To succeed professionally, people must have a solid combination of hard and soft skills. You might be the best coder out there, but if you can’t write an email, you probably won’t get too far in your career. That’s why communication as a skill comes at such a premium. Not only will it help you work better with others, but it can also help you when difficult conversations are necessary. For example, when you have to tell your boss that you’re unhappy in your position. If you feel like your career isn’t progressing as you want it to, or if you’re burned out and need help, there are effective and ineffective ways to communicate those sentiments to your managers and leaders. Start by writing down your talking points and sticking to them. This way, you’re prepared no matter where the conversation goes. Also, work to remain calm. You can express your emotions in healthy ways, but try your best not to put them on display. Make sure you’re clear while being respectful and without blaming anyone. Be specific and focus on yourself. It’s also beneficial to offer solutions to your problems. Your experience is unique, and your opinions are valuable. Finally, listen to what your boss has to say. They might have questions, explanations, or solutions.