“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” — Charles Darwin
In the middle of last year, I took on a freelance contract that looked ideal on paper.
I had just been laid off from my full-time role, and someone I’d worked with before offered what felt like a good opportunity. The mission sounded meaningful. The compensation, at first, looked fair.
Despite lingering doubts based on past experiences… I said yes.
Within a few months, the cracks began to show.
Payments stalled. Communication blurred. I covered major work-related expenses out of pocket and kept going in good faith, believing things would work themselves out.
They didn’t.
Eventually, I had to pause all work and begin pursuing the outstanding balance—one that still hasn’t been paid months later.
And while the financial hit was frustrating, what stayed with me more was this:
👉 I ignored my own gut.
I told myself it was “good work.”
But it wasn’t my good.
What Happens When We Say Yes to Misalignment
As women—and especially as women of color, caregivers, and advocates—many of us have been conditioned to take what we can get.
We’re praised for being flexible.
Encouraged to “make it work.”
Warned that saying no could mean missing out.
And in today’s climate—where protections for many communities are being challenged—it can feel safer to choose security over alignment.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
What you bend for today might be what breaks you tomorrow.
Misalignment isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it’s quiet. Persistent.
That voice that keeps saying:
this isn’t who you are.
I’ve walked away from misaligned work before. I knew better.
But this time, I convinced myself that doing “good” was enough.
It wasn’t.
Sometimes, what comes easy leaves just as easily.
And more importantly:
Aligned isn’t always easy—but it is always worth it.
Getting Clear on My Non-Negotiables
This experience forced me to redefine what my good actually looks like.
Here’s what now guides every decision I make:
- Uplifting diverse voices and leaders
- Supporting immigrant communities
- Standing in the gap for the marginalized
- Advocating for equity in healthcare and education
- Contributing to a sustainable and just future
When my work aligns with these values, I show up fully.
That’s the kind of work that lasts—not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually.
3 Ways to Know If Work Aligns With Your Values
Even in a tough market, we can’t afford to ignore alignment.
Here are three questions I now ask:
1. Does this opportunity reinforce the causes I care about?
Look beyond mission statements.
Are they actually centering the communities they claim to support?
2. Are the people behind the work operating with integrity?
Do they communicate clearly?
Do they follow through?
Do they respect your time and your work?
“Potential” is not enough.
3. Will I still be proud of this work six months from now?
This question has saved me more than once.
Because quick wins don’t outweigh long-term misalignment.
Forward, With Purpose
Since making this shift, my work has changed.
I’ve partnered with people who:
- build community
- invest in equity
- value what I bring to the table
I’ve transitioned to prepaid contracts.
I’ve leaned into value-driven consulting.
And I’m still growing.
I don’t share this from a place of bitterness.
I share it because I’ve learned—and because I know I’m not the only one navigating these decisions.
Sometimes we have to say no to something “good” to make space for something that’s actually right for us.
What’s one value you no longer compromise in your work?
I’d genuinely love to hear what’s guiding you forward.
LinkedIn Publish Date: April 23, 2025
👉 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-doing-good-isnt-enough-why-alignment-matters-work-debilee-flores-2z6cc