Welcome to the Career and Business Blog: Real Advice For Real Growth

Not everyone climbs a ladder — some of us build ours from scratch.

Real Advice for Real People Trying to Grow, Lead, and Succeed

Some people climb a straight career ladder. Most of us build ours from scrap wood, second chances, restarts, and a lot of figuring it out as we go.

This space is for the second group.

Welcome to the Career and Business Blog at Surviving Life Lessons, where we offer advice on how to grow, lead, and succeed when life doesn’t go the way you planned.

Whether you’re just starting out, coming back after a layoff, trying to move up, or wondering how to manage people now that you’ve been promoted, this blog is for you.

It’s not all theory or textbook talk. It’s plain talk, blended with real experience and backed by reputable sources when needed, so you not only learn how to grow in your work, but you understand why it matters, and how it fits your life.

Who This Blog Is For

This space is built for anyone trying to make work… work. You’ll find stories, tips, tools, and tough conversations for:

• First-time supervisors who suddenly have to manage people

• Job seekers trying to land interviews and stand out

• College grads are wondering how to get experience when everyone wants you to already have it

• Military vets learning to translate their skills into civilian roles

• Workers starting over after layoffs, divorce, illness, or retirement

• Professionals stepping into leadership and realizing that doing the job and managing the job are very different things

And most of all, it’s for people who want to succeed at work without losing their humanity in the process.

What You’ll Find Here

You’ll find a mix of practical, no-fluff blog series that break down big ideas into real solutions.

Featured Series:

The Supervisor’s Playbook: This series is for first-time bosses who want to lead with confidence, not confusion. Whether you're a welder turned foreman, a barista now managing the shift, or someone who just stepped into a leadership role, this series gives you step-by-step tools, people-first guidance, and the mindset shifts needed to thrive.

Why I Started This Blog

My name is Debbie, and I’ve had to start over more times than I can count. Not always by choice. I’ve been laid off, put on layoff lists six different times, and had to rebuild my career after contracts ended and life threw curveballs.

I’ve also worked in just about every environment you can think of: fast food, the military, courts, retail, IT, construction, finance, and more. In the Navy, I became a supervisor before I even made rank, simply because I took responsibility. Later, I managed a 7-Eleven at a young age. I rose through the court system. I was recruited into car finance, office management, data centers, and eventually, project management for tech and engineering teams.

Along the way, I learned that leading people is never just about the work. It’s about communication, trust, and teamwork, because you can’t build a career or a business without people.

That’s why this blog exists. To give real people real tools to survive, grow, and succeed at work and in life.

What Makes This Blog Different

This isn’t motivational fluff. It’s not a LinkedIn post with five clichés and a punchline. It’s not another expert telling you to "just network" or "act like a CEO."

Here’s what you’ll get instead:

• Plain talk with depth. We’ll break down leadership theories like Servant Leadership, Situational Leadership, and team motivation, using examples from the breakroom, not just the boardroom.

• Stories that connect.Real-life work situations you’ve probably faced, too

• Step-by-step guides. You’ll learn how to apply what you read, not just nod along

• Research when it matters. Cited, linked, and from reputable sources like Harvard Business Review, SHRM, APA, and PMI.org

• Series-based learning. So you can follow one journey at a time without getting lost in random topics

  
  

Your Career and Business, Reimagined

You might be here because:

• You’re ready for more, but not sure how to get there.

• You got promoted but feel unprepared to lead.

• You’re changing paths after years in one role or industry.

• You want work to matter again, not just pay the bills.

Wherever you’re starting from, know this:

Success isn’t a title or a paycheck. It’s the freedom to do work that fits who you are while supporting the people around you.

We believe in work worth doing, and we’re here to help you do it.

What You Can Do Next

• Explore our blog series. Pick one that speaks to where you are.

• Subscribe for updates. Be the first to read the next chapter.

• Bookmark this space. Use it when you need encouragement or a nudge.

• Share it. If someone on your team or in your circle needs support, send them here.

This is your space now. Let’s build something better together.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re starting over, stepping up, or just figuring out what success looks like now, you're not alone. If you’re looking for a safe space to talk through your situation, get unstuck, or figure out your next move, try one of our support options:

• Neighbor Chat if you just need a quick conversation with someone who understands.

• Next Step Services if you're ready to create a plan, talk strategy, or get coaching on your next career move.

• Join a group if you want to grow with others as you navigate career and leadership challenges.

You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to walk with you.

JOIN A GROUP