In episode 29, we chat with Tessa West about finding work that works for you, and applying relationship therapy tools to our careers. 

Dr. Tessa West is a professor of psychology at New York University and expert in the science of social relationships. Tessa's extensive research and publications in top psychology journals have gained her recognition in media outlets like The New York Times and CNN. She is the author of "Jerks at Work" and upcoming book "Job Therapy." 

Tessa and I discuss:

1. How to find your most fulfilling job  
2. The complicated role identity plays in why we stay in jobs or roles we do not like
3. The five common sources of career frustration.

Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Tessa and we answer a listener's question about what to do when you're given an impossible task at work.

Tune in to gain insights on moving through periods of transition and finding roles and jobs in which we’ll thrive. 

Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net

Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_

Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/

Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/

Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net

About Guest

Dr Tessa West is Professor of Psychology at New York University, where she is a leading expert on the science of social relationships. She has over 100 academic publications and is a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal. Her first book Jerks at Work: Toxic coworkers and what to do about them is now followed by Job Therapy: Finding work that works for you. 

If you want to learn more about Dr. Tessa West and her work, visit https://www.tessawestauthor.com/ 

Plus, we talk about Tessa’s new book https://www.tessawestauthor.com/book/job-therapy 

Timestamps

1.18 Top of Mind.

5.03 Tessa West Interview.

8.30 Personal identity vs professional identity. 

12.31 Why we can’t walk away: The sunk cost fallacy, intermittent reinforcement and the hedonic treadmill.

17.00 Five common causes of career frustration.

22.00 Leaving your job and the power of the full stop. Why less is more and we need to stop prioritising action over reflection.

30.00 Why there aren't 'soft skills', there are just skills!

36.54 Tessa’s lesson from work that’s made her whole life better.

38.40 Tessa’s favourite piece of advice.

41:30 Annette’s Episode Sum Up.

46.45 Listener’s Question.