The Cost of Keeping Up: The Truth About Gen Z and Money

Welcome to a conversation we all need right now.Today, we're diving into The Cost of Keeping Up — why so many of us feel financially behind, exhausted, or like our “good salary” still isn’t enough. From lifestyle pressure to rising costs to the emotional toll of constantly comparing ourselves online, this episode unpacks the truth about Gen Z’s relationship with money in 2025. We talk about the systems, the psychology, and the reality behind why managing money feels harder than ever — and how to take back control without giving up your joy. This episode features insights from Melissa Leong, one of Canada’s leading personal finance experts, bestselling author, and your favourite money mentor.Follow Melissa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisleong/?hl=enWebsite: www.melissaleong.comBook: Happy Go Money And a huge thank you to RBC — this episode is proudly sponsored by them in support of their research on the financial pressures facing young Canadians today. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “everything right” and still can’t get ahead… this one’s for you. CONTEST INFORMATION! Between November 19 to 30, 2025 you have a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree at Shoppers Drug Mart. There is a special keyword embedded in today’s episode. Simply text the keyword plus you’re full name to 925-555. Standard message rates apply. Go to https://www.seekyoursounds.com/contests for contest rules.  From beauty to value sets, to stocking stuffers and more, Shoppers Drug Mart can help you during the holiday season—and you’ll get points on almost everything! Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

Navigating office politics is a skill nobody teaches you… yet everyone expects you to magically know.In this episode, we’re breaking down the messy, unspoken rules of workplace dynamics — what to do, what to avoid, and how to protect your peace without playing the game. From dealing with power struggles to recognizing when to speak up (and when to disengage), this is your survival guide to staying sane, safe, and respected at work.CONTEST INFORMATION! Between November 19 to 30, 2025 you have a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree at Shoppers Drug Mart. There is a special keyword embedded in today’s episode. Simply text the keyword plus you’re full name to 925-555. Standard message rates apply. Go to https://www.seekyoursounds.com/contests for contest rules.  From beauty to value sets, to stocking stuffers and more, Shoppers Drug Mart can help you during the holiday season—and you’ll get points on almost everything! Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

If you’ve ever applied to a job, interviewed, or even made it to the final round… only to hear nothing, you’re not alone. Ghosting in the job search is more common than ever — but it’s not personal, and it’s not the end of your momentum. In this episode, we break down why job ghosting happens, how to follow up effectively, and how to keep your confidence high while you continue the search.You’ll learn:The real reasons recruiters go silentHow to write a follow-up email that gets a responseWhen to move on vs. when to re-engageHow to protect your self-esteem during the job huntListen now and take back control of your job search. SEND EMILY YOUR QUESTIONS: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzRzBwz76vtNuI3YZOdgPv1CFlVZy5IfvWo2SNTxeeqgal-w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113168405104392238304 Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

Welcome to Clock In with Emily Durham — the career podcast that helps you get ahead without losing your mind.In the first episode, we’re breaking down what’s really happening in the 2025 job market — why so many people feel stuck, ghosted, or underpaid — and how to actually stand out in a market where no one’s hiring. I’ll share insider recruiter tips, hiring trends for 2025, and the exact strategies that work right now to get interviews and offers. Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

Emily Durham, aka Emily The Recruiter, is a globally recognized career expert on a mission to help you thrive in your 9-to-5… and beyond. On Clock In, Emily spills the once gatekept industry secrets on everything from job hunting, interviews, networking, office politics, and salary negotiation — to building unshakable confidence, navigating tricky bosses, and even handling the dating world with the same skills that get you hired. Whether you’re chasing a promotion, asking for more money, or just trying to feel like your best self in and out of work, Emily’s no-fluff, no-nonsense advice will help you get ahead without losing your mind. Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

see you soon. Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

Have you been in a position where your boss tries to tell you that you should just feel "lucky" that you have a job? Or totally twisting narratives at work? This episode is soooo for you. Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re hustling nonstop but still running on empty, this episode is for you. We’re talking about how to lock in, stay focused, and actually get things done — without tipping over into burnout.I’ll share the mindset shifts that make productivity sustainable, plus the tech tools that can keep you organized, energized, and in control of your time. From AI hacks to simple systems you can set up in minutes, this conversation will help you work smarter instead of harder.Whether you’re climbing the career ladder, building your side hustle, or just trying to find balance in a busy week, you’ll walk away with practical strategies that you can start using right away.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why “always on” culture is sabotaging your focusSimple ways to lock in without draining your energyTech tools and apps that actually support your productivityHow to protect your time and avoid burnout long term Shout out to our friends at Best Buy for chatting with me this ep! You can check out all the goodies we mentioned here:https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/event/back-to-school/blt7717c3964be4d221  Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

We are 4 months away from year end! This is what you need to do RIGHT NOW in order to make sure you get promoted and paid in early 2026. The party starts now! Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

Send me your questions: https://linktr.ee/emilydurham How am I feeling about contract work, right now. Is it safe? Is it a good idea to take a contract job? Let's crack on into it! Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.