It became clear to me that I’m a “slow” worker several years ago when I was doing some graphic design for a communications company. My co-worker, who held the same role, would pump out three to four sample designs in one sitting. I could only finish one or two decent samples a day. I tortured myself by playing the comparison game, wondering how I could speed up to match the pace of my colleague.

But here’s the thing — along with my slowness has always come a careful attention to detail. My work isn’t sloppy or mediocre. I thoroughly check…

As 2019 draws to a close, I see more posts on my Twitter newsfeed with reminders that there are less than 90 days in the year and it’s time to “finish with a bang.” For some reason, these intended motivational challenges make me feel an urgency to do something major — even though I’ve hit major milestones this year already.

To name a few, I’ve landed my first byline in the New York Times, quit my job to start freelance writing full-time, increased my freelance income 10 times from the previous year, and secured my first speaking engagement. …

In today’s job market, interviewing for a new position can feel like a job in itself, from the initial phone screening and first in-person interviews through the second and even third rounds (or more). And in case that process, which can drag out over several months, wasn’t already taxing enough, some employers also require candidates to complete a sample assignment.

Of course, it’s a good idea for employers to make sure they’re hiring someone who actually knows what they’re doing and to see firsthand that a candidate has the skills necessary to succeed in the role. …