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Performance or Initiation? Spotting "Hazing" Dynamics in Corporate Culture
We often think of hazing as something confined to college fraternities or secretive groups. But in the corporate world, hazing wears a slicker, more professional mask. It looks like an unspoken rule where new or desk-bound staff have to "earn their stripes" by tolerating unsustainable workloads, or where salaried field managers are silently punished with micromanagement for taking an earned weekend off. There is a massive difference between vetting a teammate's capabilities a

Alison Rawlins
2 hours ago1 min read


The Cost of Guesswork: Moving from Invisible Expectations to Explicit Consent at Work
In our personal lives, we understand that true connection requires consent. But what does consent look like in a salaried office environment? Too often, it looks like a toxic guessing game. Leadership or client managers operate under invisible expectations—assuming an employee "consents" to a 9:30 PM crisis call, a weekend building inspection, or skipping a monumental family event just because they are on salary. When boundaries are blurred by guesswork, the human cost is imm

Alison Rawlins
4 days ago4 min read


The Envy of "Flexibility": Building Trust Across Different Workplace Roles
We’ve all seen it happen in an office environment: a subtle, unspoken tension between the team members rooted at their desks and the ones who are constantly coming and going. To an hourly receptionist or desk-bound employee, a client manager or field representative seems to possess an enviable amount of freedom. They see someone leaving the office early, arriving late, or working off-site, and a narrative begins to form: “Must be nice to have that kind of flexibility. Are the

Alison Rawlins
May 163 min read


Asynchronous Communication as an Act of Care: Balancing Productivity and Emotional Needs
In a world where time feels scarce and demands pull us in many directions, asynchronous communication offers a quiet solution. For many juggling graduate studies, career changes, and home life, texting or emailing is not an interruption but a way to clear mental clutter. This method helps people stay focused and present when it matters most. Understanding how asynchronous communication works and why it matters can transform how we connect and respect each other's time. The To

Alison Rawlins
May 103 min read


Holding the Space: Navigating Professional Ethics and Growth in Middle School Education
In education, the ability to hold space for students and colleagues is a skill that requires more than just presence. It demands a clear understanding of professional ethics, a commitment to ongoing growth, and the flexibility to pivot when necessary. This is especially true in middle school settings, where developmental needs are complex and ever-changing. This post explores how these elements come together in practice, drawing on experiences from high-stakes exam proctoring

Alison Rawlins
May 94 min read


The Fragility of Non-Government Infrastructure and Its Impact on Neurodivergent Users
The internet feels like a vast public space where we connect, share, and build communities. Yet, much of this space is controlled by private companies that operate behind closed doors. For many users, especially those who are neurodivergent and rely on these platforms for social and professional connections, this control creates a fragile foundation. When access is suddenly restricted or accounts are removed, the consequences go beyond inconvenience—they can disrupt lives and

Alison Rawlins
May 65 min read


The Freedom of Digital Ownership: Escaping the Social Media Trap
I recently faced a frustrating moment that made me rethink my relationship with Facebook and similar platforms. While at the dog park, I hurried to avoid a biker and accidentally stumbled into a patch of stinging nettles. That sharp sting was a physical reminder of a digital struggle I’ve been wrestling with all week. It made me realize how much time and energy I’ve spent trying to fit into platforms that don’t truly care if I fall. This post explores why I decided to permane

Alison Rawlins
May 53 min read
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