Ditch the Struggle with Alana Ruoso

Ditch the Struggle with Alana Ruoso

If you’ve ever felt lost and trapped in your career, frustrated with the life you’re living, stuck in a state of struggle and maybe even–like me–haunted by the fear of unfulfilled potential, then you’re definitely in the right place. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt and then burned it–a few times over. Hi! I'm Alana. I'm a certified Career & Success Coach and Graphic Designer in Canada. I can’t wait to share stories from my deep dive into personal development work, careers, coaching, energy healing, waking up to toxic societal programming (yes, I’m going there) and the path back to my intuition, the place I desperately needed to be but, of course, resisted.

Episodes

December 24, 2025 20 mins

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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • The habit of working under high pressure/last minute deadlines
  • Using cortisol to fuel your task completion

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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • A conversation with Jyoti Pannu, Career Coach & Realtor
  • Jyoti is a Career & Transition Coach and Realtor® who helps women move through big life changes with clarity and confidence, whether it’s a new job, a fresh start, or a new home.
  • After years in leadership within the healthcare sector, Jyoti saw firsthand how many women felt stuck in roles they had outgr...
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • Interviewing at a beauty brand where there were tons of red flags
  • The interviewer who had a 'streak of cray'
  • Paying attention to red flags in interviews
  • Knowing when a role is just not right for you and walking away

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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle:

  • We celebrate 100 episodes of Ditch the Struggle!⁠
  • This episode is a fun one: my podcast producer and editor Sue Ruhe interviews ME, so the tables are turned
  • It's casual convo about all things podcasting, struggle, intuition, not being famous and the grocery isle (love a random sidebar!)⁠
  • PS: we have a new (shorter!) Intro/Outro!

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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • How to figure out what you want in a new job or career, even if you don't know what you want
  • My go-to career "manifesting" exercise 
  • Why you need to write down what elements of a job/career are important to you--and be honest!
  • Forget about job titles when exploring career options!


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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • A conversation with Sara Jonsdottir, the visionary Founder & CEO of Revol Cares, a company revolutionizing menstrual care with medically recognized, toxin-free leak proof underwear.
  • The embarrassing work incident which led her sewing her own underwear... and then selling her handmade underwear–sometimes on the street in a ziploc bag!
  • How Sara left her internship...
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • The concept of "Ugly Art Day" – a term coined at my job as as Art Director at Harlequin Books
  • The pressure we put on ourselves to always be perfect, especially as a high performer/high achiever
  • Giving ourselves grace when we "fail" or simply don't deliver


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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • My thoughts on social media--is it a toxic relationship at its core?
  • How I became at peace with using it as a tool, but it still drives me nuts
  • Reflecting on the relationship I want to have with it, and how it shapes my identity today
  • I rant a little. Ok maybe a lot.

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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • A conversation with Daniel Cianci, keynote speaker, coach and host of the Redefining Wisdom podcast
  • Known as a Reality Architect, Daniel helps high performers, entrepreneurs, and growth-minded leaders break free from outdated identities and rewire the subconscious stories that keep them stuck.
  • Having grown up with a stutter and the belief that his voice didn’t matte...
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • One big way I have 'ruined my life'–and how I'm course correcting
  • Why being a graphic designer turns you into a pretzel
  • How I'm trying to stretch out my fascia–and why fascia is everything
  • Checking in with your health priorities–is there anything more important than taking a break and practicing self-care?

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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • Stories of experiencing intense energy in different locations - including a pawn shop, private school and a creepy basement
  • How energy is really everything and we are always tapping into our environment, but not always consciously
  • When to walk away from something because it simply feels 'off'
  • Protecting yourself from being drained


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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • A conversation with Jenn Verser, Life Coach
  • How Jenn ended up with a toxic boss (retail corporate) and experienced devastating physical and emotional symptoms as a result
  • How one 'bad apple' can change your work experience dramatically
  • How to deal with resentment
  • Stop "shoulding" on yourself!
  • Having self-compassion for yourself when you are struggli...
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • That time I had to design a $1 off chicken sticker for a large grocery retailer
  • How that project at a design studio turned into a 20-hr marathon of ridiculousness
  • Getting over the fear of charging what you're worth–and submitting the invoice
  • How our perception of 'expensive' is relative


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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • A GREAT technique for helping you make decisions ie: say YES to a job offer or NO?
  • We go beyond a pro/con list
  • How important it is to check in with how you FEEL during the decision-making process

Links and references ⚡️

🎙️ EP16

📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now

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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • My former obsession with celebrity gossip
  • How I gave my attention away to the media circus in my 30's
  • What I would now tell my younger self
  • REGRETS: seeing this version of myself with a new lens and wishing I had done things differently
  • How your attention–and your energy–is your most precious commodity. Use it wisely.

📺 @AfterSkool video: How to Reclaim Your...

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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • Working like crazy, advertising agency life, and giving up everything for a career--is it worth it?
  • I read part of a profound journal entry from the famous advertising art director, Linds Redding--who died in 2012
  • My role in the advertising world and dropping out of the advertising stream in college
  • Read the full article here: https://lindsredding.com/2012/03/11/a-ov...
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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • Letting go of the pain and trauma of previous jobs, even if they were 20 years ago
  • How it's ok and normal that stuff from a billion years ago still hurts or causes stress
  • The burning ritual I like to do when I want to let something go
  • Personal work stories from brutal jobs in my past

📺 Video: How to use Ho'oponopono
🔥 Burning the podcast notes abo...

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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • The tiny things that can ruin a job experience
  • Getting clear on what your core values are
  • Why 'book club' isn't just 'book club'
  • Reflecting on the sacrifices you make for your job

📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now

⚡️Looking for career ...

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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • How to transition from a service industry job such as retail salesperson or waiter to a corporate job
  • LinkedIn tips
  • The mindset shift needed to move into corporate

💫 Resources:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/resume-power-words

https://novoresume.com/career-blog/customer-service-skills


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In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into:

  • A conversation with Michelle Niemeyer. She is a speaker, coach and former attorney who teaches professionals how to bend time so they can stay sharp, productive and profitable – without burning out. After finding her way to burnout and back in her own high-performing legal career, Michelle created The Art of Bending Time, a framework that helps people connect the ...
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