Put Your Oxygen Mask on First

Happy Memorial Day!

Before we dive in, I want to take a moment to honor and remember those who gave everything so we could have the freedom we're blessed with today. This morning, my family and I will be running the Memorial Day Mile together, a small way to say thank you each year.

But today's newsletter isn't about career tactics or job search strategies. It's about something just as important: finding passions outside of work that keep you grounded, balanced, and fulfilled.

Because here's what I've learned, both in my own life and working with clients: when your entire identity is wrapped up in your job title, you're one bad quarter, one layoff, or one burnout spiral away from losing yourself.

The Oxygen Mask Principle

You know that safety announcement on airplanes? "In case of emergency, put your oxygen mask on first before helping others."

That's how I think about fitness, hobbies, and passions outside of work.

For years, I've been an athlete. I played volleyball in college as a Setter, and later received the Athletic Hall of Fame honor. But honestly? It was never about the accolades. It was about having a personal goal and going after it, something that was mine, separate from any job or title.

When my husband and I got married and had kids, those fitness goals looked different for a while. Life got busy. Priorities shifted. And somewhere along the way, we realized we had to put our health first, not as a luxury, but as a foundation for everything else.

Because when we prioritize our physical and mental health, we show up better everywhere: at work, at home, as parents, as partners.

Leading by Example, Not Just Words

One thing that's always been important to us is leading our kids by example.

We didn't want to just tell them that exercise is important. We wanted them to see us working out and view it as something you want to do to feel good, not something you have to do.

Now that they're pre-teens, they're super active and often want to work out with us. That's not something we forced. It's something they caught by watching.

What you model matters more than what you say.

Sometimes my dog, Kobe, says enough is enough, can we go take a nap now?

Our Latest Goal: Hyrox 🤯

So here's where I admit my husband and I might be in our mid-life crisis phase. 😂

We've decided to start training for a Hyrox competition—if we can even get tickets, which is insanely hard because they sell out so fast.

And let me tell you: even though I've been an athlete my whole life, Hyrox training is no joke. It's humbling. It's hard. And it's exactly what I need right now.

Because having a goal outside of work—something physical, something challenging, something that has nothing to do with my career—keeps me grounded. It gives me something to work toward that isn't tied to revenue, clients, or LinkedIn metrics.

If you are like... "What in the world is Hyrox?!"... check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN-n8t8d2bA

Why This Matters for Your Career (Yes, Really)

Here's what I see all the time with the professionals I work with:

They pour everything into their career. Every ounce of energy, every goal, every measure of success. And for a while, it works. Until it doesn't.

Eventually, they hit a breaking point. It shows up as:

• Burnout

• Feeling lost or stuck

• Realizing "this isn't what I actually want"

• An identity crisis when the job goes away

Finding a passion outside of work isn't a distraction from your career. It's what sustains you through it.

It brings balance. It brings fulfillment. It reminds you that you're a whole person—not just a job title.

What's Your Thing?

It doesn't have to be fitness like me. It could be:

• Coaching your kid's sports team

• Leading an art class

• Picking up painting or pottery

• Gardening

• Bringing your creations to the local farmer's market

• Training for a race

• Learning an instrument

• Volunteering for a cause you care about

Whatever it is, let it be something that makes you smile. Something that brings you joy. Something that's yours.

Because here's the truth: life is not all about work. And when we're gone, we can't take our title and paycheck with us.

The Bottom Line

Your career matters. But it's not the only thing that matters.

This Memorial Day, I encourage you to reflect:

• What's something outside of work that lights you up?

• When's the last time you pursued a personal goal just for you?

• What example are you setting for the people watching you?

Put your oxygen mask on first. Then show up—at work, at home, in life—as the best version of yourself.

To those who served and sacrificed: thank you. We remember you today and every day.

Talk soon,

Alyssa 💛

P.S. If you're feeling stuck, burned out, or like your whole identity has become your job—let's talk. Sometimes the first step to career clarity is remembering who you are outside of work.

Thanks for reading Rise & Shine by Rise Up Career Coaching.

This newsletter is for high-performing professionals who feel stuck, overlooked, or unsure of their next move — and want a clearer, smarter way to navigate the modern job market.

Here, I share real talk about:

• Getting clear on what you actually want next

• Navigating job searches without mass applying

• Networking in ways that actually lead to conversations

• Interviewing with confidence (even if you’re rusty)

• Negotiating offers without leaving money or opportunity on the table

The job market has changed, but most career advice hasn’t. I’m here to help you stop guessing and start moving forward with clarity and strategy.

I'm here to change that.

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ALYSSA BAILEY is a Certified Professional Career Coach who helps high-performing professionals get unstuck and land roles that match who they are now. With 15+ years of corporate experience, she’s guided clients through career transitions, interviews, and negotiations — helping them turn experience into opportunity.

If you’re done waiting for clarity or the “right time,” this is your sign.

Your next role won’t come from working harder. It comes from having the right strategy.

Let’s make your next move — intentionally.

P.S. If you’ve been thinking about making a change “someday,” remember: clarity doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from action.

Let's make your next move. Contact me today.

To read past Rise & Shine newsletters, you can find them here.