Clara Whitaker, The Career Healer

08/01/2026

Self-Care isn’t One-Size-Fits-All.
For some, self-care is a morning run or a relaxing massage. For me, it was learning to make an Aran jumper from scratch. I designed it, picked the yarn, and mastered the intricate patterns. It wasn’t easy – there were dropped stitches, tangled yarn, and moments of frustration. But I kept going, and in the end, I created something beautiful.

The process taught me something profound: with patience and persistence, I can tackle even the most complex challenges. I embraced the journey, mistakes and all, and was delighted by the progress and the growth along the way.

This experience has parallels to changing careers or taking on a new challenge. At first, it can feel daunting, like staring at a tangled mess of yarn. But as you learn, grow, and find your rhythm, the process becomes a source of joy and fulfillment. You discover new strengths, develop resilience, and unlock new possibilities.

So, what’s your Aran jumper? What’s the thing that challenges you, scares you, and excites you all at once? Go for it. The journey might be tough, but the sense of pride and freedom you’ll feel when you master it is worth it.

20/11/2025

“Mom, everyone thinks I’m cringe!” Ooooh, I felt that. I felt that deep. I’ve been there myself, and I knew it was coming.
It’s that initial sting we get from living in alignment with our true values.

We often carry these fears into adulthood: What if they don’t like me? What if I’m not cool enough? What if I’m too much?

Here’s the thing: being true to yourself won’t always please everyone. Some people might not understand you, and that’s okay. But understanding yourself and being true to your values will pay off for you in your career and in your life.

When you’re unapologetically yourself:

- You build trust and credibility with your colleagues and clients
- You’re more likely to attract opportunities that align with your values and strengths
- You create space for others to do the same, fostering a more inclusive and innovative work environment

So, the next time you’re tempted to conform or people-please, remember: your uniqueness is your superpower. Own it.

18/11/2025

“I am pleased to report the work situation has largely improved since [our journey together].”
A beautiful card from a wonderful person I had the pleasure of working with. Made my day.

08/09/2025

A lovely message I got last week from a wonderful client who has partnered with me so they can grow into their potential.
I’m so thankful for the trust!

30/08/2025

We adorn ourselves with things that have meaning for us. In this case, and I both wore necklaces that represented Brazil 🇧🇷
A gente se adorna com objetos que nos são importantes. No caso da Luiza Trajano e meu, trata-se de colares que representam o Brasil 🇧🇷 irGrupo Mulheres do Brasilbrasil Mulheres do Brasileresdobrasil

30/08/2025

The most amazing conference celebrating women’s rights, creativity and courage. What a treat! 1st Conference of the Grupo Mulheres Do Brasil — Brazilian Women’s Group in Ireland. Obrigada, .irlanda

18/07/2025

I’m so thankful for my bro .daniel for the guidance and support over the past… (*checks notes)… two years in my voyage back to art, this time through crochet and knitting, and in crafting this biography blanket.

Danny is the only person on Earth I know who mentors people through a unique blend of art, science and philosophy using a light touch, crafty questioning, and clear vision.

Thanks, Bro.

08/03/2025

24/02/2025

Exciting news: today is my debut as Executive Contributor at Brainz Magazine ! Workplace change and uncertainty? I’ve got you.

Navigating workplace change? Here are 5 expert-backed strategies to stay in control, manage uncertainty, and take charge of your career.

05/02/2025

Oh God.
You know when you slowly and steadily edge bad habits out of your life, then you think, “What harm could it do?” And let a little bit back in?
Well, I’ve been quietly letting go of stuff that didn’t serve me well, including (but not limited to) bad relationships, procrastination, and coffee.
This morning, though, I had an early call and lots of sh*te to do, so I figured I’d just have a cup.
And now I’m having pangs of anxiety that make me want to crawl under the kitchen table. For no reason other than having had that warm mug of liquid death. 💀
What was my life like when I was drinking it every day? Twice a day? Sometimes 3? And the sluggish horror of suddenly having none, on the days I decided to stop once and for all?
Dramatically kicking a bad habit is important, especially when the bad habit gets in the way. You do then have to cope with the backlash, though, which is likely to get you back into your addiction. Think coffee withdrawal headaches or guilt trips from not responding to a toxic colleague’s lopsided demands.
Another option: edge the bad juju out sweetly and softly. Find a substitute, like tea, or a colleague that values (rather than demean) your input.
And rest assured, one day you’ll let that bad habit in just a little bit, and the jolt will consolidate your resolve to live without that bad energy.
What bad mojo do you want to edge out of your life?

04/02/2025

How to Tell Your Leaders Your Workload is Burning You (and Your Team) Out
Frazzled at work? Chances are you’re not imagining it—There’s too much on your plate. Here’s how to talk to leadership about it (without feeling guilty or dramatic).
The Reality Check
If your team is drowning and you’re running on fumes, something has to give. But you don’t know how to bring it up without sounding like you can’t handle the job.
The key?
Strategy, not struggle.
Here’s how:
Step 1 – Gather the Data
🔍 Feelings alone won’t convince leadership—facts will.
• Track the extra hours you and your team are working.
• Document missed deadlines, backlogs, or mistakes caused by exhaustion.
• Compare your workload to past expectations (Has it doubled? Tripled?).
When you present hard facts, you shift the conversation from ‘I’m struggling’ to ‘Here’s what’s happening, and here’s why it’s unsustainable.’
Step 2 – Frame It as a Business Problem
💼 Overwork isn’t just a people problem—it’s a performance problem.
Instead of saying, “We’re overwhelmed,” try:
"I’ve noticed our workload has increased significantly, and it’s impacting efficiency, creativity, and quality. I’d love to discuss ways we can optimize and protect long-term performance."
This shifts the conversation from personal struggle to company success.
Step 3 – Offer Solutions
⚡ Leaders don’t just want problems—they want solutions.
Come prepared with options:
✅ Prioritization: “Which projects are mission-critical, and which can be paused?”
✅ Delegation: “Can we redistribute work to balance the load?”
✅ Resources: “Can we bring in temporary support or streamline processes?”Your goal is to collaborate on a fix—not just offload the issue.
What it boils down to:
🔥 Advocating for a better workload isn’t a weakness—it’s leadership.
If your team is drowning, staying silent won’t save them. Speaking up isn’t about complaining—it’s about protecting performance, well-being, and longevity.
✨ You deserve to work at a sustainable pace. Now, go have that conversation!