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This month’s Pearl Peep has a special place in our hearts as the first coworking member at The Pearl Works!
Erin joined TPW in October 2021. After seeing the potential of the space and the impact it could have on the community, she even lovingly pushed us out of our comfort zone to open the doors before everything was perfect, and we’ve never looked back. I am forever grateful for the lesson she taught me about ideas and systems being good enough to let them out into the world where they can evolve and become what they are meant to be in the real world.
She’s a cat lover, nature enthusiast, and non-profit professional working in the impact investing sphere. Her commitment to shifting capital towards solutions is incredibly inspirational.
So, without further adieu, here’s Erin!
Alora: What’s a valuable lesson you’ve learned recently?
Erin: I'm in the process of learning to take a break before I'm totally exhausted. Growing up, I internalized the idea that I only deserved to rest after working hard enough. I'm finding out now that that's not the most sustainable way to work and live. I'm still learning how to relax, but I'm making progress!
What book are you currently reading? What is one takeaway you are experiencing?
Right now, I’m reading Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski.
One of the most important lessons I've learned from this book is how the stress cycle actually works. Even if you work on the stressor, the stress cycle isn't complete unless you can do something that will relieve the physical stress. E.g. exercising will help you feel like you actually resolved the issue. This comes from our evolutionary history when we were running away from dinosaurs and the like. Our body has a hard time registering that we've resolved a stressful issue if it doesn't feel some level of physical resolution, so it can carry the stress for longer than it needs to.
What has surprised you most about working at The Pearl Works?
The sense of community and support that I have around me, despite working remotely. I can't imagine working remotely without it, and I'm hesitant even to try a different coworking space in a different city because I feel so at home at TPW! I moved to the area in February of 2022 and many of my friends i've made through TPW. The space really supercharged my social life!
What is your superpower?
Weirdly, sensing when people are thinking about me and texting or messaging them right at that moment. It's not a very super power, but I guess it's an interesting power.
Erin is a Dedicated Desk Member working from our Pod Desks on the main floor of TPW. She brings a grounded curiosity and fun winsomeness to the community, and we are so thankful to have her here. If you want to meet awesome people like Erin, then book a tour to see if working from The Pearl Works is right for you!
Photo Credit: Sam Salerno