Podcast Summary
Workplace dynamics, Career advice: Understanding the psychological underpinnings of workplace toxicity before making big moves can lead to better career choices. Amy and TJ provide Olympics coverage, while Katie Lowe and Guillermo Diaz share Scandal stories with old cast members. Dr. Tessa West discusses dealing with workplace jerks and offers career advice in her book 'Job Therapy'.
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Amy and TJ from "Tea from Perry" will provide up-to-date information and insights. Meanwhile, Katie Lowe and Guillermo Diaz from "unpacking the Toolbox" will share behind-the-scenes stories from Scandal with old cast members. Dr. Tessa West, a NYU Professor and author, discussed dealing with workplace jerks and the different types of toxic people, such as the kiss-up kick-downer and the gaslighter. She emphasized that it's important to understand the psychological underpinnings of unhappiness before making big moves. In her book "Job Therapy," she offers guidance on finding work that suits individuals better. Overall, the podcasts offer valuable insights on various topics, from Olympics coverage to workplace dynamics and career advice.
Workplace dynamics: Understand how others perceive us, provide constructive feedback, and avoid niceties to foster growth. Address identity crises through self-assessment and introspection, considering potential consequences.
Navigating workplace dynamics involves understanding how others perceive us and addressing awkward interpersonal situations. While some behaviors, like micromanagement or intrusive helping, may be unintentional and not always inappropriate, it's crucial to provide constructive feedback and avoid creating a culture of niceties that doesn't foster growth. Identity crises, a common source of career frustration, can occur at any age and result from significant investments in a career or relationship. To address this, self-assessment and introspection are essential, along with considering the potential consequences of leaving a role or identity behind.
Identity crisis, existential loneliness: Understanding if change is due to external factors or personal growth is crucial. Job crafting can solve identity crisis but be careful not to undervalue oneself or take on roles without recognition. Avoid excessive task switching and ensure effective communication with employers.
Drifting apart from oneself or one's career can lead to an identity crisis and feelings of existential loneliness. It's important to understand whether the change is due to external factors or personal growth. Job crafting, or changing roles to better match who you've become, can be a solution, but be careful not to undervalue yourself or take on roles without proper recognition. Additionally, people often take on too many roles or suffer from excessive task switching, leading to productivity issues. Effective communication with employers and clear organization of work can help address these problems.
Workplace dissatisfaction: Understand the deeper reasons for workplace dissatisfaction and consider whether to quit or grit it out, while seeking feedback and networking for valuable insights.
People often find themselves in roles they didn't intend to take or feel underappreciated, leading to feelings of being a runner-up or an underappreciated star. These situations can stem from agreeing to take on too many responsibilities, volunteering for others' jobs, or working for companies that promise promotions but fail to deliver. To avoid these pitfalls, it's crucial to have open conversations about the value and worth of the roles we take on, and to be aware of the psychological reasons for our unhappiness in the workplace. Instead of focusing on superficial factors like work location or hours, it's essential to understand the deeper reasons for our dissatisfaction and consider whether we should quit or grit it out. Additionally, seeking feedback from relevant social comparisons and networking with industry professionals can provide valuable insights into our perceived starhood and career prospects. Ultimately, treating our jobs as active relationships rather than passive situations can help us navigate the complexities of the job market and find work that aligns with our values.
Workplace stress causes: Collecting data on work stressors and considering potential sacrifices can help inform career decisions, as unanticipated stressors can significantly impact well-being and growth.
Understanding what truly causes stress in your work life and collecting data on your experiences can help inform decisions about your career. Unanticipated stressors can have a significant impact on our psychological and physical well-being, and it's essential to consider all aspects of a potential new role before making a change. Additionally, people often overestimate the benefits of a new job or promotion and underestimate the sacrifices required. It's crucial to consider what we're willing to give up and the potential challenges we may face. Lastly, it's important to remember that people don't necessarily grow or change significantly over time, and our daily lives remain relatively consistent. Change is challenging, and it's essential to be realistic about what we can and cannot achieve.
Values and Appearances: Our fixation on status and appearances can distort our values and lead us to prioritize superficial indicators of success over character and resilience
Our obsession with status and appearances, whether it's physical fitness or material possessions, can lead us astray. From podcasts that explore the dark corners of history and true crime, to studies on hiring practices and societal norms, Maria Trimarchy and Holly Fry of Criminalia, and Danny Shapiro of Family Secrets, invite us to question our values and assumptions. For instance, the idea that people who focus on changing their bodies are superior is a cultural construct, not a moral truth. Similarly, weight loss drugs or expensive clothes can become status symbols, even if they're not legitimate indicators of success or wealth. In the end, it's important to remember that what truly matters is not what we wear, how fit we are, or how many followers we have on social media, but rather our character, resilience, and ability to learn and grow from our experiences.
Transparency and authenticity in interviews: Being transparent about past experiences, even those that may raise eyebrows, and presenting oneself authentically can help navigate job interviews and build trust with potential employers. Clarifying misunderstandings and addressing potential concerns head-on can lead to positive outcomes.
Transparency and explanation are crucial when it comes to side hustles or past experiences that may raise eyebrows in job interviews. The speaker shares an example of how her name being associated with a deceased porn star caused confusion and unwanted attention, emphasizing the importance of clarifying such situations. Additionally, networking with individuals who may have negative traits, such as those in the "dark triad," can still provide valuable insights and knowledge. The concept of the "light triad" was also introduced, highlighting the importance of treating people with dignity and respect, believing in their fundamental goodness, and upholding Kantian values. These traits are particularly important for leaders and can help bring teams together. Imposter syndrome was also discussed, with a distinction made between strategic presentations of imposter syndrome and genuine cases. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of authenticity, transparency, and empathy in navigating professional relationships and career growth.
Job search strategy: Network, tailor resume and cover letter, apply to 2-5 jobs per week, self-reflect, and take the longer, windier road to finding a fulfilling career.
In today's job market, taking a strategic and personalized approach is key to standing out and finding more meaning at work. Applying for a large number of jobs haphazardly through easy online applications is not effective, as recruiters often have quotas to fill and may not even read these applications. Instead, focus on networking, tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job, and applying for two to five jobs per week. Additionally, if you're feeling uncertain or experiencing an existential crisis, it's important to take the time for self-reflection and exploration. Remember, it's okay to go through these feelings and even take the longer, windier road to finding a fulfilling career. Lastly, for those curious about the hosts' youthful appearances, it seems they've mastered the art of networking and tailoring their personal brand to their audience.