Is it Cringe to Try Hard at Work?

Is it cringe to try too hard? In this episode, Kaila and Kyle are joined by Normal Gossip co-creator and Defector Media co-owner Alex Sujong Laughlin to talk about the ins and outs of being a “try hard” at work. Alex’s new podcast, Try Hard , documents people attempting things that they’re afraid to do, and in this episode you’ll hear about a couple of moments when Alex and Kaila’s fear of being cringe nearly held back their career progress. 00:00 Intro 01:40 What is “Try Hard”? 05:29 Why being a “try hard” in the office is perceived as cringe right now 12:33 An experience that almost derailed Alex’s career path 17:18 How to gently encourage trying hard 21:33 What’s the right level of earnestness at work? 25:42 Is LinkedIn posting cringe? 28:09 A time where Kaila’s fear of being “cringe” almost held her back in her career This episode was sponsored by Udemy. Try a free 14-day trial at Udemy now at udemy.com/personal-plan and use code PMLE14. Want to get all of Kaila & Kyle’s career resources? Subscribe to Per My Last Email: https://www.permylastemailshow.com/ Watch Per My Last Email on YouTube: @PerMYLastEmailShow Follow Per My Last Email Instagram: @permylastemailshow TikTok: @permylastemailshow Twitter: @permylast_email Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to permylastemail@morningbrew.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Each week on Per My Last Email, Morning Brew’s resident career experts Kaila and Kyle – whose careers have collectively spanned the corporate, government, nonprofit and startup sectors – debate the trickiest challenges in work life, and share tactics on how to overcome them. Share the show with a friend, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices