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.)

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