Why life after graduation feels so overwhelming
• The myth that adulthood follows a linear path
• How to know when it's time to pivot versus push through
• Why so many twenty-somethings feel behind
• The value of mentors and "hidden allies"
• Why your college degree doesn't have to determine your career
• The difference between following your passion and funding your passion
• Letting go of the "shoulds" that keep you stuck

This episode is for you if...

• You're about to graduate college or recently graduated.
• You're wondering if you're on the right career path.
• You feel behind compared to your friends.
• You're debating whether to quit your job or stick it out.
• You're navigating a quarter-life crisis and don't know what's next.

• Life after graduation is rarely as straightforward as we expect.
• Feeling uncertain doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.
• Use your values—not fear—to decide when it's time to pivot.
• Every career experience teaches transferable skills.
• Your degree doesn't have to define your future.
• Social media is not an accurate measure of success.
• Seeking advice is different from copying someone else's path.
• Growth often comes from the challenges you'd never choose for yourself.
• Your passion doesn't always have to be your paycheck.
• Let go of the timeline you think you're supposed to follow.

Why does life after graduation feel so hard?

Because the structure you've followed for years suddenly disappears, leaving you to make decisions without a clear roadmap.

How do I know if I should change careers?

Look beyond temporary frustration and ask whether your current path aligns with your values, supports your growth, and protects your well-being.

Is it normal to feel behind in your twenties?

Absolutely. Everyone's timeline looks different once college ends, even if social media makes it seem otherwise.

Does my college degree determine my career?

Not at all. Many people build careers outside of their major while still using the skills they developed in college.

Should I follow my passion?

Passion is important, but it doesn't always have to be the thing that pays your bills. Sometimes your job funds the life you're trying to build.

• Why You Feel Behind in Your Twenties (This Is Not Your Forever)
• The Psychology Behind Your Quarter-Life Crisis
• This Is NOT Your Life: Stop Living Everyone Else's Plan
• How to Make Your Next Move When You Feel Stuck

Helpful Resources:

Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success

3 ways to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/

Email Me: [email protected]

Contribute to an episode: https://forms.gle/QwvBrZFbZXRdCjQv9

Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/oiLVCbrydjzaK5pq5

Connect with Christiane Palpant:

Website: https://www.cuethelifeboat.com/

Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons/Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

NEW COURSE: How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/

Watch my TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI

Networking doesn't have to mean awkward conversations, business cards, or pretending to be someone you're not. In this episode, I'm breaking down why staying in your comfort zone is costing you more than you realize, the biggest fears that keep us from reaching out, why those thoughts feel so convincing, and how to start building genuine relationships without feeling salesy or transactional. Because the people who can change the direction of your career and life are often the ones you haven't met yet.

Key Takeaways:

• Every connection starts with one uncomfortable action, whether that's sending a message or showing up to an event.
• Make sure you don’t say no for the other person, before they even have a chance to possibly say yes.
• Understanding the different fears that come with making new connections.
• Networking doesn’t have to only be at a formal event, it can be at a run club too!
• Why asking for help isn't a burden at all.

Helpful Resources:

Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success

How to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/

Email me: [email protected]

Contribute to an episode: https://forms.gle/QwvBrZFbZXRdCjQv9

Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/oiLVCbrydjzaK5pq5

Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons/Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

NEW COURSE: How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/

Watch my TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI

We spend so much time talking about what we want in a partner that we rarely stop to ask ourselves if we're showing up the same way. In this episode, I'm challenging you to hold up the mirror and take an honest look at the qualities, habits, and standards you're bringing into your relationships. We'll talk about the difference between having high standards and having double standards, uncover some common relationship blind spots, and explore what it really means to show up for someone you love. This isn't about settling or lowering your expectations—it's about pairing those expectations with self-accountability.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify what qualities you want in your relationship
• Why high standards should always be paired with high self-accountability
• How presence is one of the most underrated ways to strengthen a relationship
• How to see your blindspots, when they are blind to you
• How to become accountable to the things you say you want in someone else

Helpful Resources:

Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success

How to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/

Email me: [email protected]

Contribute to an episode: https://forms.gle/QwvBrZFbZXRdCjQv9

Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/oiLVCbrydjzaK5pq5

Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons/Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

NEW COURSE: How to Make Adulting Suck Less: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/suck-less/

Watch my TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_7I6vDKrI

Your relationship to your phone is destroying your relationship to your life. From the moment you wake up to the second you fall asleep, your device has a choke hold on you and I'm getting into exactly what that is doing to your mental health, your focus, your productivity, and your relationships. This episode talks about the hidden damage your phone is creating in your life, tactics to separate yourself from your handheld device, and reminders that the virtual world is not nearly as important as the real world. Because yes, they are different.

Key Takeaways:

• Different ways your phone is messing with your focus, thought patterns, and productivity
• Why physical connections is more valuable than digital ones
• What boredom does for you that your phone cannot
• How to separate yourself from your phone in little ways
• Why your phone is your coping mechanism and is destroying your mental health

Helpful Resources:

Let’s chat: https://calendly.com/coach_jessdiamond/success

How to stop spiraling: https://jessdiamondcoaching.com/spiral/

Email me: [email protected]

Contribute to an episode: https://forms.gle/QwvBrZFbZXRdCjQv9

Be a Guest: https://forms.gle/oiLVCbrydjzaK5pq5

Music: Hide and Seek by Free Music https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic

Music Promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons/Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US