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Harpers Bazaar Arabia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Carmen Bsaibes Is The Bazaar Arabia June 2025 Issue Cover Star
What does 'Having It All' really mean? Carmen Bsaibes opens up about motherhood, stepping back, and stepping forward with grace, grit and a new sense of purpose 'Your priorities shift, but at the same time you manage to do everything, altogether.' Showing up for work 60 days after giving birth is challenge enough, but doing so photo-ready, at a time when women are arguably at their most vulnerable – both physically and mentally – shows the strength, professionalism, and confidence of acclaimed Lebanese actor Carmen Bsaibes. Speaking a couple of weeks later, Carmen smiles, comfortably ensconced in her Beirut base, when she admits, 'I managed it, but my head was everywhere. I don't know how I managed it.' And although she makes quick decisions – like taking on her latest role filming a special appearance in an Egyptian movie – by 'not overthinking things,' the process of adjustment has not been as seamless as it looks. And it did look effortless; after all, this was the woman who stunned in a red sheath dress at the Bvlgari Calla launch in Paris, just weeks before welcoming baby Andrea into her life. 'When I got offered the role, I got excited about it. It's something really cool,' she tells us. 'But I was a bit nervous about the whole situation. It's all very different for me, being a new mother – I wondered, 'How will I manage everything?' But then I thought, all my friends and the women around me work – whatever their job is, they all do work. So, I told myself, I'm going to do it. I will not overthink it. I think everything is possible workwise. That's how it happened.' Travelling back and forth to different locations has always been an intrinsic part of the Eugenie Nights star's life, so her current routine is no different. Except she now has an entourage with her to help out on babysitting duties while she is on set. 'I manage a lot of things at the same time. There are lots of logistics. But my family is flexible. I have help.' She is visibly excited when she says, 'I'm back on track. I'm back to the film set,' firmly putting her short maternity leave behind her. Carmen, 35, shrugs when asked if there was pressure – from both the industry and fans – to return from her hiatus quickly. 'I didn't feel the pressure. My fans were so excited for me to come back. I always see on social media how excited they are. They were happy for me when I was pregnant, when I had a baby. And they are happy and excited for me to come back to work, but I didn't feel the pressure from people or society or the industry – not at all – because, honestly, that is not my personality. I'm someone who's very focused on myself. I don't compare or look outside at what's happening. I know what my trajectory is and what my path is career wise. But between me and myself, I was ready. I felt I was ready, physically and mentally, to go back to work. And that is what happened.' Perhaps this decision was partly based on the fact that Carmen took an extended – somewhat forced – sabbatical from work during her pregnancy. 'I finished filming my last series, Look of Love, in April [2024]. I had a long nine-month break,' she recalls. 'I did red carpets and events, but I wasn't filming. To be honest I wasn't capable of filming anyways during my first trimester because it was a hard pregnancy for me. The first four months were hard so it was impossible for me to work.' Ironically that was how she managed to keep her pregnancy under wraps until she was ready to share the news with the world last September, via a poignant Instagram post which referenced hardships fellow mothers were going through due to the conflict in the region. 'I thought I would work through the first few months of my pregnancy but I just couldn't. I didn't go out. I stayed home and rested. So, no one noticed!' Carmen last graced our cover three years ago at a pivotal time in her career, wrapping up the third – and final – season of her career-defining series Bride of Beirut. Since then, she has made sure to diversify the roles she's taken on, imbuing characters with her trademark dramatic flair. But she'll always be identified with that role. 'People really loved that series. Sometimes I don't get called Carmen in the streets. They shout, Bride of Beirut!' When we last spoke, her deep love for her craft was evident. And that dedication hasn't wavered. 'I take a lot of time to read and dig deep into the script; this is the phase that is sacred for me. So, whenever I'm on a project, I like to read the script over and over again. I start to imagine her tics, her style, the way she talks, she walks, everything. And then I try to get inspired by people around me that might look like this character, that might have the same personality as this character. I observe a lot – that's part of being an actress, the journey. I think an actor is an observer. I get impressed and mesmerised by someone who's in front of me. Whenever I am on a job, I observe, I remember people that are similar to this character, and then I start overdoing it and trying stuff, but I always keep space for imagination and improvisation on set. I like things to be organic.' 'My main passion is acting, being on set,' she tells us, while we discuss whether stepping back was ever an option. In a world where everyone is striving to become famous for fame's sake, that was never her goal, given she guards her private life fiercely. But there are aspects of being in the limelight that she revels in. When discussing the fashion world, and dressing for appearances she admits, 'This is the part where I breathe. I enjoy shooting couture and jewellery. The glamorous side of our job is a lot of fun. You get to show a different side of your personality, your feminine side. I really enjoy it.' The key, she insists is to have balance, both personally and professionally. Control what you can, but don't be adamant to sticking to things that require adapting. 'My dreams are quite clear. I have a general idea of what I like to do, and what I want to do. But I don't plan a lot for the future. I don't put a plan in place and stick to it. I'm not the kind of person who would tell you, 'I will be doing this next year.' I like to follow my instinct. I like to be surprised by the future. So, I try to have a balance.' She warms to the theme of balance when talking about the profound change a child can have on one's life. Musing over whether you can actually have it all, she insists, 'I cannot say you don't sacrifice and you won't compromise, that's for sure. It's inevitable. But at the same time, you can have it all – but you will be sacrificing and compromising.' She adds, 'Life with a child is different. You think about her all the time. Her priorities are now more important than yours. So, you will be sacrificing in a way, and making compromises, but it is a choice you willingly make.' There was never even a thought of stepping away from her profession though. 'I wouldn't consider it,' she says vehemently. 'My ambitions are clear, I have a lot of dreams, and I'm passionate about my job. I know that I will keep on doing what I love. But at the same time, I know that when I need a break, I can take a break. This happened last year. I got pregnant, I took a break. It's not easy. When you are in a project, you're overloaded, you have intensive working hours, you film a lot, you're into a character. It could be complex. So sometimes for four months, five months, it's quite intensive. After projects like these, you have to take a break, so it's all in the balance.' Carmen is known for wanting to gatekeep her personal life, so how did her new arrival impact that decision, given how invested fans were about this new chapter in her life? 'I think it's going to be the same as I've always been. I am private about my private life, and this is part of my private life. And even more so because now she's a baby. She's not a decision maker, so I'm going to protect her, and whenever or whatever she decides to share about herself, she will do when she's conscious and grown-up. But for now, definitely, I will be private about her.' Motherhood has altered her fundamentally. 'Oh, my gosh, it has changed me. I always had empathy, and I always felt for others… But now, I cannot even imagine what people go through after losing their child or seeing their child suffer for reasons they are not capable of changing. Now I can see it even more clearly. My baby – it's your heart, it's part of you – seeing her go through all of this… So, yes, it's another perspective. When I was pregnant, I thought I knew what it felt like, but now I literally feel it within my deep, deep self and heart. All I think about is wanting to protect her, how I want her to feel safe. I want to give her the world.' Would she be open to her daughter following in her footsteps? She says, 'Andrea has to do something she loves. This is how I want her to follow my path. I did what I love. I want her to do what she loves.' Lead Image: Earrings in White Gold with Pear Sapphires, Diamonds, Buff-top Sapphires and Pavé-set Diamonds; Polychroma Necklace in White Gold with a Royal Blue Sugarloaf Sapphire, Bufftop Sapphires, Diamonds and Pavé-set Diamonds; Polychroma Ring in White Gold with a Cushion Sapphire, Buff-top Sapphires, Diamonds and Pavé-set Diamonds, POA, all Bvlgari High Jewellery. Dress, Dhs14,900, Giambattista Valli
Washington Post
27-05-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Carolyn Hax: Is the ‘meaningful' job worth the physical and mental consequences?
Adapted from an online discussion. Hey, Carolyn: I'm in a stressful job I find meaningful. It's also a big part of my identity — think ER doctor, public defender, etc. There's a lot of community, which I really value. But the stress takes a huge toll on my body and mental health, and my partner is pushing me to quit because of it. How do you know when the cost of something is too high, or when you're staying for reasons that aren't that logical? I worry about who I will be to myself if I leave this work.
Telegraph
18-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The Midults: My boyfriend disapproves of me having a lie-in
Dear A&E, I've just moved in with my boyfriend, only to discover that he actively disapproves when I sleep in on the weekend. He wants us to go out and explore or exercise or do DIY rather than 'wasting the day', but I really need some sloth time. I have a fairly demanding work week of five long days in the office and I'm starting to feel ashamed for craving a few empty hours. He's a pretty determined person and I'm confused about what is the right thing to do... – Drained Dear Drained, Energy. Sleep. Such precious human commodities and so complicated and fraught and difficult to get enough of. You can't bank them or guarantee them. Some people have more of them. Some people need more sleep than others. Some are simply too exhausted to sleep. We spend a not insignificant amount of time discussing where our energy has gone and wondering: 'Will it ever come back?' Annabel hasn't slept past 4am since 2018. Emilie finds being awake after 9pm a struggle. Which is, perhaps, why your boyfriend is not going to get much of a fair trial here. So, reader, if you are the kind of person who slams pots and pans in the kitchen trying to force your partner up because it's 8.30am on a Saturday and you've been up since the lark, then move on, because this might not be the column for you. The word that worries us is 'disapproves'. There's a difference between a kind of Tigger-ish enthusiasm for the world – a person so excited by your potential presence in their day that they are waiting impatiently for you to come out and play – and a grown-adult making a moral judgement. We are not sure that sleep should be judged morally, ever, but certainly not in a world where everything seems to be designed to deprive us of it. You say you work long weeks. People recover in all sorts of ways. There are those who need a cold-water swim first thing on a Saturday morning. Others train for a marathon or head to the allotment, and some unwind by adopting the recovery position in bed for a few hours: myriad concepts for a personal recovery system that have their place. Your boyfriend is perhaps inertia-intolerant, and finds busyness relaxing. Good for him. However, the disconnect between the two of you, energy-wise, is clearly bringing out something difficult for him. You do not spend all day in bed. In your longer letter, you say he is up by 7am on Saturdays and you like to stumble into the kitchen at 9.30am. This is not so terrible. What is terrible is the idea of one of you seething for two and a half hours, while the other lies in bed unable to relax for the hostility burning a hole in the wall. That's lose/lose. Can we convert this into a win/win? What about a conversation that starts something like this: 'More than anything, I love spending time with you. I am just struggling with my energy at the moment and I get a lot of recharge by lying in on a weekend. However, I would love to be out and at it with you on Sunday, so let's just organise ourselves and plan. So, this weekend, when would you like to put that shelf up? When would you like to go to the gallery? And do you feel like doing a spinning class? By the way, if I'm still knackered on Sunday, I may need to schedule a little siesta to refuel for the week. Maybe you would lie down with me?' He may have had a vision of the two of you moving in together that isn't exactly matching the reality. Expectations often need to be managed. Perhaps one of his 'dreams' was to go for a dawn run/coffee run from your lovely flat in the morning and because it's not happening, he is disappointed and that is coming out as disapproval. But if he's making his own disillusionment into your problem, that is not okay. We know some people who see their partner's behaviour as being a reflection of their own worth. If he is at all co-dependent, when he sees you lying in bed and communicates that you should feel lazy and ashamed about it, it is most probably in fact his shame that you are feeling. There might be a history there, but that is his problem, and perhaps he can take that to, say, a therapist, and work out what's going on for him there. Does he listen to what you need in other areas of the relationship? If this little knot doesn't tease out after a conversation and some weekend planning, perhaps think about other situations in which he is judgemental or insist you do his things and whether he listens to what you need. It's not just a lie-in. If someone isn't respecting that you are tired or that you need something simple to feel better and brighter, then it's more of a sign.
CBS News
15-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Toxic environments are pushing workers to speak up. Here's what to know.
One week into a new job, Lisa Grouette discovered something missing come Sunday night: the sinking feeling of dread she used to experience before going to work every Monday. Grouette spent 10 years at an insurance agency with a boss whom she alleges screamed at her, slammed his hands on the desk, insulted her appearance and punched things. He falsely accused her of taking money and threatened to withhold an employment recommendation if she quit, she says. Fearing she wouldn't land another job if she left the toxic workplace, she stayed. "It was this implied, 'You're stuck,'" Grouette, 48, recalled. Indeed, despite the unemployment rate still hovering at a historic low at 4.2%, for an increasing number of out-of-work Americans, it's taking longer to find a new job. Meanwhile, the gap between what Americans earn and how much they need to bring in to achieve a basic standard of living is growing, according to a new report by the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity. Grouette, however, eventually found a way out of her toxic workplace. When a full-time job opened up at a newspaper where she was working a part-time photography job, she resigned from the insurance agency. The new position paid $400 less per month, but Grouette reduced her expenses to make it work. "You can't put a price tag on it," she said. "It was the best 400 bucks a month I've ever spent, worth every penny. I was a little tight at first, but it didn't matter because I was happy." As mental health awareness increases, so are conversations about about what constitutes unhealthy behavior and the kinds of treatment people will not — or should not — tolerate for a steady paycheck. "We're developing language now around things like toxic workplaces," said Jennifer Tosti-Kharas, a professor of organizational behavior at Babson College in Massachusetts. Disagreement vs. abuse Younger generations entering the workforce, including millennials and members of Generation Z, are less willing to endure bullying behavior from colleagues and managers, and better at establishing boundaries, she said. At the start of her own career, "if I encountered toxicity in the workplace, I had more of a 'Suck it up' attitude," said Tosti-Kharas, who identifies as a member of Generation X. "I don't think we were as vocal about taking care of our mental health as we should have been." Conflicts and difficult relationships may be inevitable in any work environment. But there's a difference between an occasional disagreement and persistent abuse. "What makes something toxic: It's more pervasive, more consistent over time," Tosti-Kharas said. "You may have tried some things and it's not getting better. ... It's very deeply entrenched." Possible indications of an emotionally harmful workplace include a widespread lack of trust and fear of being shot down if you speak up, she said. Loud screamers aren't the only kind of toxic co-workers and supervisors. There are quieter forms of toxicity, such as passive-aggressive behavior by leaders who use sarcasm, backhanded compliments, indirect criticism and exclusion to control their employees, according to Alana Atchison, a clinical psychologist based in Chicago. "It is a relationship where you can't communicate clearly or directly, so you have to silence yourself. You can't say truly what you need to say and feel safe," Atchison said. Follow your gut To spot a potentially toxic environment when applying for a new job, follow your gut instincts and consider warning signs. For example, frequent ads for the same position may reflect high turnover resulting from a negative environment. You can also search employee reviews online. "I'm reading Glassdoor reviews like crazy to see what the environment is like, what the culture is like, on anyplace I'm applying to, because I can't lose my hair again over a job," said Grouette, who recently was laid off after several successful years at the newspaper. When on the receiving end of toxicity, consider whether the offending behavior says more about the person perpetuating it than the recipient. "It's almost like a smokescreen to hide their deficits," Atchison said. "If someone feels insecure about their role or fears being overshadowed, they might resort to undermining others, gossiping or sabotaging projects to regain a sense of control or safety." More complaints since COVID-19 Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Atchison's clients have increasingly complained about toxic work environments. She attributes that in part to the social isolation that accompanied lockdowns and restrictions on public activities. "Socializing is a skill set, and that skill set has declined," she said. If you find yourself in a toxic work situation, talking about it with a trusted friend or professional therapist can help you process what is happening and develop a plan to deal with it, instead of letting it fester in your mind. Stephanie Strausser, 42, a video production manager, said she sought support from friends and family members when she worked under an extreme micromanager who made her feel unsafe and whose decisions she considered unethical. Document your concerns "Don't hide it or keep it in. Talk to people. Even if you're talking to ChatGPT," Strausser advises those who find themselves in similar circumstances. "Don't internalize it. And don't take someone's perception as fact." Amanda Szmuc, a Philadelphia lawyer who considers some of her past work environments to have been toxic, recommends documenting your concerns in case it becomes necessary to escalate them. Writing down the details of troubling interactions as they happen and keeping copies of inappropriate messages or approved meeting recordings may come in handy if the human resources department gets involved, for example. Maintaining a record may also help you avoid gaslighting and reinforce your determination to protect yourself. If leaving a toxic environment isn't financially possible or you want to try to make your circumstances more bearable, think about exploring ways to limit your interaction with the difficult party may be an option. Possibilities may include negotiating a role that puts distance between you and the toxic person, such as working different shifts or on different projects, Tosti-Kharas said. You can also set deadlines for yourself to keep things from deteriorating, according to Szmuc. Examples: "I'm going to give this two weeks. Is there any improvement?" she said. "Is there a way internally where I can maybe change my circumstances or get someone else's opinion?" Human resources may or may not help Ideally, an employee who feels mistreated could appeal to someone from human resources or the offending employee's manager with evidence to show a pattern of conduct violations and disciplinary action would be taken, Tosti-Kharas said. But that doesn't always happen, leaving the reporting party in close proximity with the person they reported. "In the real world, you may realize they are unlikely to go anywhere, and it's you who has to go somewhere," Tosti-Kharas said. In extreme situations, it's best to look for another job, she said. If an inspector found radon in your house, "you wouldn't say, 'Let me try to work with the radon,' or 'How can I keep it there but maybe lessen the effects?'" she said. "You would get the toxin out of the situation or you would get yourself out of the situation." Most people can't afford to leave their jobs without another one lined up. Carving out time to apply for different jobs is difficult when you feel under assault but also is empowering and may lead to a better situation. "If somebody gives you an impression that you're not able to leave this job, that's just not true," Grouette said. "Those sorts of people don't have the reach or respect that they claim to have, because if they're volatile to you, they're volatile to others." ____ Share your stories and questions about workplace wellness at cbussewitz@ Follow AP's Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health at
Independent Singapore
13-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Singaporean asks why he still feels ‘empty' despite having a well-paying job with decent working conditions
- Advertisement - SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man shared on social media that despite finally landing a well-paying job with decent working conditions, he continues to feel an overwhelming sense of emptiness and disconnection from his career. In a post on the r/askSingapore forum, he reflected on his past work experiences, explaining that he had never managed to stay in one job for very long. For years, he believed it was simply because none of the roles were the right fit, comparing the process to searching for a life partner — something he hoped to eventually find and 'commit to for the long term.' Now, he has secured a job that seems ideal on the surface. His salary is the highest he has ever received, his work environment is supportive, and his colleagues treat him with kindness and respect. The only downside is the occasional unpredictable late-night call due to the company's global operations, with meetings sometimes scheduled as late as midnight. Still, he considers this a minor inconvenience and says he has already adapted to the irregular hours. Yet despite everything appearing to fall into place, he admits that a lingering void remains. - Advertisement - 'It feels like there's been a really deep void I've never filled. I don't think a perfect job will cut it either, but I don't know how everyone else copes with it. Friends, I ask, tell me a job is a means to an end so we can travel, go to events overseas, and make memories; but the thing is, I don't really care about those either,' he wrote. 'Other colleagues advise me to reflect on my goals or things I want to achieve personally, which are aligned with the place I work at. Gave it a good thought; the crossover isn't huge. I'm just not meant for the corporate world either, which is a huge embarrassment to the definition of ambition. In the end, I don't know where this is going, but it's kind of the point of a void. For me, I'm in a dark and senseless place without a glimpse of light,' he continued. At the end of his post, the man asked the local community, 'Does everyone have a void your career can't fill? I only want to ask if this is quite the reality for more people than I realise. Am I supposed to grow up?' 'Your career isn't supposed to fill everything.' In the discussion thread, many Singaporeans empathised with the man's situation, sharing that they, too, have experienced feeling this 'unexplainable void' at some point in their lives. - Advertisement - One individual wrote, 'This is a problem a lot of people face. I think especially Singaporeans face. My sister faced the same problem. Then she started drinking every day. She's well off in her 30s. But she's unemployed, looking for the perfect role. My advice is to start volunteering if you can. Travel out of Singapore more. Discover different ways of living and cultures. Find old or new hobbies. Football, tennis, badminton, or rock climbing. Stop saving as much money. Spend a bit more.' Another commented, 'This was exactly how I used to feel from when I was a fresh grad up till maybe late 20s. I don't have such thoughts these days, probably because I managed to switch into a different work function, and I enjoy it a lot more than my previous work function. Maybe try and see if you can make some changes vs what you're doing right now so it's not too big a change and you have something to fall back on just in case things don't work out.' A third said, 'Your career isn't supposed to fill everything. It just became more stark to me as I grew older and out of some relationships, and I'm grappling with the void, too. For me, I am taking some time to rest and while I have a demanding job, I tell myself that the world is not going to end if I don't meet expectations and I need to anchor myself back to what's important – i.e. me, what I need, what I want and look forward to.' - Advertisement - Why work can feel unfulfilling According to career experts, these could be some of the reasons you're feeling unfulfilled at work: Every day feels the same. For one, your role may lack intellectual or creative stimulation. When every day feels like a loop of repetitive tasks, it's easy for the mind to drift into autopilot and the spirit to disengage. A job that doesn't challenge you can quietly wear you down over time. There's no room to grow. Without a clear path forward or meaningful development opportunities, even a good job can start to feel like a dead end. You feel unseen. You might be giving your all, but if no one notices, it can feel like shouting into a void. Many people lose enthusiasm when their ideas or efforts aren't acknowledged. You don't get a say. A rigid work environment can also contribute to the problem. Having little say over your schedule, tasks, or methods can leave you feeling trapped, even when the job itself seems manageable. You feel alone. Humans thrive on connection, and when work offers little room for meaningful interaction or camaraderie, the resulting isolation can leave a significant emotional void. Career experts say that when you reflect on these reasons, it may help you better understand your own experience and decide whether a shift in role, environment or mindset could make a meaningful difference. Read also: 'Do you check your helper's luggage on her last day of employment?' — Maid's employer seeks advice Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
