Shulin Lee

10 Brutal Career Truths I Know at 41 (that I wish I knew at 31)

It took me 10 years of:

- Pivoting so many times, I lost track.
- Facing rejection so brutal, it almost broke me.
- Trusting the wrong people—and paying the price.

Through the chaos, I landed dream clients,
built a thriving business, AND hired an amazing team.

Here are 10 Things I Learnt the Hard Way: 👇

1. Hard Work Isn't Good Enough

- You can be brilliant and invisible at the same time.
- If no one knows about your work, it doesn’t matter.
- Be visible. Speak up. Silence is a career killer.

2. Thick Skin Is Non-Negotiable

- You will get rejected. Repeatedly.
- Sometimes it stings so bad you question your worth.
- Don’t. Rejection isn’t a reflection of your value—it’s proof you’re in the game.

3. When People Are Rude, It's On Them

- Their bitterness isn’t your burden.
- Don’t let their poison seep into your self-worth.
- It’s not yours to carry. LET THEM!

4. Some People Are Just Nasty

- There will be clients who drain your soul. Fire them. FAST.
- I had a client who gave me heart palpitations.
- Haven’t worked with her in 5 years. Best. Decision. Ever.

5. Firing Clients Is Self-Care

- Money isn’t worth your mental health.
- If working with someone feels like emotional quicksand, walk away.
- No amount of zeros on a paycheck will save you.

6. Your Biggest Cheerleaders Are Gold
- Some clients will champion you like crazy!
- Double down on them.
- They’re the foundation of your growth, sanity, and success.

7. It Gets Lonely at the Top

- Success can feel like standing on a mountaintop alone.
- Be intentional about your friendships.
- Your career won’t hug you when life punches you in the face. People will.

8. You’re Only as Successful as the People You Work With

- Your network isn’t just your net worth—it’s your safety net.
- Surround yourself with people who challenge,
- inspire, and hold you accountable.

9. Not Everyone Deserves a Third Chance

- Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
- Fool me three times?
- That’s just self-sabotage. Protect your peace.

10. Learning Never Ends

- Complacency is the slowest form of failure.
- Growth isn’t a milestone—it’s a mindset.
- Because if you’re not learning, you’re losing.

Which one resonates with you most?

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Most companies get it backwards.
They hire for skills and hope for character.
Smart ones do the opposite. Here's why:

15 years ago, I had zero recruitment experience.

No track record.
No HR qualifications.
Just a failed law career and desperation.

Then Craig Brewer took a chance on me.

He saw something I couldn't see in myself.

One "yes" changed everything. 🙏

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Truth:

What someone lacks in experience,
they can make up for in hunger.

If you have eyes to see it.

I've recruited 100s since then.

The ones who thrive? 
Rarely the perfect CVs.

Always the ones with these traits:

1️⃣ ATTITUDE
Bad days don't break them. They show up with solutions, not drama.

2️⃣ CURIOSITY  
They ask "why" constantly. Growth junkies who never settle.

3️⃣ INTEGRITY
Their word is their bond. You trust them with your business.

4️⃣ RESILIENCE
They bounce back fast. Take the lesson, leave the sob story.

5️⃣ HUMILITY
They listen more than they talk. That's where learning lives.

6️⃣ ACCOUNTABILITY
They own their mistakes. Then fix them without being asked.

7️⃣ EMPATHY
They read the room. Connect with humans, not just tasks.

8️⃣ INITIATIVE  
They see gaps and fill them. No permission needed.

9️⃣ SELF-AWARENESS
They know their impact. Constantly adjusting, improving.

You can teach someone Excel.
You can't teach them to CARE.

You can show them the process.
You can't install work ethic.

Hire for who they are.
Train for what they need to know.

Because the right character with basic skills
will outperform brilliant jerks every time.

Do you agree?

Who gave you your first real chance? 👇

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

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P.S. Craig - if you're reading this: Thank you for seeing potential where others saw risk. That one "yes" didn't just change my career. It changed my life.

As a recruiter, I’ve seen it too often:

Leaders obsessed with their titles: 👇
And forgotten the moment they leave.

And leaders who put people first: 👇
Who are remembered for a lifetime.

Which one will you be?

1. Listen Like It Matters
↳ Most leaders hear—few truly listen.
↳ Put away your phone. Pay attention to what’s not said.

2. Acknowledge Their Contributions
↳ A simple “I saw that—well done.“ changes everything.
↳ Recognition isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a leadership must.

3. Be Transparent—Even When It’s Hard
↳ Silence breeds doubt. Share what you can, when you can.
↳ People don’t need perfection—they need the truth.

4. Lead with Empathy, Not Ego
↳ A struggling team member isn’t slacking. They’re human.
↳ “How can I support you?“—NOT “What's wrong with you?“

5. Keep it Real > Perfection
↳ Your team doesn’t need a flawless leader.
↳ Own your mistakes. That’s how trust is built.

👉 In the end,
your title is just a line on LinkedIn.

Your impact?
That’s what people will NEVER forget.

So, what will people remember about YOU?

—

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8 Career-Killers When You Start a New Job 🚨

(and what to do instead):

Your first 90 days can make or break your career.

Avoid rookie mistakes and
set yourself up for success!

Here are 8 crucial things NOT to do:

1/ Join a Clique, Gossip, and Take Sides
↳ Joining a clique may feel safe, but it’s short-term.
↳ Connect with the whole team, not just a few.

2/ Complain to your Boss
↳ Bring a solution with your issue.
↳ No boss wants a problem-dumper.

3/ Find Fault with Everything
↳ Nobody likes a negative Nelly.
↳ Focus on understanding the culture and system first.

4/ Request Time Off in your first 3 months
↳ If you’ve got pre-planned holidays?
↳ Communicate them upfront.

5/ Ask for a Promotion during Probation
↳ Focus on crushing your job, not chasing titles.
↳ Promotions will come naturally when you deliver.

6/ Speak Poorly of Others
↳ Don’t take the bait. Don’t gossip.
↳ Your reputation will thank you.

7/ “This is how we did it at my Previous Company”
↳ No one cares! Once you’ve settled in and proven yourself?
↳ Then make suggestions—but not on Day 1.

8/ Eat Food in the Fridge that’s Not Yours
↳ Don’t be the lunch thief! Buy your own food.
↳ When in doubt, don’t touch it. Protect your reputation.

🚨 Final word:
These aren’t just small mistakes—
they can derail your career before it even starts.

Avoid them,
and you’ll set yourself up for success right from Day 1.

What else would you add to my list? ⬇

P.S. No. 8 is a true story. Has it happened to anyone else?

P.P.S. Happy New Year! May 2025 be your best year yet! ✨

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As a recruiter, I see this all the time.

Talented people stuck. Frustrated.

“Why isn’t anyone noticing my hard work?”🙁

Here’s the truth:

Being ready for a promotion isn’t enough.
You’ve got to SHOW you’re ready.

Here are 7 signs you’ve earned that promotion
(and don’t even know it):

1/ You’re Exceeding Expectations.
↳ You’re not just hitting targets.
↳ You’re consistently going above & beyond.

2/ You’re Already Acting Like a Leader.
↳ Without the title, you’re guiding and mentoring.
↳ You solve problems and lead by impact, not rank.

3/ You’re The Go-To Person.
↳ When your team’s in a jam, they turn to you.
↳ This shows you’re trusted and ready for more.

4/ You Take Initiative.
↳ You don’t wait to be told what to do.
↳ You spot issues, propose solutions, and act fast.

5/ You’re Adding Value Beyond Your Role.
↳ You see opportunities outside your job description.
↳ You drive the company forward with those actions.

6/ You’ve Been Mentoring Others.
↳ Training peers or new hires? That’s leadership in action.
↳ Proving you’re ready to manage, not just do.

7/ You’re Actively Seeking Feedback.
↳ You’re always looking to improve.
↳ Taking criticism head-on shows you’re growth-minded.

👉 Sound like you?
Then it’s time to make a move.

Here’s the catch: your boss might not see it yet.
Don’t sit back, waiting for someone to notice.

Schedule that conversation.
Show them why you’re ready to step up!

Because if they still don’t see it?
It’s time to find someone who will.

P.S. Think I missed something?
Let me know what you'd add ⤵

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You're not getting the respect you deserve.

Here's why:

Respect isn't handed out - it's earned.

7 Habits of Highly Respected Employees:
(That No One Talks About)

1/ They Manage Their Energy, Not Just Their Time
↳ Respected employees work smart.
↳ They sprint when needed and step back to recharge.

2/ They Master the Art of Active Listening
↳ Are you truly listening or just waiting to answer?
↳ They make others feel heard.

3/ They Seek Constructive Feedback
↳ Avoiding feedback out of fear?
↳ Respected employees ask for it - to grow!

4/ They Set Professional Boundaries
↳ They’re friendly but firm.
↳ Showing others that their time and limits matter.

5/ They Keep Their Promises
↳ Think reliability is just about deadlines?
↳ It’s about being someone others can count on.

6/ They Regularly Show Appreciation
↳ Respect is a two-way street.
↳ Respected employees acknowledge others’ efforts.

7/ They Lift Others Up
↳ They know success is a team sport
↳ Uplifting others is how they win, too.

Here’s the truth:

Respect isn’t a title, a salary, or a demand.
It’s something you earn—one habit at a time.

“Respect is how to treat everyone,
not just those you want to impress.“
— Richard Branson

Which habit will you start today?
Let’s hear it.

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They lied to you.

Work-life balance does NOT exist. 🚨

If you’re still chasing “perfect balance,”
you’re wasting your time.

Here are 8 harsh truths you need to know:
(and act accordingly)

1/ Perfect Balance Is a Lie
↳ You’ll never have it all together.
↳ Aim for harmony, not perfection.

2/ Work and Life Aren’t Equal
↳ One will always demand more.
↳ Balance shifts—embrace it.

3/ Your Boss Doesn’t Care About Your Balance
↳ Companies want results, not your peace of mind.
↳ Set boundaries. Protect your time.

4/ Saying ‘Yes’ Will Cost You
↳ Every ‘yes’ chips away at your energy.
↳ Protect your peace. Learn to say ‘no.’

5/ Tech Is Never Off
↳ If you’re always “on,” that’s on you.
↳ Turn off notifications. Guard your downtime.

6/ Your Health Pays the Price
↳ Skipping sleep and workouts? You’re losing.
↳ Cancel meetings—not your health.

7/ Energy Beats Time
↳ It’s not about working longer; it’s about working smarter.
↳ Find your peak hours—and own them.

8/ Harmony Changes with Life
↳ What worked last year might fail today.
↳ Adapt as life evolves.

🚨 Final Word:

Stop chasing balance.
Start creating your harmony.

Let go of what drains you.
And double down on what truly matters.

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7 Things Harvey Specter Knows About Success

(that you're afraid to admit)

Success isn’t about luck.

It’s about the choices you make
and the risks you take.

1. Play To Win, Not To Avoid Losing
↳ “You always have a choice: You can win or you can lose.”
↳ Are you holding back because you’re afraid to fail?

2. Own The Room
↳ Confidence isn’t being the smartest person in the room.
↳ It’s about believing you deserve to be there.

3. Outwork Everyone
↳ “It’s not bragging if it’s true.”
↳ If you’re coasting, someone's taking the opportunities meant for you.

4. Keep Your Cool
↳ When the pressure is on, do you fall apart?
↳ Staying calm under fire isn’t a skill; it’s a decision.

5. Value The Right People
↳ “You take care of your own.”
↳ Those who back you when it’s hard? They’re your people.

6. Don’t Downplay Your Ambition
↳ “I don’t have dreams. I have goals.”
↳ Stop shrinking yourself to make others comfortable.

7. Close With Intent
↳ Are you waiting for opportunities to come to you?
↳ Negotiate and follow through. Make things happen!

Final thought:
Excuses might feel safe, but they don’t get results.

Action does.

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How to Disagree With Your Boss

(without getting fired)

A senior manager once told me:
“My best employee became difficult to manage.”

Why?
She challenged him - in front of everyone.

She was right.
But she embarrassed him.

A week later, she was off key projects.
Not for performance.
For making him feel small.

That’s how good people get sidelined.
Not for speaking up — but for how they do it.

How to disagree and keep your job:

1️⃣ Time it right. Don’t challenge mid-meeting or mid-meltdown.
2️⃣ Go private. Public clashes bruise egos.
3️⃣ Stay curious. “Can I offer a different angle?”
4️⃣ Align goals. “We both want X - here’s another way.”
5️⃣ Bring data. Facts > feelings.
6️⃣ Offer solutions. Don’t just critique - create.
7️⃣ Challenge ideas, not people. Ego kills logic.
8️⃣ Know when to stop. Make your point. Then move.

You don’t need to stay silent to stay safe.
You just need to be smart with your voice.

Ever disagreed with your boss and paid the price?

Drop a 💬 below.
I’d love to hear how you handled it.

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They got promoted. You didn't.

15 years recruiting taught me why:

It's not about working harder.
It's about working visible.

Here's what the promoted ones do differently:

1. You're invisible
→ Boss has no clue about your wins
✅ Weekly updates. Document everything. Make noise.

2. Your network = 3 lunch buddies  
→ They're having coffee with the CFO
✅ One new connection weekly. Different levels. Build bridges.

3. "Not my job"
→ They volunteer for scary projects
✅ Raise your hand before they ask. Hungry beats comfortable.

4. You wait for annual reviews
→ They ask for feedback monthly
✅ Book 15 mins: "How can I level up?" Stop guessing.

5. Still angry about that email from 3 months ago?
→ Resentment is career cancer
✅ Clear the air in 48 hours or let it eat you alive.

6. "Everyone else is the problem"
→ Maybe check the mirror
✅ If everywhere smells bad, check your own shoes.

7. Wrong fit, forcing it
→ Like being durian in a bubble tea shop
✅ Find where you're valued, not tolerated.

The brutal truth?

I spent 6 years being all 7.
Watching others get promoted while I got overlooked.

Until I realized:

Promotions don't go to the hardest workers.
They go to the smartest players.

Be visible. Be strategic. Be irreplaceable.
Or be forgotten.

Which one hit hardest? 👇

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P.S. Got my biggest break at 35. Your timeline isn't broken. Your strategy is.

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