"Finding Fulfillment in Chaos": Jasmine Thompson Shares Insights on Career Balance

The first episode of the City Pulse podcast featured an engaging interview with Jasmine Thompson, a communications expert, who offered valuable insights into the pressures of balancing a demanding career with personal well-being. During the conversation, Jasmine shared her thoughts on career struggles, particularly for women, and how finding balance is essential.

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Interviewer: Jasmine, you’ve talked about the pressures women face in their careers. Can you tell us about how this has affected someone close to you?

Jasmine Thompson: Absolutely. I have a close friend—let’s call her Sarah—who’s in a high-stakes political career right now. She’s incredibly driven, but I think she’s struggling to figure out whether she’s pursuing her own dreams or living up to other people’s expectations. There’s so much pressure on her to follow in her family’s footsteps, but I’m not sure it’s what really makes her happy.

Interviewer: That’s an experience many women can relate to. What advice would you give to someone in Sarah’s position?

Jasmine Thompson: I think it’s important for anyone in her shoes to sit down and really reflect on what they love about their job—if anything. It’s easy to get lost in the grind, especially in a field like politics, where the expectations are so high. I told her she needs to ask herself, “What parts of this do I actually enjoy? And can I find that elsewhere, in a less stressful environment?”

Interviewer: You’ve also mentioned the pressures on women, especially Black women, to be extraordinary in every area of life. How has that impacted you personally?

Jasmine Thompson: Oh, definitely. There’s this unspoken expectation that we have to be extraordinary at everything we do, and it’s exhausting. I’ve felt it too, constantly pushing myself to meet some higher standard. But I’ve learned that sometimes it’s okay to be content with where you are, to find balance, and to focus on what really makes you happy.

Interviewer: That’s a powerful message. How do you find that balance in your own career?

Jasmine Thompson: For me, it’s about recognizing what I truly enjoy and making time for that. I love communications, but I’ve had to set boundaries to make sure I’m not burning out. It’s a process, but I think every woman needs to figure out what works best for her.

As Jasmine Thompson wrapped up the interview, she left listeners with a piece of advice: “You don’t need to do everything. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is focus on what makes you happy.”

The City Pulse podcast is set to continue exploring meaningful conversations around life, career, and personal growth, offering valuable takeaways for anyone seeking balance in today’s fast-paced world.