What to Do if You Hate Your Job

Happy Wednesday, Besties!

This week’s episode starts with a chewy situation - well, technically spelled Chuy’s (Leigh’s first job “that the IRS is aware of”). Leigh loved that job… but we’ve all had ones that we didn’t. When that happens, what can you do? Listen to find out, while you’re finishing your coffee or hiding from your calendar (or that colleague that doesn’t “spark joy”). And read this whole email, because we have a brand-new weekly feature below!

In this episode:

• Intro Story: Leigh’s early job saga reminds us all of a workplace truth - being amazing at your job doesn’t always lead to better treatment. In fact… it sometimes backfires. (In other words, don’t come too hard for anyone else’s job)

• Corporate Cringe Speak: Jamie brings a phrase that walks the line - it can be helpful, but can also makes you feel like you’re about to be blindsided. (It’s almost a cringe version of “FYI”)

• Hot Topic: What can you do if you hate your job? We’re “unpacking” how to recognize the why, figure out what’s in your control, and decide if it’s time to speak up - or start mapping your exit, including practical tips to reframe the whole situation if you need (because not always easy to make a move).

• Questions & Comments: What fictional workplace would you want to work in? (We give our picks -and Jamie guessed Ashley’s straightaway)

Discussion Guide – For Your Next Podcast Discussion Group or Team Meeting:

• Too Good at the Job: What can we do to prevent top performers from being overloaded - or becoming the default go-to person for everything?

• Understanding Struggles: Besides scrolling on Glassdoor, how can we actually get a sense of what’s making work hard for people - in a way that feels natural, not nosey?

• Taking Action: When we find out what people don’t like, what can we actually do to address those things - and talk about them?

An All New Feature! ChatGPT Prompts of the Week:

Each week we’ll be including a couple practical prompts, and a fun prompt. Because sometimes the best professional development starts with a good question...
and yes, we still occasionally say “please” and “thank you” to ChatGPT.

• How can I think through the aspects of the job that I like, and what I don’t, and how to realistically manage those?

• How can I check in with my team to really understand how they’re feeling about their work, and what can I do about it?

• Just for fun: What fictional TV or film workplace do you think I’d be most successful in?

That’s a wrap for this week, Besties. We truly hope you don’t hate your job - but we also know that feeling can creep in. And we’re here for you.

We’ve also got some exciting updates coming soon, including a live podcast taping next month and more behind-the-scenes news. If you’ve been enjoying the show, and especially if you love this newsletter, we’d love it if you could leave us a quick rating or review on Apple and Spotify - it helps more Besties find us (and gives us that warm fuzzy feeling).

XOXO,
The HR Besties

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