I Said ‘I’m Grateful’ When I Should’ve Said ‘I’m Good’

Episode 11: “I Said ‘I’m Grateful’ When I Should’ve Said ‘I’m Good’”

Subtitle: Outgrowing Workplaces That No Longer Grow You

Are you stuck in a job that looks good on paper—but feels misaligned in your spirit? In this episode of The Upgrade with L, Lauren Hayes breaks down the silent ways high-achieving women—especially Black women—shrink themselves in workplaces that no longer serve their growth.

From polite office politics to being praised but not promoted, Lauren unpacks how we mistake gratitude for guilt, loyalty for self-abandonment, and humility for silence. She shares personal stories, tangible signs that your role may be keeping you small, and powerful reframes to help you leave with peace—not panic.

Whether you’re quietly battling burnout or finally ready to walk away from a job that doesn’t honor your potential, this episode is your permission slip to move from survival to alignment.

What You’ll Learn:

• The subtle signs you’ve outgrown your role
• How to separate gratitude from guilt
• What it means to choose growth over loyalty
• A powerful framework to help you know when it’s time to move on

Keywords: career growth, burnout, job alignment, workplace toxicity, leaving a job, women in leadership, Black women in corporate, personal development, boundaries at work, knowing your worth, high achievers

Listen now to upgrade your mindset—and your professional future.

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