In this episode of Not On My CV, Maya and Olivia dive into the messy middle of early career growth—where ambition meets reality. They unpack the classic trade-off between learning and earning, share honest takes on receiving feedback, and talk through the nerve-wracking act of asking for a pay rise.

They also reflect on the emotional weight of a career quarter-life crisis: Am I doing enough? Am I falling behind? Through real stories and candid advice, they explore how to navigate the tension between self-worth, professional growth, and the pressure to have it all figured out.

Expect real talk, a rollercoaster of emotions, and the kind of relatable chaos that reminds you—you’re definitely not alone

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

5:30 This or That: Rapid Fire Round

10:11 Themes & Deep Discussions

10:16 The Meaning of Career Progression

15:16 Feedback is Bittersweet

23:40 Learning vs Earning

31:41 Pay Rise: How & When to Ask

40:26 Early Career Advice