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When you start thinking about leaving your job, it's easy to imagine extremes — a dramatic mic-drop exit or the fear that your team will see you as disloyal.
What happens when you realize you're making big life and career decisions without truly knowing what brings you joy or fulfillment? Scott reveals how measuring the invisible parts of your life—enjoyment, memories, and meaningful work—can completely shift the way you make decisions and guide you toward more intentional choices and a career that genuinely fits. What you'll learn How to measure "unmeasurable" parts of life Why simple data tracking can dramatically improve your decision-making How to compare experiences so you invest in the ones that matter most Why intentional living starts with asking harder and more meaningful questions How measuring your experiences can lead to a more fulfilling career and life Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes An Overthinker's Guide To Making Better Career Decisions (Spotify /Apple Podcasts) Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) The Power Of Using Your Strengths To Advance Your Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Click the link to listen to our audiobook: Happen to Your Career: An Unconventional Approach to Career Change and Meaningful Work
This week, I talk with Jeff Sheldon, designer and founder of Ugmonk. Jeff's story is about more than building a successful brand—it's about choosing craft over scale and staying true to what you love. We talk about why he turned down Shark Tank at the peak of a viral Kickstarter, how his childhood love of drawing grew into a career in design, and what he's learned about perfectionism, entrepreneurship, and the emotional cost of mastery. We also explore the quieter parts of his journey: the role his marriage has played, his philosophy of work and life, and how he continues to create intentionally 16 years in. If you're trying to make meaningful things without losing yourself in the process, this conversation is for you. Let's get to it. Partner Deals Proper: Save $500 off onboarding when you mention Good Work at https://workwithproper.com. In this episode: (00:00) – Intro (01:55) – Why Jeff turned down Shark Tank (04:35) – The foresight behind saying no (06:59) – Jeff's philosophy of work and life (10:04) – First steps into design (13:08) – Nurturing creativity (19:13) – Why Jeff doesn't call himself an entrepreneur (25:49) – A relentless standard of excellence (34:46) – The emotional cost of mastery (42:48) – Doing vs. learning on the internet (46:43) – Partnership and support (54:15) – Keys to a lasting relationship (01:01:00) – Winning his first t-shirt contest (01:04:31) – From $18k goal to $430k raised (01:08:06) – Gather vs. Analog (01:16:08) – Success without wealth (01:22:30) – The tradeoffs of a bespoke business (01:25:03) – Lessons from early struggles (01:32:36) – Holding to an ethos in a bigger culture (01:35:56) – Becoming world-class (01:39:34) – Jeff's most beautiful future (01:40:35) – Who Jeff is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.
KEY POINTS• Organizational vs. personal purpose — They don't have to be identical, but they should coexist well.• Purpose requires focus — You can't say yes to everything; not every opportunity is yours.• Boundaries shape clarity — Emotional, professional, and ethical lines protect your ability to serve.• Delegation is essential — Tasks don't define identity; leaders must let go to grow.• Purpose evolves — Organizations and individuals change; your purpose may shift with seasons.• Fun ≠ meaningful — Great opportunities still have to align with who you're becoming.• Gratitude clarifies calling — Noticing what you're grateful for can reveal purpose.• Quitting can be healthy — Letting go of roles, tasks, or beliefs creates space for what matters most.• Reflection is ongoing — Purpose isn't found once; it's revisited repeatedly.
If you want a better career in 2026, don't wait until January to figure out what needs to change. These five year-end reflection questions will help you build your life and career on purpose instead of drifting into the new year. What you'll learn: How to reflect on your year in a way that reveals what's actually working Why most people drift into the new year—and how to avoid it The 5 questions Scott uses every year for clarity, intention, and growth How to identify what to keep, what to eliminate, and what to prevent in 2026 Why planning your career before January gives you a huge advantage Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Redesigning Your Career to Align with Your Evolving Priorities (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Intentionally Changing Careers To Fit Your Life Design (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
After years of high achievement and nonstop burnout, Katie realized her "success" was costing her health, peace, and presence with her family. Through deep coaching and redefining her relationship with work, she rebuilt her career around balance, boundaries, and value… not hours or titles. What you'll learn How to recognize when burnout signals a deeper misalignment Why redefining your relationship with work changes everything How Katie rebuilt confidence, structure, and boundaries after burnout What it takes to design a role that fits your life instead of consuming it Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Executive Burnout: Making A Midlife Career Change (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Stuck in a Career You're Unhappy With? Fear Of Taking Risks Could Be Keeping You There (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
For many professionals, retirement is far from their mind and they want to seek work that is fulfilling. Lim Kai Ning, co-founder of The Courage Chapter, shares how they help seniors return to the workforce, and why age can be a big asset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Learn why most careers are chosen accidentally, how Scott rebuilt his life after burnout, and why intentional career design is the key to meaningful work. Includes free access to the full Happen To Your Career audiobook. What you'll learn The surprising origin of the word career—and what it reveals about how we choose work Why most people make accidental, reactive career decisions (and how to stop) The moment Scott realized he had to transform his career—and the panic attack that became a turning point How intentional career change actually works (based on 10+ years of research and thousands of clients) Why meaningful, well-paid work is possible for everyone—and how to start designing a career that fits your life Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Click the link to listen to our audiobook for free (limited time only!): Happen to Your Career: An Unconventional Approach to Career Change and Meaningful Work Related Episodes How to Focus Your Career Search on Organizations That Fit You (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) How To Achieve Career Clarity When You Feel Stuck, Bored & Unfulfilled (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
Key TakeawaysPurpose is clarified through experience and reflection, not just passion.Helping others find purpose requires curiosity, coaching, and equipping them with the tools to succeed.Distinguishing passion from purpose involves commitment, impact, and skill alignment.Gratitude and intentional reflection help maintain focus on what truly matters.Leaders can spot misalignment by observing engagement, mood, and energy, but must approach it with curiosity and connection.
After years of trying different jobs and feeling lost, Sarah Hawkins believed meaningful work wasn't possible for her. But when she learned to see her many interests as a strength, everything changed. Hear how Sarah rebuilt her confidence, embraced her multipotentialite nature, and found fulfilling work that truly fits. What you'll learn How to identify your unique strengths and patterns when nothing in your career seems to fit. Why having many interests can actually be your greatest advantage, not a flaw. The mindset shift that turns self-doubt and uncertainty into confidence and direction. How to find (or create) meaningful work that aligns with your values and lifestyle. Practical ways to rebuild your career — including negotiating your worth and recognizing your value. Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Executive Burnout: Making A Midlife Career Change (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
In today's solo episode, we explore Guidepost #9: Cultivating Meaningful Work — and what it really takes to let go of self-doubt and the pressure of “supposed to.” If you've ever questioned your purpose, felt depleted in your work, or wondered what meaningful work actually looks like, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Together, we'll unpack authenticity, alignment, and the courage to create work that makes you come alive.Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyuBook a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.comFollow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper__or https://www.instagram.com/coaching_withella/
Most people try to convince companies to hire them, but the real secret to career growth is creating conversations that naturally lead to job offers. In this episode, Scott shares a step by step approach to turning genuine curiosity into meaningful work opportunities. Perfect if you want a career change without endless online applications. What you'll learn How to express interest in a role without sounding pushy The exact words to use when following up Why "selling yourself" doesn't work — and what to do instead Learn how to shift a conversation from learning about a role to exploring real opportunities Explore the conversational techniques that turn interest into job opportunities Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Designing Career Experiments and Testing New Careers (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Should I Quit My Job? How to Know It's Time (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
Most people think job searching is a numbers game: apply everywhere and hope something sticks. But let's flip that idea completely. In this episode, Scott shares 7 counterintuitive strategies that will help you land not just a job, but the right job — and even multiple offers to choose from. What you'll learn How getting hyper-specific about what you want leads to more offers Why "never just apply and wait" is your new rule How to use marketing psychology to stand out in hiring The master-resume method that saves time and boosts results Why stacking small, smart moves compounds into big wins Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Making A Career Change Abroad Through Intentional Networking (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Finding a Flexible Job by Defining Your Ideal Work Environment (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
Would you take a pay cut to pursue work that would provide you with more meaning and a higher level of well-being? In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares the story of a friend who recently weighed this very decision, and chose meaning. His decision may be counter-cultural, but through the lens of pursuing work that matters and living a fulfilling, meaningful life, he might have cracked the code.Podcast website: https://www.travisshelton.com/podcast Daily Blog: https://travisshelton.com/blog Subscribe to the Daily Blog: http://eepurl.com/gB07Ef Podcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932 Travis's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_ Travis's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travissheltonco/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meaning_over_money
When Quynh Killpack left Vietnam to study in the U.S., she never imagined her journey would lead to true career freedom. From visa stress and uncertainty to a flexible, meaningful global career, Quynh's story shows how clarity, courage, and self-awareness can transform your work and life. In this episode, you'll hear how she built confidence through action, created remote work that fits her values and family, and designed a life filled with balance, purpose, and fulfillment on her own terms. What you'll learn Discover how Quynh Killpack turned visa challenges into a fulfilling global career Explore how an international student built a career that fits family and flexibility Find out how Quynh created remote work opportunities that match her lifestyle Learn the simple mindset shift that helped Quynh find career clarity and freedom Understand how to make bold moves even when you feel unsure Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Changing Careers (When You Don't Know Your Next Job Title) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Stuck in a Career You're Unhappy With? Fear Of Taking Risks Could Be Keeping You There (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
What happens when your job turns into constant stress, 12-hour days, and endless office politics? For Shreya, the answer was a full-scale career reboot. After burning out at a Big 4 firm, she took a leap of faith, quit without another job lined up, and used the Happen To Your Career process to find a role that finally fit her values, strengths, and lifestyle. What you'll learn How to recognize when stress and misalignment are signs you need to make a change Why quitting without a plan isn't always reckless but can be the reset you need The difference between finding the "perfect job" and finding the right environment How Shreya used career experiments to uncover her strengths and land an aligned role Why your first job doesn't define your career… it's just your starting point Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Executive Burnout: Making A Midlife Career Change (Spotify / Apple Podcasts
Everyone says the job market is impossible right now — but the data tells a completely different story. In this episode of the Happen to Your Career Podcast, Scott breaks down why the job market isn't as bad as you've been told, what's actually making job searches harder, and what you can do today to stand out and land your ideal role. What You'll Learn Why the job market isn't actually bad — and how media headlines distort the real data. How to see past job board "noise" and stop competing with thousands of applicants. The hidden reason it feels hard to find a job (hint: it's not the economy). Smarter strategies to land interviews without relying on "easy apply" buttons. How top professionals create opportunities — often getting offers before they even apply. Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Laid Off? 10 Actions to Shorten Your Job Search by Months & Reduce Stress (What to Do if You Get Laid Off) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Make Job Boards Effective for Your Career Search: Angie's Secret to Finding Her Ideal Role (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) How an Unexpected Layoff Became the Career Breakthrough I Desperately Needed (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
In this heartfelt season wrap-up, host Jenny Dempsey reflects on everything The Career Flipper has become, and everyone who made it possible. What started as a personal experiment after being laid off has turned into a global community of second-chancers, dreamers, and brave souls rewriting their stories one imperfect step at a time.Jenny shares highlights from 2025: from a bartender in the Caribbean to a software engineer turned chocolate maker, and the lessons she's learned from 86 incredible guests who have become unexpected mentors. She also opens up about juggling her full-time job, flipping furniture, grieving, and laughing her way through life, including the story of how she accidentally printed her misspelled logo on every piece of marketing material before her first big event.This episode is honest, funny, and full of gratitude, a love letter to everyone who's ever listened, shared, or dared to flip their own story.What You'll Hear:The evolution from Season 1 (post-layoff chaos) to Season 2 (balancing full-time work + creative passion)Key takeaways from this year's most inspiring guestsThe hilarious Canva logo fiasco at Jenny's first vendor eventWhy messy beginnings still count as beginningsA peek at what's next for The Career Flipper in Spring 2026 THANK YOU FOR LISTENING, SUBSCRIBING, FOLLOWING, REVIEWING! I love and appreciate you all! Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:
After losing her job, Laura MacDonald turned unemployment into a data-driven experiment in career clarity. By tracking 66 job applications, learning to say no to the wrong roles, and focusing on her Ideal Career Profile, she discovered what truly makes work fulfilling. What you'll learn How to use career experiments to test what truly fits before committing The difference between being good at something and actually enjoying it How Laura used her Ideal Career Profile (ICP) to say "no" to the wrong jobs Why tracking data and patterns can turn rejections into opportunities The power of warm networking and human connection in landing the right role Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Designing Career Experiments and Testing New Careers (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
After years of chasing the "perfect" career, Kat Bolikava discovered that true fulfillment came from clarity, not change. Hear how she challenged limiting beliefs, asked for growth, and transformed frustration into confidence and purpose. Her journey proves that meaningful work doesn't always mean a new job — it starts with knowing yourself and daring to ask for more. What you'll learn How to find career fulfillment without changing jobs. The mindset shifts that turn frustration into clarity and confidence. Why redefining success and security can open new opportunities. How aligning your values, strengths, and passions leads to meaningful work. Practical steps to overcome limiting beliefs and take bold, authentic action. Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Changing Careers (When You Don't Know Your Next Job Title) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
Ever tell yourself "I'm just not good at networking"? You're not alone—and you might be more wrong than you think. In this episode, discover how some of the most successful career changers aren't natural networkers at all, but introverts and analytical thinkers who found ways to make connecting feel authentic. Learn the simple reframe that turns networking from schmoozing into experimenting. What you'll learn How to reframe networking from "selling yourself" to simply gathering research data Why people who think they're bad at networking often have a natural advantage over smooth talkers The simple mindset shift that transforms cold outreach from terrifying to manageable Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Rethinking Informational Interviews: Stop Doing Them & Start Test Driving Conversations (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Designing Career Experiments and Testing New Careers (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1851: Dr. Benjamin Ritter challenges the modern obsession with “meaningful work,” revealing how the search for fulfillment from employers often leads to disengagement and turnover. He argues that true meaning isn't found, it's created, through personal accountability and job crafting. Both employees and employers must shift focus: employees must own their sense of purpose, while employers should empower them to shape roles they can love. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com/articles/2020/12/14/the-dangers-of-searching-for-meaningful-work-a-letter-to-employers-and-employees Quotes to ponder: “Employees are searching for meaningful work and feel that meaning is something they can find, or something an employer can give them.” “The idea that your work should ‘give' you meaning, as if it's responsible for how you feel, is incredibly misleading.” “The only thing an employer can actually give their employees is the power to craft a job they can love from a job they have.”
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1851: Dr. Benjamin Ritter challenges the modern obsession with “meaningful work,” revealing how the search for fulfillment from employers often leads to disengagement and turnover. He argues that true meaning isn't found, it's created, through personal accountability and job crafting. Both employees and employers must shift focus: employees must own their sense of purpose, while employers should empower them to shape roles they can love. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com/articles/2020/12/14/the-dangers-of-searching-for-meaningful-work-a-letter-to-employers-and-employees Quotes to ponder: “Employees are searching for meaningful work and feel that meaning is something they can find, or something an employer can give them.” “The idea that your work should ‘give' you meaning, as if it's responsible for how you feel, is incredibly misleading.” “The only thing an employer can actually give their employees is the power to craft a job they can love from a job they have.”
Are you stuck in your career because you can't stop overthinking every decision? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into why overthinking keeps you paralyzed, how fear of failure plays into it, and—most importantly—how to finally take confident action toward the work you actually want. You'll learn practical steps to move forward, shift from analyzing to experimenting, and start creating momentum in your career (even if you don't have it all figured out yet). What You'll Learn: Why overthinking stalls your progress and how to break free The key difference between reflection and paralysis How to stop waiting for the “perfect” next step Simple mindset shifts that help you act with confidence Real strategies from people who got unstuck and found work they love If you've been spinning your wheels and second-guessing every move, this conversation will show you how to stop overthinking and finally make real progress. Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Stuck in a Career You're Unhappy With? Fear Of Taking Risks Could Be Keeping You There (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) An Overthinker's Guide To Making Better Career Decisions (Spotify /Apple Podcasts)
R. Marcus Rubenstein's sermon delivered at Shabbat morning services at Temple of Aaron on October 18th, 2025 on parshat bereishit.
Ever feel trapped in work that doesn't fit, convinced certain career paths just aren't for you? Aaron spent over a decade believing he'd "tried law and failed" when he'd never actually tried at all, while Steph kept fitness as a side hustle because she believed "you can't make money in fitness." Their breakthroughs reveal how the biggest career obstacles aren't external barriers—they're the limiting stories we tell ourselves, and why questioning these beliefs can unlock careers you thought were impossible. What you'll learn Why limiting beliefs about career failure often prevent us from pursuing paths we never actually tried The feedback exercise that reveals what everyone else sees about your potential (that you can't see yourself) Why reaching rock bottom in your career is often the clarity you need to question false limitations Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes An Overthinker's Guide To Making Better Career Decisions (Spotify /Apple Podcasts) How to Figure Out What You Really Want (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi McNair discusses the importance of providing gifted learners with meaningful work rather than busy work. She emphasizes the need for depth, curiosity, and authenticity in learning experiences, and offers practical strategies for educators to engage gifted learners effectively. The conversation highlights the dangers of busy work and the necessity of fostering a learning environment that encourages exploration and creativity.
Most people think networking means awkward small talk and business cards. But Darrah Brustein proves real networking is about authentic connection, not transactions. In this episode, she shares how to reach busy people, build genuine relationships, and make networking something you actually enjoy. What you'll learn The key to connecting with busy professionals without being ignored The mindset shift that makes networking enjoyable instead of awkward The top mistakes that make you forgettable when networking — and how to avoid them The secret to follow-ups that people actually respond to Why curiosity matters more than confidence in networking success Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Six Career Experiments To Help You Discover Your Ideal New Role (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
Episode Topic: Meaningful WorkKick off the 2025-2026 series with a conversation with two contributors from the August 2025 issue of the Virtues & Vocations magazine, focused on meaningful work. Guru Madhavan is the Norman R. Augustine senior scholar and senior director of programs for the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. Chris Higgins is the Chair of the Department of Formative Education at Boston College. He recently published Undeclared: A Philosophy of Formative Higher Education with MIT Press. Join us for a conversation about the purpose of education and how universities can educate for flourishing.Featured Speakers: -Chris Higgins, Boston College-Guru Madhavan, U.S. Academy of EngineeringRead this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/c21824.This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled Virtues & Vocations.Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career. Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu. Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.
Ever feel like you're gambling with years of your life every time you change jobs? Most people think career change means picking the “right” opportunity and committing — only to find out too late it's wrong. But what if you could test and validate what you want before making the leap? What you'll learn: Why career experiments are the fastest way to find work that truly fits (without years of trial and error) How to move past the awkwardness of experimenting and turn it into real opportunities Why so-called “failed” experiments actually save you time and frustration Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Designing Career Experiments and Testing New Careers (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
Most conversations about work-life balance start with the wrong question.We assume the goal is to limit work, to keep it from taking too much of our lives. So we optimize for time, energy, and boundaries, all while treating work as something to manage or escape.In this solo episode, Brandon challenges that premise. He steps back to ask a more fundamental question:What is work actually for?Brandon explores how work can serve as both a platform for growth and a vehicle for contribution. It's one of the few arenas where we can test our capabilities, develop judgment, and apply our gifts in ways that genuinely help others.He shares why fulfillment doesn't come from balance or hours worked, but from alignment — integrating work, family, and personal development into a single system aimed at growth, love, and service.This isn't a prescription. It's an exploration into what it means to live and work well.Why “work-life balance” starts from the wrong assumptionDefining the real problem: what role work plays in a life well livedHow work creates the feedback loops that drive capability and maturityThe connection between growth, love, and contributionHow alignment replaces balance as the goalWhy work is something to steward, not escape“Work isn't something to balance against life. It's one of the primary ways we learn how to live it.”If this episode sparks reflection — or disagreement — Brandon would love to hear from you.Reach out on LinkedIn or at buildingbetterpod.com.Building Better with Brandon Bartneck explores what it means to build. Better companies, better systems, and better lives. Through conversations and reflections, Brandon digs into the principles that drive growth, purpose, and meaningful work.Music credit: Slow Burn - Kevin MacLeod
After years of constant job searching, endless pivots, and chasing new degrees, Amy Haggerty realized she wasn't the problem; her career path was. This episode dives into her transformation from chronically unfulfilled employee to thriving creative entrepreneur, and how she finally built a business aligned with her strengths, passions, and values. What you'll learn How Amy spent 20 years in unfulfilling jobs before discovering her entrepreneurial path Why craving freedom at work doesn't always mean you're ready to run a business The surprising reason Amy deleted her LinkedIn and walked away from her old career identity The “one thing a day” habit that helped her build momentum through fear and uncertainty The mindset shifts that turned constant job frustration into the courage to start her own business Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Choosing a Business Recipe That Works for You (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Want to Start a Business? 5 Essential Questions No One Asks (Especially if you have a family) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
Leaders everywhere are frustrated with employee accountability as reflected in various attention-grabbing catchphrases like quiet quitting, coffee badging, and micro-shifting. Unfortunately, what we don't appreciate is that these are the symptoms of a deeper issue - of employees feeling a disconnect with the work they do. That's why in this Leadership Espresso Shot, I share a personal story that reveals how leaders encourage organizational accountability by creating conditions for employees to do meaningful work. Whether you're struggling with employee accountability or not, this is an important episode that will help you understand what will be needed in the months and years ahead to encourage your employees to commit their best efforts to your organization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Making a career change is hard enough. Doing it while your family and friends question your every move? That's a whole new level. In this episode, Rebecca Maddox shares how she left a high-status political law career, dealt with unexpected pushback, and reframed her interviews to land a role that truly fit her life and goals. What you'll learn Why Rebecca walked away from a “dream job” in law and politics in Washington, DC The hidden toll of stress at work and how health scares can signal it's time to change How she navigated family doubt and turned pushback into support The surprising mindset shift that made her more authentic (and successful) in interviews Why prestige doesn't equal fulfillment—and what she did to design work around health, impact, and real life Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes How to Figure Out What You Really Want (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Stuck in a Career You're Unhappy With? Fear Of Taking Risks Could Be Keeping You There (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
What happens when your “dream career change” doesn't fit? Louie left a 15-year career in medical imaging for IT—only to discover the stress was wrecking his health and family life. In this episode, he shares how he quit without a backup plan, used LinkedIn networking to reconnect with his old field, and landed a role that gave him balance, purpose, and energy again. What you'll learn How to return to a previous industry—without starting over The exact LinkedIn outreach that led directly to Louie's offer Ways to design a role around health, family, and sane hours Why “stepping back” can accelerate your long-term growth How to spot (and fix) a career change that doesn't fit Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Rebuilding Confidence After Career Disappointment (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) When Quitting Your Job Is The Best Move For Your Career Trajectory (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
What happens when you've done all the right things but still feel stuck, unfulfilled, or secretly unhappy in your career?That's the story of today's guest, Manana Jaworska, a career transition coach who knows firsthand how messy and complicated career change can be.From psychology student to PhD researcher, to programmer in Barcelona with the golden handcuffs, Manana has lived through multiple career flips. On paper, everything looked perfect. But inside, she was craving meaning, freedom, and a life that felt true to her.In this episode, Manana shares:How cultural and family expectations shaped her early career choicesWhy it's so important to get real about the day-to-day reality of a job (before you jump into it)The moment she realized stability wasn't enough — and what gave her the courage to walk awayHow she now helps clients find clarity, define their values, and create careers that align with who they areWhether you're just starting to wonder if there's something more, or you're already on the edge of making a leap — this conversation will give you permission to trust that voice inside you.Connect with MananaInstagram: @careerchangeguide LinkedIn: Manana Jaworska Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:
Dr. Jenny Sippel-Tompkins joins Jolene in this episode to discuss her recent research on meaningful work and intention to stay in a job for Gen Z employees. Contact Dr. Sippel-Tompkins: drjenny@thegenzlab.com
What if your job looks perfect on paper but leaves you drained and unfulfilled? For Paul Ichilcik, the breaking point came when he realized he was spending 80-90% of his time on work that didn't align with his strengths. This episode reveals how Paul challenged assumptions, let go of “security,” and made an intentional career change that finally brought alignment and energy back into his life. What you'll learn How to know when a “great” job is still the wrong fit Why identity, security, and assumptions keep us stuck in roles that don't align What it takes to challenge those assumptions and define your own version of success How tools like an Ideal Career Profile can give you clarity and confidence in making a change Why saying “no” to the wrong offer opens the door to the right one Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes An Overthinker's Guide To Making Better Career Decisions (Spotify /Apple Podcasts) Should I Quit My Job? How to Know It's Time (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
What if “employee engagement” isn't about perks, promotions, or free yoga — but about building a career that actually fits you? In this episode, Rachel Cooke (founder of Lead Above Noise and host of the Modern Mentor Podcast) joins Scott to share the 4 pillars of employee experience and how you can use them to grow, thrive, and find fulfillment at work — without waiting on your company to change. Whether you're feeling stuck, burned out, or just ready for more, this conversation gives you practical steps to create the career you want. What you'll learn Why traditional employee engagement strategies often fail — and what actually drives fulfillment at work The 4 pillars of employee experience (Deliver, Develop, Connect, Thrive) and how to apply them to your career How to ask for growth opportunities at work — and increase your chances of hearing “yes” Simple experiments you can run inside your current role to create more meaning and momentum When to recognize it's not just you — and how to decide if it's time to redesign your job or move on Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Take Control: How To Thrive In Your Role And Become Your Best Self (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Beyond Career Change: How to Keep Evolving and Thriving (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
Host: Shannon Huffman Polson Shannon Huffman Polson is a renowned author and speaker, known for her work on grit and resilience. As the founder of The Grit Institute, she empowers individuals to lead with purpose and determination. Guest: John Coleman John Coleman is the co-CEO of Sovereign's Capital and a Harvard Business Review author. He is a thought leader in purpose-driven leadership, offering insights into how individuals can find meaning in their personal and professional lives. Summary In this episode, John Coleman discusses the crisis of purpose in modern life, exploring how individuals can find meaning and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. He shares insights on leadership, the importance of agency, and the myths surrounding purpose. Highlights [00:00:46] Introduction to Purpose John Coleman introduces the concept of a crisis of purpose and its impact on modern life. [00:32:58] The Myths of Purpose Discussion on common misconceptions about purpose and how to overcome them. [01:05:32] Creating Purpose in Life Insights into how individuals can craft their own purpose and find fulfillment. [02:18:34] Purpose in Leadership John Coleman shares how purpose-driven leadership can transform workplace culture. [03:03:38] Purpose and Service The role of service in enhancing personal meaning and fulfillment. Resources Books by John Coleman: HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose - https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781633699830 Passion and Purpose - https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781422142424 Miracles - https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9798987316610 The Grit Institute: Visit thegritinstitute.com for courses and resources on leading with purpose. Download The Grit Factor Manifesto - https://training.thegritinstitute.com/the-grit-factor-manifesto
What if the most awkward career move of your life became the best thing that ever happened? Karen Senger shares how being “passed over” for a role led her to uncover her non-negotiables, align with her strengths, and step into her dream job. What you'll learn How an awkward career twist turned into Karen's dream job. Why smaller career shifts can be just as powerful as big pivots. The importance of knowing your non-negotiables and values. How to use an Ideal Career Profile to find alignment. How to leverage connections and conversations to uncover hidden opportunities. Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Stuck in a Career You're Unhappy With? Fear Of Taking Risks Could Be Keeping You There (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
What if losing your job was actually the first step toward finding your best-fit career? After being laid off, Melissa Shapiro fought fear, built confidence, and discovered a career that aligned with her strengths. In this episode, she reveals the strategies, mindset shifts, and lessons that helped her transform job loss into opportunity. What you'll learn What to do immediately after a layoff (without panicking) How Melissa turned job loss into the push she needed for a career change The biggest fear people face after being laid off — and how to overcome it Why you don't need to pick one career for the rest of your life How to use setbacks as stepping stones to better opportunities Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes How an Unexpected Layoff Became the Career Breakthrough I Desperately Needed **(Spotify / Apple Podcasts) I Needed a Layoff to Get Unstuck: How It Became My Career Breakthrough (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
Before he was a Formula One driver, Lando Norris was the kid in the McLaren garage packing boxes, dismantling equipment, and working side by side with the mechanics. No glamour, no headlines, just long hours in the background, doing the kind of jobs nobody sees. What struck me most is that he didn't see it as grunt work. He saw it as belonging. As trust-building, as part of something bigger than himself, and that small shift is the difference between viewing work as a job, a career, or a calling.In this episode, we explore what it really means to treat your work as a calling, not just a set of tasks. We look at psychologist Dr. Amy Wrzesniewski's research on how we find meaning in the everyday, and how something as simple as reframing a task can transform the way we show up.Together, we explore:Why Lando's early garage work laid the foundation for his careerThe psychology of job, career, and callingHow job crafting turns small tasks into meaningful onesWhat leaders can learn about trust from Formula One teamworkHow to reframe your own work so it matters moreBecause high performance isn't only about winning under the lights, it's about the way you approach the work nobody else notices.Here is more information on the studies referenced: Jobs, Careers, and Callings: People's Relations to Their Work (Amy Wrzesniewski, Clark McCauley, Paul Rozin, Barry Schwartz, 1997)Jobs, Identities, and Work: How Job Crafting Relates to Meaningful Work and Work Identity (Justin M. Berg, Jane E. Dutton, Amy Wrzesniewski, 2013)Positive Emotions Broaden the Scope of Attention and Thought-Action Repertoires, (Barbara Fredrickson, 2001)Listen to the full episode with Lando Norris: https://pod.fo/e/112cbb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when decades of success collide with a health scare, misalignment, and doubt about the future? After nearly 20 years in healthcare sales, Glenn Strecker faced a rare spinal cord tumor that forced him to reevaluate everything — his health, his values, and his career. At 61, he discovered it's never too late to reinvent yourself, refuse compromise, and build a career that truly aligns with who you are. What you'll learn How a health crisis can reshape your career perspective and priorities Why non-negotiables and values are critical for long-term fulfillment How to manage doubt, rejection, and age bias during a career transition Why reinvention is possible at any stage of life — and how Glenn found the right fit Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Changing Careers (When You Don't Know Your Next Job Title) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Should I Quit My Job? How to Know It's Time (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
When Brian was laid off after years in leadership, he felt rejected, desperate, and unsure of his next move. But instead of rushing into the wrong role, he stepped back, rebuilt his confidence, and used HTYC's Ideal Career Profile to finally align his work with his values. In this episode, Brian shares how a painful setback turned into a powerful career pivot that brought clarity, balance, and fulfillment. What you'll learn
Most job seekers approach interviews like a test — trying to guess the “right answers.” That's the biggest mistake you can make. After sitting in on more than 6,000 interviews, Scott Anthony Barlow and talent acquisition expert Megan Crawford reveal what hiring managers really want: authentic conversations, not scripted performances. What you'll learn: Stop overthinking what hiring managers want to hear Build confidence by knowing (and practicing) your own career story Avoid the most common interview mistakes job seekers make Ask better questions to decide if the role is the right fit for you Show up as yourself so you not only get the offer — but also love the job once you're in it Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Why “Be Yourself” During An Interview Isn't Actually The Craziest Advice You've Ever Heard (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Not Hiring? How to Apply Anyway (and Get an Interview) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
When Nick's customer success role shifted into a high-pressure sales position, he quickly realized he was forcing himself into a job that didn't fit. Instead of powering through, he discovered his strengths, redefined what he truly wanted, and made a pivot into finance — without starting over. In this episode, Scott Anthony Barlow and Nick break down the exact steps he took to move from misaligned work to a career that finally feels right. What you'll learn
Is boredom at work enough to justify a career change? Lisa Vu reveals how career apathy quietly derails fulfillment, why it's just as dangerous as burnout, and how to break free from comfort zones to build a career that actually fits. What you'll learn Why you should treat boredom at work as seriously as burnout How to recognize the subtle signs your role no longer fits How you can break free from the comfort zone and explore new opportunities Why asking for help could be the smartest move in your career change How to reframe networking as “experiments” so it feels less intimidating The mindset shifts you need to stop settling and finally create meaningful work Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Bored at Work? How to Transition to a More Fulfilling Career(Spotify / Apple Podcasts) How To Achieve Career Clarity When You Feel Stuck, Bored & Unfulfilled (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)