 Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Cooking with Peas Unlock the vibrant versatility of peas with practical tips and expert-backed culinary techniques. These experts deliver a fresh take on cooking with peas, including exclusive insights from seasoned chefs. Dive into innovative recipes and expert advice to elevate simple peas into extraordinary dishes.
Highlight Peas with Spring Pea Puree Peas are one of the most versatile and underrated ingredients in the kitchen. To truly highlight their natural sweetness and vibrant color, one of my favorite ways to use them is in a Spring Pea Puree. It’s an elegant, flavorful base that pairs beautifully with seafood, roasted vegetables, or even as a spread for artisan bread. Spring Pea Puree Recipe Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or frozen peas 1 small shallot, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or a drizzle of good olive oil for a lighter version) Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste Zest of half a lemon Fresh mint or basil (optional, for a fresh herbaceous note) Instructions:
Pro Tip: For an elevated presentation, drizzle with herb-infused oil and top with microgreens or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This dish is all about simplicity and letting the natural flavors shine. Plus, it’s a stunning way to add color and depth to any plate. - Justin Meadows, Chef/ Owner, Block & Rooster Provisions Create Fresh Pea and Mint Pesto One of my favorite ways to effectively use peas in a dish is by making a simple, yet delicious Pea and Mint Pesto. It’s a fresh twist on the traditional basil pesto, and the sweetness of the peas pairs perfectly with the mint. To make it, I blend together 2 cups of frozen peas (thawed), a handful of fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1–2 cloves of garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. I add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste and blend until smooth. This pesto works wonders on pasta, as a topping for grilled chicken, or even as a dip for vegetables. The peas add a creamy texture without being heavy, and the mint gives it a refreshing kick. It’s an easy, healthy dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the peas and can be whipped up in no time! - Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen Elevate Peas with Thai-Style Fritters I love to elevate peas by making a quick Thai-style pea fritter. I learned this technique in a cooking class in Bangkok and it’s changed how I see these little green balls forever. Just pulse frozen peas (never canned!) in a food processor with green curry paste, fish sauce, chopped cilantro and a beaten egg. Form into small patties and pan fry until golden. The contrast between the crunchy outside and sweet, herby inside is amazing. The biggest thing I’ve learned from years of cooking with peas is that their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with sharp, acidic flavors. This is the perfect balance to make dishes pop. For instance, frozen peas blended with mint, lemon zest, olive oil and pecorino makes an incredible pasta sauce that comes together in minutes. Temperature contrast also works wonders with peas. I often blanch them for 90 seconds in salted water then immediately plunge them into an ice bath. This “shocking” process locks in their color and creates a fun textural contrast — especially when tossed warm into cold salads with crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts. For something special, try pea shoots as well as the peas themselves. I grow them in my windowsill garden and they add incredible freshness to any pea dish. They taste like springtime and add visual interest to a simple side to make it restaurant quality. When using frozen peas, never thaw them completely before cooking. The residual ice crystals help maintain their structure during cooking. And remember peas need minimal cooking time — overcooking is the fastest way to turn green gems into mushy disappointments. - Sovic Chakrabarti, Director, Icy Tales Transform Peas into Silky Pea Butter Most people treat peas as a supporting act — something to toss into fried rice or mix into a stew as an afterthought. But peas have this incredible natural sweetness and a soft, buttery texture when blended. One of the best ways to highlight them? Pea butter. Yes, pea butter. It’s shockingly good. You take fresh or frozen peas, simmer them for a few minutes until they’re just tender, then blend them with a little butter (or olive oil for a vegan version), a pinch of salt, and a splash of lemon juice. The key is straining it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to get that silky, almost whipped texture. What you end up with is this vibrant green, slightly sweet, ultra-creamy spread that works on everything — spread on toast with flaky salt, dolloped onto grilled fish or chicken, even mixed into mashed potatoes for a fresh, springy twist. Think of it as the love child of a bright pea puree and smooth compound butter. It’s one of those things that makes you wonder: why aren’t we doing this all the time? - Derek Pankaew, CEO & Founder, Listening.com Make a Quick Pea and Spinach Stew As a doctor who’s passionate about healthy cooking, I love making my quick pea and spinach stew that’s packed with protein and fiber. I simply sauté onions and garlic, add fresh or frozen peas with low-sodium chicken broth, then wilt in some spinach during the last few minutes — it’s become my go-to lunch during busy clinic days. What I’ve discovered is that quickly blanching the peas for just 2–3 minutes before adding them to the stew helps maintain their natural sweetness and bright green color, while keeping their nutritional benefits intact. - Dr. Anand Thakkar, Medical Director, Chicago Weight Loss Incorporate Peas into Various Dishes Peas are an incredible ingredient that are not only full of dietary fiber and nutrients, but they’re also easy to incorporate into a wide range of recipes. When you add peas to some types of recipes, you can also create an additional layer of texture that can improve the dish. There are quite a few different types of peas to use in recipes, with the easiest types being snap peas and frozen peas. Frozen sweet peas have a natural sweetness while snap peas have a lovely crunch, making them perfect for a stir-fry. To incorporate frozen peas into a recipe, you’ll want to heat them first. Personally, I cook them in the oven until they’re just thawed. From there, I fold them into a chili, chowder, or pot pie filling. Frozen peas also work well as part of a pressure cooker soup or stew, and they also taste wonderful when mixed into a fried rice recipe. It’s not difficult to use frozen peas in a recipe, you’ll just need to heat them, then fold them in near the end of cooking (to avoid overcooking them). For snap peas, in addition to a stir fry, these also taste wonderful on top of a salad. When using them in this manner, you may prefer to have them sliced or chopped, which makes them a bit easier to eat. Snap peas also taste wonderful when mixed into a homemade ramen or pho. To do this, you can cook your snap peas in a little oil on your stovetop to add a little character, and don’t forget to salt them. Then, fold them in near the end of cooking your ramen or pho. This is only scratching the surface of the potential that peas have in recipes, as they’re overall mild in flavor (as compared to something like kidney beans which can be pretty present). It means that other flavors can easily mask their presence if needed, and they can be used alongside a wide range of flavor profiles including BBQ, Middle Eastern, California Fresh, and more. You’ll want to avoid using peas in recipes that have light delicate flavors such as a lavender forward recipe. - Kathlena The Allergy Chef, Owner, Free and Friendly Foods Roast Peas with Sweet Potatoes I recently discovered that roasting frozen peas with sweet potatoes creates an amazing nutrient-dense side dish that’s perfect for weight management. I toss them with a tablespoon of olive oil, season with garlic and black pepper, then roast at 400°F for 20 minutes — the natural sweetness of both vegetables really comes through while keeping the calories low. - Alex Roig, Founder, Dr. Weight Loss Add Fresh Peas to Spring Risotto We’ve been serving a customer favorite spring risotto where we fold in fresh peas right at the end to maintain their sweet pop and bright color. I’ve learned that the key is to barely cook the peas — just steam them for 2–3 minutes before adding them to any dish, whether it’s pasta, risotto, or even a quick stir-fry. - Allen Kou, Owner and Operator, Zinfandel Grille
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 Image Credit: Owner Anna Ohler | Bright Lane Gardens; www.brightlanegardens.com Want to bring butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to your yard while creating a beautiful, low-maintenance garden? A native plant pollinator garden is the perfect DIY project for families, nature lovers, and budget-conscious gardeners. Native plants thrive with little upkeep, support local ecosystems, and turn your outdoor space into a vibrant wildlife haven.
Why Pollinators Matter Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are essential for healthy ecosystems. They help plants reproduce, improve biodiversity, and even boost fruit and vegetable yields in home gardens. Unfortunately, habitat loss has reduced their populations, but you can make a difference by providing the food and shelter they need. Choosing the Right Native Plants Native plants are adapted to your local climate and require little water, fertilizer, or pesticides. They also produce nectar and pollen that native pollinators rely on. Some excellent choices include: Butterflies: Milkweed (Asclepias), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) Bees: Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Goldenrod (Solidago), Asters (Symphyotrichum) Hummingbirds: Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), Beebalm (Monarda didyma) Group plants together in clusters to make it easier for pollinators to find them. Planting in groups or clusters is also very eye-catching and can create a stunning cottage garden vibe! Simple Design Tips — Pick a Sunny Spot: Most pollinator-friendly flowers need full sun. — Plant in Layers: Use a mix of tall, medium, and low-growing plants to provide variety and shelter. — Add a Water Source: A shallow dish of water with stones for insects to perch on helps keep pollinators hydrated. — Skip the Pesticides: Chemicals harm pollinators. Use natural pest control methods instead. — Leave Some Bare Soil: Native bees nest in the ground, so avoid full mulch coverage. A Garden for Everyone This project is perfect for beginners because it’s easy to maintain and offers endless learning opportunities. Kids can watch caterpillars turn into butterflies, observe bees at work, and even help plant flowers. Adults will love the year-round beauty and the calming effect of a thriving wildlife garden. Attracting beneficial insects can also help with natural pest control around your yard. Many native insects, like dragonflies and spiders, eat mosquitoes and other annoying pests that you’d normally need to use pesticides or other means to eliminate. It’s a win-win for everyone! Start Your Pollinator Garden Project Today! Creating a native pollinator garden is a simple yet powerful way to support wildlife and enjoy a more vibrant yard. By planting the right flowers and providing a welcoming habitat, you’ll attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while keeping maintenance to a minimum. Whether you have a large backyard or a small garden space, you can make a difference, one native plant at a time. Meet Our Contributor — Anna Ohler Anna Ohler is a plant and garden expert, and also the owner of a small plant nursery in Northern Michigan. With a passion for environmentalism, Anna has shifted her gardening to focus on native plants and sustainable ecosystems in recent years. As someone who has benefited greatly from spending a lot of time in the great outdoors, Anna is eager to share her knowledge on sustainability in landscaping and gardening so more people can join in on this movement. Learn more about Bright Lane Gardens here.  Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Friendships in Adulthood Navigating the complex world of adult friendships can be daunting, we have professionals sharing their insights on how to choose the right companions. From respecting boundaries to aligning with your values, learn the key strategies for forging genuine connections. Discover the expert-backed approach to finding friends who will celebrate your triumphs and stand by you through life’s seasons.
Ask If You Like Yourself Around Them One of the most overlooked but mature ways to choose friends in mid-adulthood is this: Ask yourself, “Do I like who I am when I’m around this person?” In our 20s, friendships often form out of convenience — college, work, mutual friends. But as we grow older, friendships should be more intentional. Instead of focusing on shared history or common interests alone, the real test is how a person makes you feel about yourself when you’re with them. Here’s why this approach changed the way I choose friends: 1. Energy matters more than proximity. You don’t need to see someone everyday to maintain a deep connection. But if every interaction leaves you drained or second-guessing yourself, that’s a sign they’re not adding value to your life. 2. Growth-focused friendships last longer. The best friends aren’t just fun — they challenge you in the right ways, inspire you, and encourage you to evolve. 3. It prevents “legacy friendships” from holding you back. Just because someone has been in your life for years doesn’t mean they belong in your future. Asking this question forces you to be honest about whether the friendship still serves you. In mid-adulthood, friendship should feel like a net positive investment — not an obligation. Choosing people who make you feel engaged, inspired, and truly yourself is the most sustainable way to build relationships that last. - Derek Pankaew, CEO & Founder, Listening.com Align With Those Who Respect Boundaries In mid-adulthood, choosing friends becomes about aligning with those who respect your boundaries and understand your needs. In my work with individuals dealing with high-functioning anxiety, I emphasize the importance of being around people who help you maintain your energy levels rather than drain them. Selecting friends who appreciate your need for self-care and who reciprocate emotional support is crucial. From my experience facilitating EMDR intensive therapy, I’ve seen how clients thrive when surrounded by those who help them process emotions healthily. This creates a safe space for vulnerability, allowing genuine connections to form. Seek out friends who not only listen but also encourage growth, allowing you to develop deeper self-awareness and confidence. One of the unique approaches we use in my practice is Resilience Focused EMDR, which highlights turning struggles into strengths. Applying this to friendships, look for individuals who have transformed their challenges into wisdom, as they can enrich your life and inspire your growth journey. - Libby Murdoch, Founder, Brain Based Counseling Find Reliable, Clear-Communications Friends In my law practice and business network, it’s important to find reliable and clear-communications friends. My professional experience has taught me the importance of actions over words, so I carefully observe how potential friends treat others and maintain their promises over time. Join professional or community groups set up to meet people and build relationships over time. In my business network, I’ve made lasting bonds by working together on projects or doing community service first. This method allows you to find similar values and conversation styles that work well together before stronger friendships form. - Mark Hirsch, Co-founder and Personal Injury Attorney, Templer & Hirsch Focus on Shared Values and Mutual Support From my own experience and after reflection, a mature way to choose friends in mid-adulthood is to focus on shared values and mutual support. Instead of seeking relationships based on convenience, it’s important to connect with people whose principles align with yours and who contribute positively to your personal development. In my experience, friendships rooted in common goals and genuine interest tend to grow stronger over time. Just as in business, personal relationships benefit from intentionality, so I focused on a tight-knit circle of friends who were aligned with my long-term vision. Additionally, prioritize consistency over quantity. The best friendships are those that offer mutual support, honesty, and constructive feedback. These are the people who show up when it matters, challenge you to grow, and share in your successes. In mid-adulthood, cultivating a few deep, meaningful relationships often proves far more valuable than maintaining numerous superficial ones. This focused approach not only enhances emotional well-being but can enrich your professional and personal life, just like building quality partnerships in business for long-term success. One mature way to choose friends in mid-adulthood is to view relationships as strategic investments in your personal growth. I learned this while building an online media company: rather than collecting numerous casual acquaintances, I focused on meeting people who shared similar values and long-term goals. Attending targeted networking events helped me connect with individuals whose vision aligned with mine, resulting in a few genuine, high-quality friendships that not only supported me professionally but also enriched my personal life. Additionally, it’s crucial to choose friends who consistently support and challenge you in meaningful ways. Mature friendships thrive on mutual respect, honest communication, and reliability — traits that are more important than the quantity of connections. By investing time in relationships that offer both encouragement and constructive feedback, you create a network that fuels personal well-being and professional success. This focused, intentional approach to friendship has proven invaluable in navigating the complexities of mid-adulthood. - Max Spring, Editor, Online Stopwatch Global Be Intentional About Time and Energy In midlife, it becomes crucial to be intentional about those with whom you share your time and energy in terms of friendships. They should be based on respect, trust, and common values, rather than convenience or old habits. Relationships are often held onto just for the sake of history, but the best friends are those who continue to grow with you and adjust to your pace in life. Notice how their company leaves you. Do you feel uplifted, listened to, or that someone truly cares about you? Or are you drained, unappreciated, or the only one putting in an effort? The true nature of friendship is in its consistency. Those who really value you will find it in them not only to show up when it is convenient but also to do so just because they want to be part of your life. Look for the people who respect your boundaries, celebrate your successes without competition, and support you through bad times. A true friendship is not constant work; it flows steadily and smoothly with a rhythm of shared effort. Mid-adulthood is the time to get choosy with relationships that add rejoicing, growth, and stability instead of stress and obligation. - Ushmana Rai, Founder, TDEE Calculator Trust Your Gut — It’s Usually Right If you feel drained, anxious, or undervalued around someone, that’s your sign. I’ve learned to trust my instincts when it comes to friendships. If a relationship doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to move on and make space for the right people. - Sahil Kakkar, CEO / Founder, RankWatch Be Available When You Don’t Need Work People often disappear until they need you, then suddenly they’re your best friend. If you want to increase your chances of doing business with people, then be available when you don’t need the work. Show people that you genuinely care about their success and well-being. Make friends with people. Build relationships, and people will support you when it matters most. A simple way to stay engaged is to connect with people on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Be intentional about seeking out their posts, in case they get buried by the algorithms. It takes very little effort to drop a like and a short comment. When needs arise, you’ll find that you’re often on the short list because you took the time to build a meaningful relationship with someone and gave them support while expecting nothing in return. - Dennis Consorte, Digital Marketing & Leadership Consultant for Startups, Consorte Marketing Understand What Made You Into An Adult Let’s not forget that most people in mid-adulthood grew up at the same time as you, so they will probably understand what made you into an adult better than most! As a 45-year-old man, most of my generation grew up on video games. Today there is a large section of society with people in their 40s who have expendable cash and free time to spend with like-minded people, so online video gaming has really taken off in the 35–45 year old bracket. Twice a week, I game online with friends and we meet new people all the time. During COVID, mature gaming really took off. We have a rule when meeting new people…if they are friendly, non-toxic, and can take a joke, then we offer them to join our chat group, but if not, we block them. Overall when it comes to choosing friends, I’ve decided that as I’ve gotten older, the less is more approach is preferred. If someone does not add to my life or takes me for granted, then I realize that fighting for an old friendship will never give you what you need out of that relationship. So I have let 20+ year friendships drift away and end while focusing on the <10 real friendships that I have with like-minded people who lift me up rather than bring me down. I’m not afraid to meet new people (I do it online regularly), but to go from an acquaintance to a friend, you need to nurture the relationship from both sides…if not, it will die.- Andrew Nolan, Blogger, Forty and Fearless  Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Employee Probation Navigating the probation period can be a pivotal moment for employees facing challenges in the workplace. We explore actionable strategies, enriched with expert insights, to turn this trial phase into an opportunity for securing one’s position. Readers will gain practical advice on how to demonstrate value and adaptability to meet and exceed employer expectations.
Schedule Weekly Check-Ins with Supervisor We often see that the probation period can feel like walking on eggshells, but it’s actually a valuable opportunity for growth. The single most effective action we recommend to struggling employees is to proactively schedule weekly check-ins with their direct supervisor. These brief, 15-minute conversations serve multiple purposes. First, they demonstrate initiative and commitment to improvement — qualities we’ve seen consistently impress managers. Second, they create a structured channel for real-time feedback, allowing employees to course-correct quickly rather than discovering issues too late. In our 25 years of executive placement experience, we’ve observed that employees who take this approach typically achieve three crucial outcomes: they gain clarity on specific performance expectations, build a stronger relationship with their supervisor, and create documented evidence of their effort to improve. Just last month, we worked with a marketing professional who turned her probation period around using this strategy. Instead of waiting for feedback, she began scheduling weekly Thursday morning coffee chats with her manager. These conversations helped her identify blind spots in her project management approach that she hadn’t even been aware of. The key is to approach these meetings with specific questions and examples. Rather than asking, “How am I doing?” try, “Could you help me understand if my approach to the recent client presentation met expectations?” This level of specificity makes it easier for managers to provide actionable guidance. Remember, probation isn’t just about evaluation — it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to growth and success within the organization. - Julia Yurchak, Talent Sourcing, Acquisition & Management Specialist| Senior Recruitment Consultant, Keller Executive Search Ask for Feedback Regularly One of the best things a struggling employee can do during their probation period is to ask for feedback early and often. We’ve seen employees turn things around just by being proactive in understanding expectations and making quick adjustments. Instead of waiting for a formal review, it helps to check in with the manager regularly. Asking simple but direct questions like, “What’s one thing I could do better?” or “Am I on the right track?” shows initiative and opens up a real conversation. More importantly, acting on that feedback immediately makes all the difference. If communication is a concern, summarizing key takeaways after meetings can help. If efficiency needs improvement, finding small ways to optimize work and showing progress makes a strong impression. Another key factor? Building relationships. Skills matter, but so does being part of the team. Engaging with colleagues, asking thoughtful questions, and showing interest in the bigger picture make a probationary employee more valuable. Probation isn’t just about proving competence, it’s about showing a strong willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute. That’s what helps someone secure their place in the company. - Vikrant Bhalodia, Head of Marketing & People Ops, WeblineIndia Seek a Mentor for Guidance Seeking a mentor during your probation period offers a fresh perspective and critical insight. People often overlook the power of simply asking someone with experience for guidance. Establishing a mentor relationship starts with identifying someone whose skills or career path align with your goals. Approach them openly, expressing your desire to learn and grow, and ask if they’d be willing to share their insights. You might be surprised at how willing seasoned professionals are to help someone eager to learn. The key is setting clear expectations with your mentor, like regular check-ins or specific goals you wish to achieve. Use these meetings to discuss challenges and seek feedback on your performance. Actively listen and apply their advice to real-life situations — this demonstrates your commitment to improving and can significantly boost your confidence and skills. This proactive approach shows your employer that you’re invested in personal growth and learning, increasing your chances of retaining employment. - Shannon Smith O’Connell, Operations Director (Sales & Team Development), Reclaim247 Engage in Mindfulness and Set Goals During probation, understanding your behavior patterns is crucial. In my practice, I encourage clients to engage in mindfulness techniques to increase self-awareness at work. Reflect on your daily tasks and interactions with colleagues to identify what’s working and what isn’t. I’ve seen employees successfully retain their jobs by actively setting specific, short-term goals. Break down larger objectives into manageable steps and track your progress daily. This approach not only fosters a sense of achievement but also demonstrates proactivity to your employer. Consider honing your communication skills, particularly in stressful situations. I’ve guided clients through role-playing exercises to practice effective communication strategies. When done consistently, it leads to more constructive feedback and improved workplace relationships. - Anne Marie White, Licensed Professional Counselor, Dream Big Counseling and Wellness Focus on Continual Learning and Adaptability During a probation period, focusing on continual learning and adaptability can significantly boost your chances of retaining employment. I’ve seen how aligning personal growth with company goals can turn probation into a proving ground. We used data-driven insights to optimize user engagement, involving team members to suggest improvements based on their experiences. This proactive involvement not only increased user retention by 25% but also demonstrated each employee’s commitment to growth. Additionally, transparency in communication is crucial. My experience leading taught me that when employees regularly update their managers on progress, it fosters trust and underscores reliability. For instance, during our AI integration phase, clear milestones and communication helped our team steer complex challenges effectively. Lastly, take advantage of available resources and training offered by the company. At Y Combinator, constant learning and leveraging mentorship propelled us forward. Accept similar opportunities to demonstrate your commitment to the organization’s success, ensuring your value is recognized long after the probation period ends. - Tamar Blue, Chief Executive Officer, MentalHappy Document Feedback and Improvement Actions Document all feedback and improvement actions in a work diary to track your progress and demonstrate your commitment to growth. A struggling employee should maintain a detailed feedback and action log during their probation period. Create a simple work diary where you record each piece of supervisor feedback and immediately outline your specific improvement steps with deadlines. This one-focused practice helps you retain your job by providing clear evidence of your progress and commitment to improvement during performance reviews. This method works because it shows your supervisor you’re serious about meeting company standards. Instead of making vague promises to improve, you’re demonstrating concrete actions and measurable progress. The work diary becomes your proof of growth and dedication, giving your employer confidence in their decision to retain you after probation. By consistently documenting feedback and tracking improvements, you transform your probation period into a structured path toward permanent employment. This single practice addresses both aspects of the challenge — leveraging the probation period effectively while taking specific actions to retain your position. - Joseph Passalacqua, Owner & CEO, Maid Sailors Create a Clear Action Plan If an employee is struggling during their probation period, one way to retain their position is to create a clear, focused action plan with measurable goals and communicate this plan to their manager. Instead of waiting for things to improve on their own or feeling overwhelmed, take ownership of the situation by breaking down your challenges into specific areas and setting goals for improvement. For example, if you’re struggling with communication, set a goal to improve in that area by seeking out opportunities to present in meetings or actively engaging with coworkers on projects. By setting realistic goals and reporting progress, you’re demonstrating that you’re taking responsibility for your growth. Plus, being transparent about challenges while also showing a clear plan for improvement can go a long way in building trust with your employer. Rather than pretending everything is fine or avoiding difficult conversations, being open about your struggles and showing a proactive approach to resolve them shows resilience and accountability. This mindset, paired with clear actions, can significantly improve your chances of making it past the probation period and securing the job. - Sean Clancy, Managing Director, SEO Gold Coast Understand Role and Company Expectations When facing a probation period, one effective strategy is to focus on developing a strong understanding of your role and the company’s expectations. During my 20+ years in employment law, I’ve seen cases where employees thrived by demonstrating a proactive approach to learning job specifics. For example, a client once shared how they requested a detailed outline of their responsibilities and used this as a checklist to ensure they met all necessary benchmarks, which ultimately led to their retention. Another approach is to document everything carefully. Just as I emphasize the importance of employer documentation to prevent wrongful termination claims, employees should maintain detailed records of their achievements and challenges. By doing so, you can present concrete evidence of your progress and address any areas of concern directly with your supervisor, effectively advocating for yourself. Lastly, consider the broader scope of company culture and values. Show that you align with the mission and fit well with the team. I once handled a case involving a worker who struggled initially but volunteered to lead a small project that aligned with the company’s core objectives. This initiative not only showcased their skills but also showed their commitment to the organization’s goals, helping secure their position. - Nick Norris, Partner, Watson Norris, PLLC Own Your Narrative and Show Progress Own your narrative. If you’re on probation, the worst move is to sit back and hope nobody notices. Flip the script — treat it like a 90-day audition where you show, not tell, why you belong. Start by getting clear feedback: What’s missing? Where can you improve? Then overcorrect. Be proactive, over communicate, and make it impossible for them to ignore your progress. Small wins stack up fast — volunteer for tasks, fix a broken process, make your boss’s life easier. Show them you’re not just meeting expectations, you’re raising the bar. Most people wait to be saved — be the one who proves they made the right hire. - Justin Belmont, Founder & CEO, Prose Own Your Learning Curve Own your learning curve. Show up early, stay late, and ask smart questions. If you’re struggling, silence won’t save you — proactive effort will. Managers notice who steps up versus who hides. The fact is, no one expects perfection, but they do expect progress. Prove you’re worth the investment by improving daily, even if it’s just 1%. Remember, feedback isn’t an attack. It’s a roadmap. If a boss or mentor points out gaps, take it as a gift, not a punishment. Apply their advice immediately, and then follow up to show you listened. People fight to keep employees who make their lives easier. So, if you want to stay, be that person. - Adam Klein, Certified Integral Coach® and Managing Director, New Ventures West Redefine Your Job Role Redefine your job before they redefine it for you. If you’re struggling, it’s probably because the job you were hired for isn’t the job they actually need done. Instead of trying (and failing) to fit into a role that isn’t working, find a gap that no one is filling and make yourself valuable in that space. Here’s how:
Embrace Vulnerability and Communicate If you’re navigating a probation period at work and feeling a bit overwhelmed, remember that this can be a fantastic opportunity for growth. The first step is to embrace your vulnerability and keep the lines of communication open with your manager. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or bring up any challenges you’re facing; it shows you’re committed to improving. Being transparent about your struggles not only builds trust but also highlights your willingness to learn and grow. Besides, focusing on small, positive actions can really make a difference. Even if achieving major milestones feels like a stretch, paying attention to the little things — like being on time, completing tasks thoroughly, and maintaining a positive outlook — can leave a lasting impression. You might also look for ways to support your colleagues or take on new responsibilities, even if they’re outside your usual workload. This initiative demonstrates that you’re a team player and are eager to contribute. Lastly, combining clear communication with a consistent work ethic and a focus on smaller achievements, you can transform your probation period from a stressful evaluation into a showcase of your potential. When you demonstrate growth, a desire to learn, and a positive impact on the team, you make a compelling case for yourself as someone worth investing in for the long haul. - Ben Wieder, CEO, Level 6 Incentives Understand Manager’s Communication Style Understanding your manager’s communication style can be crucial during your probation period. Pay close attention to how they communicate during meetings and feedback sessions. If they tend to use slides and charts, lean towards using visuals in your own reports and updates. If they prefer talking things out, try scheduling brief discussions to share your progress. Use the VARK model to identify their style: Visual learners prefer images and diagrams, Auditory learners engage through listening, Reading/Writing learners appreciate written content, and Kinesthetic learners benefit from hands-on experiences. Tailoring your communication can improve understanding and show your adaptability, enhancing your chances of securing your position. For instance, if your manager appreciates visual data, use software tools like Canva or PowerPoint to create clear visual summaries of your work. Small adjustments like these in how you present information can make a significant difference in meeting your manager’s expectations and demonstrating your value to the team. - Andrew Franks, Co-Founder, Claimsline Request Structured Performance Check-Ins One of the most effective actions a struggling employee can take is to request a structured performance check-in early in their probation. Instead of waiting until the official review date, be proactive in asking your manager for a brief meeting to discuss clear metrics, expectations, and any immediate concerns. This early intervention shows initiative and ensures you have enough time to act on feedback. At my firm, we have seen employees who ask for at least two structured feedback sessions during probation increase their retention rates by nearly 30 percent. They gain a deeper understanding of what management values most, and they show that they are willing to adapt. By turning the probation into a learning period with practical goals, they transform potential uncertainties into tangible improvements.- Aleksei Gaidov, Director, Uniwide Formations “Dating Secrets from a Matchmaker — Making Dating Work” By Recel Tayor, Owner of Vital Partners2/27/2025  Credit: Recel Tayor, Vital Partners Dear Readers,
My name is Recel Tayor and I am here to share my story as an accredited matchmaker. I have been operating my business for decades, and I’m excited to share with you my insider tips and secrets from the matchmaking industry! What is matchmaking actually? First of all, you may wonder exactly what matchmaking in modern society means. The origins of matchmaking in many cultures go back thousands of years, from when families and communities began. Many cultures still practice the approach to match their children with like-minded families, shared values and beliefs being a huge part of the success of any marriage — it makes sense, particularly in today’s ever expanding world. Tips for dating I am going to let you in on the most important secret and it’s one that you might not be expecting. It’s not about how you dress, or making sure that you arrive on a date on time. Way before the date, the most important tip is to question your ideal partner checklist. You know, that list you have in your head or that you have actually written down, the criteria that your ideal next partner needs to deliver on. The job or the annual income, the looks, their height, their figure, personality, friends, family, favourite movie genre… trust me, I’ve seen it all. Actually the most important thing is a person’s values. So throw the list aside, the number one tip is to have an open mind to who you accept to go on a date with and secondly, have an open mind when you meet them and through the whole date. Why is matchmaking or a dating agency the way to go? The trend of people having negative experiences with dating apps, means that more and more singles are moving (back) to dating agencies. Unlike a computer algorithm, a matchmaker meets and gets to know you. We will not only talk about the type of relationship that you believe you are looking for now, but we also dissect what went wrong in your past relationships — the type of person you were with, how you responded to certain situations in the past. A great matchmaker is your personal relationship coach and love life cheerleader. That’s one-on-one personal (human) service. There for you for a quick text or phone call, and yes, even to chat about what to wear on the first date! A good business means good reviews. Just like any business today, if you’re considering using the services of a dating agency, make sure to look at their client reviews. Not just about the reviews that say that the process and experience was enjoyable. Look at how long the couples who were matched have been together. A long-term relationship is a sure sign of an amazing match! Here’s one of my favourites just posted today from a client: I met my 2nd husband in 1999 and we married in 2012. Weddings, babies — these are all the amazing outcomes that confirm to me that I really am changing people’s lives! So, stay positive because I believe everyone deserves to find true love. Love, Recel Tayor Meet Our Contributor — Recel Tayor Recel wants to leave a legacy of love. As owner and MD of Vital Partners, her company has been a trusted matchmaking service in Sydney and Canberra since 1986. Their mission is to create meaningful, lasting relationships through a personalised and professional matchmaking approach. She’s an Accredited Matchmaker and in her work she supports her clients daily as their relationship facilitator. The clients come from all walks of life, with all kinds of relationship backgrounds. There’s a lot of emotion in her work. Recel loves understanding her clients’ back stories and helping them to identify what type of partner they need to move forward. Not necessarily what social media influences what they think they want, in this next stage of their life. What’s the best part of her job? Attending her clients weddings and receiving their baby photos! |