Writer's Block

Writer's Block Writer's Block is a community dedicated to helping young professionals as they navigate their career

If you’ve been following my stories, you know that I’m between two really great job offers! The first offer is a Head of...
10/11/2022

If you’ve been following my stories, you know that I’m between two really great job offers!

The first offer is a Head of Talent Acquisition role with a non-profit:
- It’s a hybrid workplace
- Helps me progress in my leadership
- Allows me to gain new, lucrative skills
- Has pretty good benefits and significant time off
- Keeps me stuck in the Non-profit sector, which I was trying to escape

The second offer is a Senior Recruiter role with a well known bank:
- It’s a remote job
- Will send me backward in my career in terms of leadership & responsibilities, but will get my foot in the door in the industry I want to be in
- Has a significantly higher earning potential
- Company recognition can open a lot of new doors
- Okay benefits but not that much time off

Both jobs result in a $50k salary increase.

I polled my followers, and the Finance role came out on top because of $$$. So which did I pick?

🥁

I’m sticking with the Head of Talent Acquisition role!

While the Finance role will have a better monetary payoff, the Non-Profit role is a more well-rounded fit for my needs!

Learning new skills can help me transition into a Finance role at a higher title and salary. While I love being remote, hybrid is the best option for my mental health. The time off is significant, which means more opportunities for rest! I’m never *really* stuck— if I got an offer in the finance industry this time, I can do it again!

All that to say, don’t let money blind you from a great opportunity!

Congrats to anyone who is starting a new role this week! This is your friendly reminder that self-advocacy is critical d...
10/10/2022

Congrats to anyone who is starting a new role this week! This is your friendly reminder that self-advocacy is critical during this time!

You might feel pressure to say yes to everything, or conform to whatever’s already happening because you’re new.

Of course we want to make a good impression, but you have needs too!

What that looks like for me is “I don’t like to take meetings before 10am,” “I like to take lunch at 1pm, so you can expect me to be away from my computer,” “I am a small business owner, and I have a hard stop at 5pm to support my clients in the evening.”

To be clear, I’m NOT saying not to be flexible— sometimes things happen, and you might need to compromise.

HOWEVER, there’s a difference between setting boundaries and giving someone the opportunity to honor them!

I look different!When I made the decision to loc my hair this summer, I was nervous about what it’d mean for me as a job...
10/05/2022

I look different!

When I made the decision to loc my hair this summer, I was nervous about what it’d mean for me as a jobseeker. I’ve never worn my natural hair to an interview, or even in an office setting once hired 🥴

As a young, Black, woman, the odds are already stacked against me— my hair is the last thing that I’d want to have hinder my career. I thought about delaying my hair appointment, or even covering my hair for interviews, though incredibly damaging for my locs.

Truthfully, I hate that I have to do mental gymnastics for things my counterparts probably don’t even have to think too much about.

But here’s the thing— I love my locs. Like, REALLY love my locs. I’ve never felt more confident, more beautiful, more powerful.

For the first time in my career, I not only interviewed with my natural hair, but I secured a senior leadership role with my natural hair.

I’m unlearning the notion that my hair is “unprofessional”

I love that for me 🥰

Sometimes we look back on life, and get stuck on how we wish it had gone. We fixate on what we thought should’ve been, a...
10/04/2022

Sometimes we look back on life, and get stuck on how we wish it had gone. We fixate on what we thought should’ve been, and resent what we can’t undo.

Unfortunately, life doesn’t have a rewind button. We can only go forward!

Learn the lesson you need to learn from the past, but give yourself another chance for the future!

Guess who’s back on the Block!After a really long & unexpected hiatus, I’m excited to return to what I do best!Honestly,...
10/03/2022

Guess who’s back on the Block!

After a really long & unexpected hiatus, I’m excited to return to what I do best!

Honestly, this year has been rough— I bit off *way more* than I could chew, and that led to burnout like I’ve never experienced before.

The thing is, when you don’t rest, your body will absolutely shut down on you— and mine did.

I’m not happy about how my year went, but I want to remind you that it’s NEVER TOO LATE to start again or pick up where you left off. It’s the last quarter and I’m choosing to finish strong:

💪🏾Today, I started my new role as Head of Talent Acquisition

💪🏾Today, I’m getting back to business and doing it on my terms.

💪🏾Today, I’m recommitting to myself, my health, and my goals.

I’m excited to continue this journey with you!

Thanks for being my Neighbor!
Karissa 💛

03/13/2022

Do you know how hype I’d be if I saw the clock jump an hour during my workday 😅

Like get me tf outta here!

It’s bad enough we already don’t get enough time to ourselves, now you want to take an hour from me for funsies? 😩

Trifling!

03/13/2022

Do you know how hype I’d be if I saw the time move forward an hour during my work day?

Like damn, we already only have 2 days to ourselves, now you wanna take an hour for funsies? 😩🥲😅

Over 4000 followers later, I realize that some of y’all don’t know me from NOWHERE 👀🗽My name is Karissa, but you can cal...
03/04/2022

Over 4000 followers later, I realize that some of y’all don’t know me from NOWHERE 👀

🗽My name is Karissa, but you can call me Kari! If I asked others to describe my personality, some would say that I’m shy and reserved, others would tell you I’m funny & rambunctious! Both versions are true. Duality 😌

🗽 I was born, raised, and still live in the greatest city on Earth. I’m sure wherever you’re from is great, but in true New York fashion, this fact is not up for debate 😅

🗽Up until last week, I led a recruitment team where I designed candidate outreach strategy! I’m currently trying my hand at full-time entrepreneurship, but let me tell y’all how I have no issue going back to somebody’s 9-5! Both paths has its benefits, and I’m happy to chat with you if you’re teetering the line!

🗽 I founded Writer's Block on the principles of community, access, and "lifting as we climb." Everyone deserves access to opportunity, so I stagger costs by level of experience, to increase equity and ensure that more candidates have access to the help they deserve! I have solutions for different budgets, so shoot me a DM to see how you can work with me, even if you don’t have a ton of funds!

🗽 I was NEVER one to beat around the bush. I’m not the career coach that’s gonna sit here and tell you about the ATS system, and one page resumes all week long 🤷🏾‍♀️ I’m gonna say the hard and uncomfortable thing that you’re probably thinking in the back of your mind, and needed to see. I wouldn’t be surprised if you followed me because of something I said that resonated!

Be a good neighbor and introduce yourself! Where are you from, what do you do?

03/02/2022

Last night I connected with my client Tyra, who dropped this gem during our chat.

This is a whole word, okay? 👏🏾

Don’t just thank me. Pay me.

Show me you value me by paying me my value.

🗣IF IT DON’T MAKE DOLLARS, IT DON’T MAKE SENSE!

Do you resonate with Tyra?
Drop an emoji in the comments!

Don’t forget to like, share, and most importantly save this post!

Feeling overlooked in your job search?You’re likely struggling to communicate your value 🥴The reality is, you could lite...
02/28/2022

Feeling overlooked in your job search?

You’re likely struggling to communicate your value 🥴

The reality is, you could literally match 100% of a job description and *still* get passed up for someone who matched 70%, SIMPLY because they communicated their experience in a stronger way.

As a result, though qualified, you’re left waiting for someone to take a chance and give you a shot for roles you should have been able to walk through 😕

It doesn’t have to be that way though!

When I work with a new client, I’m always appalled by what’s coming out of their mouth, that isn’t reflected on paper.

Truth is, some candidates just need a little more support with their job search!

Are you ready to get unstuck?

My March calendar is open for custom resume & cover letter services! Snag a slot before someone else snags your dream job!

Today is my last day in my full-time role. For the last 3 years, I’ve led recruitment strategy for 41 schools across 3 s...
02/25/2022

Today is my last day in my full-time role.

For the last 3 years, I’ve led recruitment strategy for 41 schools across 3 states.

I’ve vetted THOUSANDS of candidates through platforms including Indeed and LinkedIn.

I’ve interviewed hundreds of people looking to take a next step in their career.

I’ve led change management throughout my team, and created systems to streamline our recruitment efforts.

I’ve led with love, and developed my associates to be independent, data-driven thinkers.

I’ve shown up as my absolute authentic self, and I’ve built bonds with colleagues I’ll love forever.

I’ve used my voice (…and my face, because your girl can’t control her expressions 🤣) to speak up and give feedback to literally anyone above or below me, no matter rank or title.

My bar for excellence is high— not just for myself, but for those around me.

I’ve TRULY brought my best self to this work.

But now it’s time for a new journey ☺️

Over the last few months, entrepreneurship has been calling to me. I’m a career girl at heart, but in this moment, I feel most empowered by helping people find what I’ve found in my career all these years— true joy, growth, and success.

I’m taking a huge leap and betting on myself— I’m nervous, but not worried.

I know that I am a smart and capable leader, and no matter what I’ll land on my feet!

So here’s to me taking a risk, and going after the things that scare me!

If you or anyone you know needs support with their job search, please book a service or refer them to me!

Can’t wait to level up together!

🥂Karissa

02/22/2022

Being out of office always feels like a double edged sword for me— *I* may have stopped working, but my work didn’t stop.

It’s like great, all the peace and joy I’ve cultivated while I’ve been out will now be sucked out of me while I catch up to the work I missed!

Fun 🙂

Anyone else feel this!?

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