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Mahmoud Zareef's avatar

WTH. such a powerful story, I really feel this part: " It was about recognizing that what we accept as "normal" in corporate life can actually be dangerous. That success by conventional standards might be actively harming us." ..... wondering how did your journey continue? what are you working on right now?

thanks for sharing story, which is extremely relatable.

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Chris Anselmo's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Alina. Sorry that you went through this.

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Alina Okun's avatar

Thanks, Chris. The sad part is I don't think my story is that unusual. The majority of employees are probably going through a version of it right now. They are just keeping it to themselves the way I used to do it.

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Dow's avatar

Powerful personal testimony, Alina! I'm glad to have met you somewhere near that initial hard transition early in '22. Your awesome intelligence and dedication to sincere input about ethical, yet strategic, career moves continues to inspire me!

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Alina Okun's avatar

Thank you, Dow! Yes, when we met, I was starting to emerge from the fog, but I was still trying to make sense of it all, especially my value, without having a corporate job. Sad but true.

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Dow's avatar

Funny because I knew nothing of all that then, just perceived you as this studious, curious and immensely adept mind absorbing new web3 ideas like a sponge!

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Volney Faustini's avatar

Alina, it takes courage to open up public a very personal matter in such a clear and emotional narrative. Some readers, I imagine, will go down with you in this remembrance journey. Please don't take what I will say as a pretentious know-it-all attitude, but for sure you are the kind of person (and it ressonates as a mother) that instills value, caring and love. So don't be hard on yourself - I am sure the kids will go forward anyway. At least that is what has happenned to me.

As I read your posts, I get the impression that not only you are on the right track with Future Skill, but as you dive into the issues that has crooked the employee-employer relation, you are delving into a most noble cause, that will grant you new opportunities for a rich self actualization experience and legacy.

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Alina Okun's avatar

Thank you, Volney. It's so kind of you to say!

This article was not planned. It just poured out of me as I thought of this time all those years ago.

So many people have their own versions of my experience. Several people have told me that what I shared resonated with them, and they had similar experiences.

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