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Summer chaos is here
The honest calendar approach that saved my sanity
Maria Marchewka
August 04, 2025
In partnership with
Someone wanted to schedule a call at 9 a.m.
“Actually, that’s kid drop-off time,” I said. “How about 10? You’ll have my full attention.”
There was a pause and then…
“10 works. I’ll send the invite!”
And that’s when it hit me: They weren’t annoyed. They understood where I was coming from.
Working parents get it.
The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.
That’s what this newsletter delivers.
I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.
Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.
Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.
Between camp drop-offs and activity pick-ups, the babysitter falling through, and that one week where your entire family’s schedule implodes, summer is chaotic.
You know what I used to do to combat the chaos?
I’d add to it by trying to be Super Parent and Super Professional.
If there were a narrator of my life at that time, they’d say:
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Andrew on the verge of burnout!
It’s true, when I tried to wear a dual cape, I ended up letting both down.
Here’s me not wearing a cape and owning the chaos in my Dunkings hoodie.
These days, I’ve learned that if I want to be a great dad and show up at work, I need to balance my time like I would any portfolio.
In capital markets, we talk a lot about resource allocation.
You wouldn’t split a portfolio 50/50 between two competing strategies and expect optimal results from either.
So why do it with our time?
Honest calendars > heroic juggling
The people you work with want your focus. The people you live with? They need it.
See you in September,
— Andrew
Capital Markets Dad
PS Need a laugh? Watch this video.