468: How to overcome career frustrations with New York University’s Dr. Tessa West
Jul 24, 2024
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In this discussion, Dr. Tessa West, a leading expert in social relationships and Professor at NYU, shares insights from her book, Job Therapy. She explores the emotional complexities of viewing careers as relationships, drawing parallels between dating and workplace dynamics. Dr. West also emphasizes the importance of internal validation over societal pressures, offering practical strategies for navigating career frustrations. Ultimately, she advocates for embracing self-belief to enhance confidence and career satisfaction.
Establishing a clear personal vision in life and career is essential for aligning actions with goals, enhancing motivation and fulfillment.
Viewing one's career as a relationship helps individuals understand the emotional complexities involved, influencing informed decisions about career transitions.
Cultural backgrounds significantly shape personal identities, often leading to internal conflicts between personal desires and external societal expectations in career choices.
Deep dives
The Importance of Vision in Life and Career
A clear vision in life and career plays a critical role in determining success and satisfaction. When individuals lack direction, they may struggle with decision-making and fulfillment, leading to stagnation. Their choices can lack purpose, resulting in feelings of dissatisfaction or regret, especially when reflecting on the meaning of their daily activities. Establishing a personal vision helps individuals align their actions with their goals, fostering motivation and a sense of achievement.
Developing Relationships with Careers
The concept of viewing one’s career as a relationship is increasingly popular, highlighting the emotional complexities involved. People often experience feelings linked to their job, similar to those in personal relationships; this includes love, frustration, and ambivalence. Understanding careers in this way encourages individuals to reflect on their emotions and the nature of their job experiences. Such insights can lead to more informed decisions about career transitions and help individuals cultivate healthier work environments.
Awkwardness and Social Interactions
Awkwardness in social situations is a common experience that often stems from a lack of clear social cues and guidelines. It can manifest in various contexts, including workplace interactions, where people may find themselves stuck in uncomfortable moments or miscommunications. The nuances of awkwardness highlight the relational dynamics between individuals, revealing that it is an interpersonal phenomenon rather than a solitary one. Understanding these dynamics can empower individuals to navigate challenging social situations with greater ease.
Cultural Influences on Identity and Behavior
Cultural backgrounds significantly shape personal identities and behavioral patterns, leading to differing expectations in professional environments. The pressure to conform to familial or societal standards often complicates one’s career choices and personal fulfillment. Individuals may chase accolades or roles based on perceived family expectations instead of genuine interests. These cultural norms can create internal conflict when trying to balance personal desires with external expectations.
Embracing Uncertainty and Personal Growth
Navigating career paths is often fraught with uncertainty, and individuals should learn to embrace this ambiguity instead of striving for absolute certainty. Contentment and success are frequently linked to one’s ability to accept inherent risks and potential regrets attached to any decision. Emphasizing self-acceptance and reflection can foster resilience, helping individuals to make choices aligned with their true values rather than external pressures. By acknowledging that there will always be regrets regardless of the chosen path, individuals can pursue fulfillment with greater confidence.
Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 468, an interview with the author of Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You, Dr. Tessa West. In her book, Dr. Tessa West helps you figure out the real reason you’re unhappy and shows you how to find a new position in which you’ll thrive, whether in a different role, company, or new industry altogether.
Dr. Tessa West is Professor of Psychology at New York University, where she is a leading expert on the science of social relationships. Her academic research and writing for the media focuses on how to improve communication between employees, bosses, and hiring professionals across workplace settings. She has over 100 academic publications and is a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal. Her work has been covered by Scientific American, the New York Times, Financial Times, The Guardian, CNN, CNBC, ABC World News, TIME, Bloomberg, HBR, Fast Company, and the US Supreme Court. Her first book Jerks at Work published to rave reviews.