Through my work as a career transition coach and resume writer, I’m lucky to meet and help amazing people from around the world.

I’ve met award-winning scientists, public servants, and program managers. Many of my clients are mid-career professionals, ready to make the leap to senior leadership of the C-suite.

But some men, and most of the women, use the word just a little too often.

In the span of one week, I heard:

“It’s just a bachelor’s degree.”

“It’s just a small side gig.”

“I’m just a mom.”

My heart hurts. Why does that word have such a hold on us?

No one is just anything.

Especially parents, and especially now, in the poop show that is 2025.

All of us are more than our labels: degrees, job titles, income. L

I know I need to remove just from my vocabulary. And, maybe you do, too?

We’ve worked too hard, for too long, for anything to be just.