Work will wait. Family won't.


September 10, 2025

You’re Not Replaceable at Home

Hello Reader

Welcome to Level Up Weekly, where I help emerging leaders think strategically, organize effectively, and execute with clarity—so they can be seen, heard, and valued.

Today at a glance:

The costly weekend I’ll never get back
6 mindset shifts to protect what matters most
How to stop tying your worth to your output

A TRUTH I LEARNED WHEN MY SISTER LEFT

At work, you’re replaceable.

At home, you’re not.

That weekend, I didn’t rest.

I didn’t laugh.

I didn’t enjoy the rare chance to be fully present with family.

Instead, I spent 50 hours building a website because a new colleague was joining — and I wanted to prove myself… again.

By Monday, I had a polished deliverable.

But my sister — who flew in to visit — had already packed her bags.

The website? It doesn’t even exist anymore.

The memories I missed? Gone forever.


Here is what I learned about protecting what matters

1. Question the "Urgent"

↳ Ask yourself: "What happens if I don't do this?"

↳ The answer is usually: nothing catastrophic

2. Stop Tying Your Worth to Deliverables

↳ You are not your output. You are not your inbox.

↳ Your value exists outside your work

3. Schedule What Matters First

↳ If you don't plan for life, work will fill the space

↳ Make family time non-negotiable

4. Break Free from Productivity Guilt

↳ Saying no to work is saying yes to what matters

↳ Your family needs you present, not perfect

5. Challenge the "Always On" Mindset

↳ Imposter syndrome will drain you dry

↳ Your team will survive without you

6. Remember: You're Replaceable at Work

↳ But at home, you're not

↳ Choose wisely where you spend your energy

The project I sacrificed my weekend for? Forgotten.

The relationship moments I missed? Irreplaceable.

Don't wait until something breaks to realize what matters.

Protect your time like you protect your most valuable asset.

Because that's exactly what it is.

Today’s reflection:

What’s one memory you missed in the name of productivity — and what would you do differently next time?

Bonus Practice:

Next time a meeting request or project tempts you to cancel plans with a loved one, pause and ask: “Will this moment still matter 5 years from now?”

Connect with Me

If this resonated with you and you’re wondering how to empower your voice — I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to message me (janet@janet.kim.)

Feeling like your contributions aren’t fully recognized?

This quick self-audit will help you assess where you stand, uncover hidden gaps, and identify the key steps to increase your influence, get noticed, and advance your career.. Answer these 10 questions honestly, and use your insights to take actionable steps toward greater visibility, influence, and recognition.

Schedule a meeting

700 El Camino Real Suite 120 #1054, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Janet Kim

I leverage 18+ years in Stanford tech to help emerging leaders like you think strategically, build influence, and execute with confidence, so you’re seen, heard and valued where it matters most.

Read more from Janet Kim

02.05.2026Leadership & Career Decisions — with strategic visibility in mind. Hey Reader, Welcome to Level Up Weekly, where I help emerging leaders think strategically, make clear leadership and career decisions, and build strategic visibility — so they’re seen, heard, and valued where it matters most. 1. The Leadership Situation (the real moment) There’s a phase many high performers hit quietly. You’re good at what you do. People rely on you. Your reputation is solid. And yet, something feels...

January 29, 2026 Welcome to Level Up Weekly, where I help emerging leaders think strategically, organize their work, and execute with clarity—so they can be seen, heard, and valued. Today At A Glance ✔ Reinvention isn’t about age — it’s about timing and judgment ✔ Readiness often follows action, not the other way around ✔ Experience doesn’t close doors; it sharpens which ones matter When Experience Changes the Question Last month, I turned 60. Not with a sense of completion. With a clearer...

January 22, 2026 Welcome to Level Up Weekly, where I help emerging leaders think strategically, organize their work, and execute with clarity—so they can be seen, heard, and valued. Image Credit: Kobi Omenaka Today at a glance ✔ Confidence often hides years of quiet survival ✔ Privilege and struggle are both layered — including your own ✔ Strong leaders account for differences they never had to overcome The assumption I carried I used to think people hesitated for no reason. Just speak up....