In this enlightening episode of the Passion Struck Podcast, host John R. Miles is joined by Tessa West, a distinguished Professor of Psychology at New York University and a renowned expert in the science of interpersonal communication. Tessa delves into the profound parallels between our careers and our personal relationships, offering insights from her latest book, ‘Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You.’
Drawing from years of research and practical experience, Tessa shares strategies for cultivating a fulfilling career, navigating workplace dynamics, and achieving true job satisfaction. In this episode, we explore the psychological aspects of career dissatisfaction, the importance of understanding one’s career trajectory, and the impact of being stretched too thin in the workplace.
Whether you’re struggling in your current role or seeking a deeper connection to your work, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive professionally.
Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Order John R. Miles’s new book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.
And in case you didn’t already know it, John R. Miles (@John_R_Miles) takes your comments and questions for Momentum Friday right here every week! If you want him to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at momentumfriday@passionstruck.com. Now, let’s dive in!
“The more concrete you can get about your accomplishments, the better. It helps organizations see how your past achievements translate into future success.”
tessa west ph.d.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.
Overcoming Job Dissatisfaction: Tessa West’s Job Therapy Strategies for Renewed Fulfillment
In this episode of Passion Struck, Dr. Tessa West discusses various aspects of career dissatisfaction and provides valuable insights on navigating challenging career situations. Tessa offers a unique perspective on how our careers mirror our personal relationships, providing valuable insights into the psychological aspects of workplace interactions. Through this analogy, she unravels the complexities of job satisfaction and the importance of emotional intelligence in professional settings. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of building healthier, more rewarding careers by applying principles from interpersonal relationships to their work lives.
Dr. West delves into the psychological aspects of career dissatisfaction, including identity crises, feeling drifting apart from one’s job, being stretched too thin, and being the underappreciated star. Dr. West emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s psychological starting place, asking insightful questions during interviews, and breaking out of the busyness trap to achieve career goals.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Understand the Parallel: Learn how careers are similar to personal relationships regarding dynamics and emotional investment.
- Emotional Intelligence: Discover the role of emotional intelligence in navigating workplace challenges and fostering a positive environment.
- Conflict Resolution: Gain strategies for effectively resolving conflicts at work, drawing from techniques used in relationship counseling.
- Losses Loom Larger Than Gains: Dr. West highlights the tendency for losses to have a greater impact than gains in career situations, providing insights into why individuals may fail in certain roles.
- Identity Crisis: She discusses the challenges of experiencing an identity crisis and the importance of exploring new identities before making a career change.
- Job Satisfaction: Explore practical tips for increasing job satisfaction and finding fulfillment in your career.
WHY IS THIS A MUST-LISTEN?
This episode is a must-listen for individuals navigating career challenges and seeking practical advice on finding fulfillment in their work. Dr. Tessa West’s insights provide valuable strategies for understanding and addressing common career dilemmas, offering a fresh perspective on career satisfaction and growth. Whether facing an identity crisis, feeling undervalued, or struggling with risk-taking, the episode offers actionable tips and guidance to help listeners navigate their career paths effectively.
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR FEATURED RESOURCES
Thank You, Claritin, For Sponsoring
Fast and powerful relief is just a quick trip away Ask for Claritin-D at your local pharmacy counter. You don’t even need a prescription!
Go to “CLARITIN DOT COM” right now for a discount so you can Live Claritin Clear.
STARTER PACKS
Are you new to the show? These Starter Packs are collections of our most popular episodes grouped by topic, and we now have them on Spotify.
You can also browse starter packs for existing listeners to find your old favorites. Every week, John interviews everyday heroes from all walks of life. Learn how to subscribe to the show and never miss a new episode and topic.
Like this? Please subscribe and join me on my new YouTube platform for peak performance, life coaching, and personal mastery.
Dr. Tessa West on Why Our Relationship with Our Career is Like a Relationship with Another Person
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Tessa West shed light on the concept that our relationship with our career mirrors a relationship with another person. This analogy was discussed in her book, “Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You,” which delves into the psychological aspects of career dissatisfaction.
Dr. West highlighted that our career can be seen as a relationship partner, involving complexities, ambivalence, and emotional experiences similar to personal relationships. Just as in personal relationships, our career can bring about existential angst, on-we, and anxious boredom when things are not going well.
She emphasized the importance of understanding the psychological underpinnings of why we may be unhappy in our careers before making decisions about our next steps. By recognizing the parallels between managing a career and managing a relationship, individuals can gain unique insights into their career satisfaction and align their values, passions, and purpose with their professional path.
Dr. West’s perspective offers a fresh lens through which individuals can navigate their career journeys, encouraging them to approach their career decisions with introspection, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of their own needs and aspirations.
THANKS, Dr. Tessa West
If you enjoyed this interview with Tessa West, let her know by clicking on the link below and sending her a quick shout on Instagram:
Click here to show Tessa West your thoughts about today’s episode on Instagram
Click here to let John R. Miles know about your number one takeaway from this episode!
If you want us to answer your questions or you want John to discuss a topic on one of our upcoming Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at momentumfriday@passionstruck.com.
RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH TESSA WEST
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Dr. Tessa West’s Website
- Dr. Tessa West’s Instagram
- Dr. Tessa West’s LinkedIn
- Dr. Tessa West’s Twitter
- BUY Dr. Tessa West’s Book ‘Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You’
- Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
- Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
- Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.
Watch my solo episode on The 6 Key Steps to Bold Risk-Taking for Personal Growth.
Can’t miss my episode with Morley Robbins on How You Reclaim Your Health and Vitality
Listen to my interview with Dr. Will Cole on how to restore your gut-feelings connection.
Listen to Seth Godin on Why We Need Systems Change to Save the Planet
About Today’s Guest, Tessa West, Ph.D.
Dr. Tessa West is a distinguished Professor of Psychology at New York University and a leading expert in the science of interpersonal communication and workplace dynamics. Renowned for her innovative research on how relationships shape our professional and personal lives, Tessa’s work offers profound insights into understanding and improving career satisfaction.
Author of the critically acclaimed book Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You, Tessa explores the intersection of personal fulfillment and professional success. Her groundbreaking approach likens our relationship with our careers to our interactions with others, shedding light on why we experience job dissatisfaction and how to overcome it.
Tessa’s expertise extends beyond academia; she is a sought-after speaker and consultant who has worked with various organizations to enhance workplace communication and foster a more fulfilling work environment. Her research and teachings empower individuals to navigate their careers with greater self-awareness and strategic insight.
Follow John R. Miles On Social
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/Milesjohnr
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrmiles.c0m
* Medium: https://medium.com/@JohnRMiles
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_r_miles