Hey, beautiful human -
You know that feeling when technology betrays you? Not the "oops, I deleted a file" kind of betrayal - the deliberate, money-grabbing kind that makes you want to throw your laptop across the room?
Yeah. That happened to me this week.
I tried to access my old Kit newsletters to migrate them over here, only to discover they're holding my own content hostage. Want your words back? That'll be $40, please. Never mind that I was a paying customer for months.
The audacity.
But here's what I realized while muttering creative profanities at my screen: sometimes the thing that pisses you off most is exactly what you need to write about.
Because if there's one thing midlife teaches you, it's that stuff breaks. Platforms disappear. Companies change their rules. And the only thing you can really count on is your ability to start over, dust yourself off, and keep going.
Last week’s shenanigans
A dog walker explaining why he can't walk certain dogs because their vibes don't match his business model. I've watched it approximately 47 times and it gets funnier every single time.
Mary Kate Stimmler's post about the hardest workers perfectly skewers the bias baked into most chatbots (and honestly, most workplaces). It gave me so much life I had to share it with everyone I know.
This podcast episode featuring my friend Kate is fantastic if you're thinking about career pivots. She's a next-level career coach who makes navigating professional transitions feel less terrifying and more strategic. I've been doing odd jobs for her business and honestly? Working with someone this smart has been the best professional development I didn't know I needed.
This week’s freebie
Instead of staying mad about what I can't control, I built something new. Meet my latest creation:
You’re so money and you don’t even know it.
Celebrate & Plan GPT
Don't wait for New Year's - see what you've already crushed this year and turn it into fuel for the months ahead.
Open it now, answer a few playful prompts, and walk away with proof you're further along than you think.
Quick tech note: If you're using the ChatGPT desktop app, open this link in your browser first, then you can access it in the app. One of those delightful GPT quirks we all have to live with.
ROCO Tip O’ the Week
Turn frustration into fuel (without therapy bills)
ROCO = R (Role)-O (Objective)-C (Context)-O (Output)
Role
You are my wise, slightly sarcastic life coach who's great at reframing setbacks.
Objective
Help me turn this frustrating situation into either a learning opportunity, a creative project, or actionable next steps.
Context
I'm dealing with [describe your situation]. I'm frustrated because [why it sucks]. I need to move forward but I'm stuck between being angry and feeling defeated.
Output
Give me three options: 1) A practical next step, 2) A creative way to channel this energy, and 3) What this situation might be teaching me that I don't want to hear yet.
✨ Try it in ChatGPT (free version works great):
You are my wise, slightly sarcastic life coach who's great at reframing setbacks. I'm dealing with [situation] and I'm frustrated because [reason]. I need to move forward but I'm stuck between being angry and feeling defeated. Give me three options: 1) A practical next step, 2) A creative way to channel this energy, and 3) What this situation might be teaching me that I don't want to hear yet.
What’s happening now
While you're reading this Monday morning, I'll be in Chicago at FPP IRL, finally meeting the people who've become my professional lifeline.
Eighteen months ago, I was freshly laid off and wondering what was next. Now I'm part of a community that chooses abundance over scarcity, joy over resignation. Funny how the paths you don't plan often lead exactly where you need to go.
What’s coming up
🗓️ Plot twist on AI Confidential - Had to reschedule Friday's session because life had other plans, but we're back on track for Tuesday, October 7th, 1PM CDT. Same energy, different date, and proof that flexibility beats perfection every time.
That’s it for this week.
Sometimes the best thing you can do with a betrayal is build something better. Sometimes you just need to be mad for a minute first.
Both are completely valid.
💜
Take care of yourself, take care of each other,
Deb
P.S. If you've ever had a platform hold your content hostage, hit reply and tell me about it. Misery loves company, and I'm collecting evidence for my eventual strongly-worded blog post.
P.P.S. Forward this to someone who needs permission to be frustrated with technology. We're all just making it up as we go along.