The Career Happiness Podcast

In this episode we explore if a business lull is normal and when should we be worrying about this. During the course of this episode this is what we explored: 1. What is a business lull? 2. Is it normal to have a business Lull?   3. When should you worry ? 4. Tips and advice to move forward 5. How you can work with me to get business mentoring Episodes I mention that you should also listen to Episode 160 - How to cope with change in business and why it’s actually a good thing? Episode 170 - Should you hire a business mentor? Episode 183 - 3 ways to manage business decline and what can you do about this? Episode 211 - Being a business adviser and key tips on how to thrive as a business owner with Lee Lam How can I support you with your business Find out more about how you can work with me here to apply for a business consultation - https://www.somaghosh.com/women-in-business To apply for apply for a consultation go to the link here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0gpDnDpsF3qZwebagkQ2mQCtIFqvCr-pQDLbP5J1Rfe_P7w/viewform If you have any thoughts or questions about this episode please contact us via email. You can email me at ⁠soma@somaghosh.com⁠ or ⁠soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com

Hustle Culture is something that many seem to be rejecting What we covered in this episode included: 1. Why I wanted to about Hustle culture and what’s changed around this when I spoke about in Episode 65 2. Why Hustle Culture is causing Burnout, stress and mental health issues 3. The pandemic and it’s aftermath of how workplaces had changed 4. Working culture is different and will continue to be ever evolving 5. Why are we rejecting Hustle Culture ? 6. The Pillars and career happiness Mentor Links mentioned · Debate I mentioned in the episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=VNdce1LpgF2G9Tr0&v=sFU6qCT0vxE&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=GoodMorningBritain · Article about the film I mentioned Fake Famous - https://www.newyorker.com/culture/on-television/fake-famous-and-the-tedium-of-influencer-culture ·  Link about job crafting- https://tailoredthinking.co.uk/blog/2020/5/12/different-types-of-job-crafting ·   Article I mentioned about loneliness at work https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/careers/loneliness-burnout-at-work/855917 Previous episodes linked to this episode 1.  Episode 65 – Do we have a hustle problem? 2. Episode 110 - Should you consider the great resignation as part of your career journey? 3. Episode 140- How deal with The Great Resignation and Burnout Culture with Sara J. McElroy 4. Episode 146 - What is quiet quitting and what do you need to know about it? 5. Episode 196 - 4 practical tips to help you quit your job Working with me Find out how to work with me visit the link here - https://www.somaghosh.com/women-in-employment If you have any thoughts or questions about the podcast please email me at soma@somaghosh.com or soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com  

In this episode I spoke to Simon Alexander Ong.  Simon is a coach who works with leaders and organisations and we had a really powerful conversation.  Some of the things we covered in this episode were  His former career before he had a coaching business  Career options like starting a business  How things have changed in the last year since the pandemic  Fears and how this has changed through the lockdown  Career and lifestyle in relation to career happiness  Freedom and what it means to you in your career  Humility and being true to yourself  Courage and going after what you really want  Confidence in your career and work  Going out of your comfort zone  Loss and how this can impact us  The power of slowing down and learning  Why being happy and healthy at work is important Supporting young people with their careers  Energy and how this can affect you Simon's book coming out next year in 2022.  You can find out more about Simon by visiting his site https://www.simonalexanderong.com/  You can connect with him on the following social media platforms  1. LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonalexanderong/  2. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simonalexandero/ 3. Twitter - https://twitter.com/SimonAlexanderO  Other Episodes you find useful are  1. Episode 3 Confidence at work - https://anchor.fm/careerhappiness/episodes/Episode-3---How-to-be-more-confident-in-your-career-and-find-work-you-truly-love-e35c70 2. Episode 81 Loss and your career - https://anchor.fm/careerhappiness/episodes/Episode-81-How-Loss-can-help-motivate-you-in-your-career-etim7n 3. Episode 75 Covid-19 and your career - https://anchor.fm/careerhappiness/episodes/Episode-75---Covid-19-and-your-career-live-recording-eqvrih Have a great day if you have any questions please email me at soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com  Many thanks  Soma 

In this Episode I speak to author and coach Jenny Wood. Here is a overview of what the episode is about: 1. Introduction and what Jenny does 2. Happiness at work and Jenny’s own journey around this 3.  The juggle of trying to do it all and why it’s not feasible in our working lives currently 4. What inspired Jenny to write her book and the inspiration behind this 5. How fear can stop you from achieving what you want in your career 6. How life changing opportunities can be a great way to address career goals you want to achieve 7.  What does career happiness mean to Jennypersonally and how she embraces this 8.  Jenny’s career challenges and how she overcome these challenges plus a challenge she had this morning.9.  The power of saying no in your career and how this can help you move forward with your career 10. Where to find Jenny online and how to read her book How to connect with Jenny Website - https://itsjennywood.com/ Book- https://wildcouragebook.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyilles/

In this episode I talk about Rust out and how it links to burnout. The format of the episode is as follows: 1.  Statistics around burnout currently healthimpact and otherwise 2.  Rust out what is it and how is impacting you atwork and why? 3. What can you do about it? 4. Tips and moving forward 5. Closing thoughts Links mentioned in the episode Video I did on Instagram about rust out Mental health report - https://mentalhealth-uk.org/blog/burnout-report-2025-reveals-generational-divide-in-levels-of-stress-and-work-absence/#:~:text=While%20the%20proportion%20of%20people,and%20a%20decrease%20among%20thoseHR report article - https://www.bhsf.co.uk/news-insights/burnout-in-the-workplace-a-fresh-perspective-for-hr-leaders-in-2025Standout CVarticle - https://standout-cv.com/stats/work-life-balance-statistics-uk Rustout article  - https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/careers/rust-out-signs-impact-mental-health/761502 Dr Chatterjee'svideo - https://www.tiktok.com/@drranganchatterjee/video/7444152166828363040 Other Relevant Podcast episodes 1.  Episode 13 – Five tips to help you move forward with career burnout 2. Episode 40 – How dealing with burnout andunhappiness can lead to a new career path (with Elaine Batho) 3. Episode 73 - Are you a people pleaser at work?4.  Episode 80 - What does it take it be acompassionate and kind leader in your career (Interview with Kath Curry) 5.  Episode 146 - What is quiet quitting and what do you need to know about it? 6.  Episode 157 - How can you find your careerpurpose and 2 ways to do this 7.  Episode 177 - 3 reasons the Gender pay gapexists and what your can do about this as a women? 8.  Episode 202 - We need to talk about why work colleagues aren’t talking to each anymore? 9. Episode 250 - Coffee Badging what is it and how can this impact on hybrid flexible work for others? My appearance on SEO podcastwhere I spoke about quit quitting and loud quitting - https://podbay.fm/p/the-seo-mindset-podcast/e/1696467600If you have any questions about thisepisode please contact me on soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.comor soma@somaghosh.com    

In this episode we talk about planning for possible redundancy and what it’s like working in an environment whilst going throughthis. The main format of this episode is as follows: 1. Introduction – Idea behind this episode and why I wanted to record this episode 2. Toxic work environment due to redundancy – what does this look like examples and possible scenarios 3. 3 tips to help navigate this if this is situation currently 4. Closing thoughts on this Other relevant episodes linked to this 1.  Episode 40 - How dealing with burnout andunhappiness at work can lead you to a new career path (Interview with ElaineBatho)2. Episode 45 - 3 tips to help you prepare forpossible job loss. 3. Episode 49 - How to recover from redundancy and move on 4. Episode 171 - 3 ways to cope with career anxietyIf you have any questions about this podcast episode or generalquestions about The Career Happiness Mentor email me at soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.comor soma@somaghosh.com

In this episode we talk about Coffee Badging and how it can impact on flexible work. The format of this episode was as follows: 1. Introduction and purpose of this episode 2. What is coffee badging and why are people doing it? 3. How is impacting on hybrid flexible work forothers 4. Closing thoughts Video I mentioned about coffee badging and the impact ofcovid in relation to this is worth a watch see link here - CNBC video - https://youtu.be/mJG4MdepNSA?si=32f12gFoXr8b57YAArticles that I mentioned and are worth reading in relationto this episode Harpers Barzaar articlehttps://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/work/a64409450/coffee-badging-work-office-trend/MSN Article - https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/2025-is-the-year-of-coffee-badging-and-clock-blocking-but-what-do-they-mean/ar-AA1wC2f9?cvid=08ADAA4E7864415588F6735063AF49E5&ocid=finance-verthp-feeds&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1Other relevant episodes Episode 181 Hybrid work and loneliness Episode 188 – Flexible work and burnout Episode 202 - We need to talk about why work colleaguesaren’t talking to each anymore?Episode 247 - Is flexible working causing a unfair workingdivide ?Other relevant episodes Episode 181 Hybrid work and loneliness Episode 188 – Flexible work and burnout Episode 202 - We need to talk about why work colleaguesaren’t talking to each anymore?Episode 247 - Is flexible working causing a unfair workingdivide ?If you have any questions about this episode or want to askme something linked to this please email me at soma@thecareerhappinesmentor.comor soma@somaghosh.com

In this episode I spoke to guest Mac Prichard. Mac is a careers expert, business owner and author. The main themes we spoke about in this episode 1.  Who Mac is, what he does and his business 2. How did the idea of his podcast come about 3. What is a job board and how to use them effectively4. The hiring process in relation to job hunting 5. Networking tips and advice whilst job hunting 6. How to find hidden jobs in the job market 7. Mac’s career story and what he did before hisbusiness 8.  Advice around being unemployed and how to handle this 9. Biggest lessons about running a business 10. One piece of advice for Mac’s younger self that he would be say to someone in their 20s right now How to follow and connect with Mac Mac’s website - https://www.macslist.org/Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/find-your-dream-job-insider-tips-for-finding-work-advancing/id1047320599X (formerly Twitter) - https://x.com/Macs_ListLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/macprichard/If you have any questions about this episode orthe podcast itself please email us at ⁠soma@somaghosh.com⁠or ⁠soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com

In this episode we look at 3 ways to not take things personally whilst running a business. The main format of this episode is as follows: 1.  Introduction to episode 2.  3 things to not take personally even when itfeels like it 3.  Closing thoughts Scenarios where you may take things personally 1. People not answering to your emails or DMs 2. Not being included or invited to events or parts of communities 3.  People just not wanting to work with youregardless of them liking and actively interacting with your comments What to do instead : 1. Understand that everyone is busy and remember to concentrate on key activities in your business instead 2. Build on your own resilience muscle every-time you get a no or have FOMO 3. Getting comfortable with no and handling anysetback as learning instead of just rejection or a knockback. Other episodes you may find helpful: 1.  Episode 137 - Why Cliques in business can ruinyour own business2. Episode 145 - 3 tips to help you have a healthy,happy business mindset 3.  Episode 148 - How to keep going in your business even when you feel like giving up 4. Episode 192 - 3 qualities I think every businessowner should have 5. Episode 210 - What does running a business mean to you?If you want to book a business consultation please apply fora paid consultation here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0gpDnDpsF3qZwebagkQ2mQCtIFqvCr-pQDLbP5J1Rfe_P7w/viewformIf you have any questions or comments about this podcast or episode please contact us at soma@somaghoh.comor soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com

The format of this Episode is as follows: 1. Introduction and why I wanted to speak about this2.  Flexible working ideology and how it can helpyou currently 3.  Is it causing a unfair working divide if so how?4.  Closing thoughts and what can we learn moving forward Articles mentioned in this episode1.      https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/04/why-flexibility-non-office-workers-key-to-equitable-workplace/#:~:text=And%20work%20tasks%20in%20industries,site%20at%20a%20different%20time.&text=The%20historic%20perception%20that%20flexible,shake%20off%20this%20unequal%20treatment. 2.      https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1904208/lack-flexibility-frontline-workers-creating-two-tier-workforce-report-reveals#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThere%20has%20been%20a%20longstanding,a%20casualised%20workforce%20and%20underfunding. 3.      https://timewise.co.uk/article/why-employers-dont-offer-flexible-jobs-up-front-and-why-they-should/#:~:text=For%20some%20businesses%2C%20flexible%20working,might%20be%20a%20better%20way. Other episodes you may finduseful 1.   Episode 188 - Is flexible working really theanswer to burnout?2.  Episode 212 - Three reasons why the 9-5 doesn’t exist anymore3.  Episode 242 - How are you navigating returning to in person office work? – 3 reasons why it could benefit youIf you have any questions about the podcast please contactme at soma@somaghosh.com or soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com 

In this episode we look at can a self fulfilling prophecy affect your career and 2 ways to handle this.Within this episode we look at: 1.  What is a self-fulfilling prophecy and ideabehind this episode2.  Examples of what this looks like in a job orcareer3. How can it impact on you4. 2 Ways to handle this5.  Closing thoughtsLinks about self-fulfilling prophecyhttps://www.simplypsychology.org/self-fulfilling-prophecy.html- I mentioned this in the article in the episodehttps://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-self-fulfilling-prophecy-6740420https://users.ox.ac.uk/~sfos0060/prophecies.shtmlOther episodes I mentioned or link to this episode1.   Episode 22 - Career Comparison and how to dealwith this (Interview with Lucy Sheridan-Wightman)2.  Episode 50 - Are you being undermined at work?3.    Episode 127 - Is working hard enough in yourcareer?4.  Episode 164 - Career rejection and how to cope with this if it's holding you back from progressing in your career.Want to work with meSee link here - https://www.somaghosh.com/career-happiness-programIf you have any thoughts or comments about this episode please email me at soma@thecareehappinessmentor.com or soma@somaghosh.com

The format of the episode is as follows: 1.  Introduction 2. Fulfilment vs Passion what does this look like 3. Passion vs Realism is there a difference 4. Benefits of finding work you love leading to happiness 5. Disadvantages of finding a job/career you love and the downsides of this 6. Closing thoughts Episodes I recommend that link to this episode 1.  Episode 52 - Should I turn a hobby into a business 2.  Episode 82 - Career confidence and Career Happiness what can you do to reignite your career now. 3.  Episode 125- What can we can learn from the Movie tick, tick...Boom about Career Happiness 4.  Episode 158 - Career confusion in your 20s and 30s and how to tackle this with Alana Kilmartin 5. Episode 201 - Why are we so unhappy at work and 3 ways to handle this? If you have do you have a questions for me about this episode or anything else please email me at soma@somaghosh.com or soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com Do you want to work with me book a consultation  see link here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_op9hNEHtgubM1Q5dfspOqSTonc5dsz9ktl1TpVa0Hs/viewform?edit_requested=true&fbzx=1337396816529605572#responses    

Main format of the Episode: 1.Reasons behind this episode 2. Why is connection so important in business 3. What does it look like to have genuine connections whilst building a business 4. Being mindful that everyone in business is your colleague first and then maybe friend 5. Final thoughts on this Other episodes you may find useful 1. Episode 126 - 3 ways to create a business brand and why it's so important 2.  Episode 130 - Business comparison, what is it and why do we need to stop doing it? 3.  Episode 137 - Why Cliques in business can ruin your own business 4. Episode 210 - What does running a business mean to you? 5. Episode 238 - 3 Important Business Lessons I wish I had known before I had started my business Episode I mentioned where I was on another podcast recently Future you podcast -  https://open.spotify.com/show/3uXOufxy2nDl7BvnuAt655 If you have an questions about this episode or anything else please email me at soma@somaghosh.com and soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com

The format of this episode is as follows: 1.     Introduction and purpose of this episode 2.     History of working at the office vs working from home 3.     3 reasons why it could benefit you 4.     Closing thoughts Articles mentioned in the episode Article about the history of the office and how it’s changed over the years https://www.avocor.com/blog/evolution-of-workplace/#:~:text=The%20first%20historic%20offices%20may,dedicated%20office%20buildings%20were%20created. The Movie apartment and impact on 1960s offices to now article https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/how-the-apartment-shaped-cinemas-view-of-the-workplace/ How remote work started and it’s history https://www.crossover.com/blog/the-history-of-remote-work Tightening office polices and returning to work https://www.thedrum.com/news/2025/01/14/plenty-agencies-are-tightening-hybrid-policies-few-match-wpp-s-4-office-days Could we being seeing an end to working from home https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8ew0jrjxz9o JP Morgan’s employees going back to full-time office work https://www.techradar.com/pro/jpmorgan-tells-all-300-000-employees-they-must-return-to-office-full-time Otherrelevant episodes 1.     Episode 103 - Working hard vs working smart what's real answer to working culture 2.     Episode 140- How deal with The Great Resignation and Burnout Culture with Sara J. McElroy 3.     Episode 181 - Feeling lonely whilst working in a hybrid role and what to do about it. 4.     Episode 188 - Is flexible working really the answer to burnout? 5.     Episode 202 - We need to talk about why work colleagues aren’t talking to each anymore? 6.     Episode 225 - 2 ways technology can help your career and 2 ways it can hinder it Do you have a question or topic you want featured on the podcast if so please email us at ⁠soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com⁠ or ⁠soma@somaghosh.com

In this episode we talk about the emotional impact of a horrible boss or colleague and some tips on how to handle this. The format of this episode is as follows: 1. Introduction 2.  Storytime about this and how it impacted me emotionally 3.  What I see with my clients 4.   3 ways to deal with this Other episodes that I mention that are worth listening to : 1.   Episode 33 – 3 tips on workplace bullying 2.  Episode 55 – 3 ways to communicate better with your colleagues 3.  Episode 68 – How Narcissism can affect you in the workplace 4.  Episode 85 – What makes a good manager vs a good leader and how this links to career happiness 5.  Episode 146 – What is quiet quitting and what do we need to know about it How I can support you Apply for a Careers consultation here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_op9hNEHtgubM1Q5dfspOqSTonc5dsz9ktl1TpVa0Hs/viewform?edit_requested=true&fbzx=1337396816529605572#responses If you have any questions about the episode or how I can work with you please email me at soma@somaghosh.com

Trigger warning!!*- We talk about sensitive issues in this episode like miscarriage and Baby loss and infertility so if you have experienced anything we talk about perhaps reframe from listening or be kind to yourself whilst listening and have extra support around you whilst you listen. The main format of the episode is as follows: 1.     Asiya talking about who she is and the work she does 2.     Baby loss and infertility and the impact this has on the women Asiya helps 3.     Navigating the journey around being child-free not by choice 4.     Managing the journey of going through infertility and miscarriage at work and what can organisations do to support people who are going through this. 5.     Pregnancy announcements at work and online and the impact this as you at work and in general especially if you are going through infertility or Baby loss 6.     Supporting men who are going through Baby loss and how can we support them too 7.     Who supported Asiya when she was going through her own journey and how did this help her. 8.     The awareness around baby loss now and how Asiya would of dealt with this if she had known about charities out there whilst going though it 9.     What drives Asiya to keep talking about her infertility and miscarriage an supporting others 10.  Baby Loss certificates and Asiya’s thought about this to help people move on from their loss 11.  The medical condition that Asiya has called Incompetent cervix and raising awareness around this as it causes miscarriage 12.  Inclusion for non-parents and dealing with this around infertility 13.  How you can connect with Asiya Links to connect with Asiya 1.     Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/asian_miscarriage_hub/ 2.     LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/asiya-dawood-11007444/ If you have any questions about the podcast please email us at soma@somaghosh.com or soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com        

The format of this is as follows: 1.Introduction 2. Examples of breaks 3. Three reasons why 4. Closing thoughts LinkedIn post about Vikrant Massey - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/soma-sh-oma-ghosh-26086638_vikrant-massey-ends-silence-on-retirement-activity-7271070937557401600-ke1d?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Other relevant career break episodes 1.Episode 7 - How can I restart my career after a career break 2.Episode 237 - 3 Reasons why you should be having regular breaks in your working day? 3.Episode 231 - Business burnout- 3 ways to handle this and why you shouldn’t ignore it? 4.Episode 199 - Why are we rejecting Hustle Culture 5.Episode 197 - 5 TV shows you should watch about the world of work 6.Episode 188 - Is flexible working really the answer to burnout? 7.Episode 168 - Is Burnout still an issue and what can you do to prevent it? 8.Episode 95 - 3 ways to manage career and life pressure 9.Episode 77 Dealing with Chronic Illness and your Career 10.Episode 74 - Can you afford to take a career break? If you have any questions about the podcast please email me at soma@somaghosh.com or soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com  

What I spoke about in this episode 1.  Introduction and story time behind this episode 2.  3 Lessons I have learnt in my business and what it’s taught me 3.  Closing thoughts Links relevant to this episode https://www.linkedin.com/posts/soma-ghosh-26086638_in-this-video-below-i-share-a-recent-experience-activity-7270708575369367553-Xk9_?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Other episodes that you may find useful 1.  Episode 211 - Being a business adviser and key tips on how to thrive as a business owner with Lee Lam 2. Episode 217 - 4 reasons why Businesses Fail 3. Episode 221 - 4 ways to spot a fake business influencer 4. Episode 204 - 2 reasons why being a business owner isn’t what you may think it is 5. Episode 192 - 3 qualities I think every business owner should have If you have any comments and questions about this episode or interested in working with me as a business mentor please contact me via email at soma@somaghosh.com or soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com

In this episode we talk about 3 reasons you should be having regular breaks at work. The main format of this episode is as follows: 1. Introduction and purpose behind this episode 2. Why breaks needed and the implications of this plus some legislation around this 3.  Three Reasons why regular breaks are needed 4.  Closing thoughts around this Articles related to this episode that I mention 1.      https://www.ciphr.com/blog/regular-breaks-at-work#:~:text=Regular%20breaks%20are%20essential%20for,boosts%20both%20wellbeing%20and%20productivity. 2.      https://www.gov.uk/rest-breaks-work/print 3.      https://www.acas.org.uk/working-time-rules If you want to ask a question about career happiness or have any further topic suggestions or comments please email us at soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com or soma@somaghosh.com

In this episode we talk about the following: 1. Why I decided to record this episode 2. University drop out rates 3.  What happens if you don’t finish your degree or leave university? 4. Options moving forward 5.  Closing thoughts Websites I mentioned in this episode 1.  https://www.whatuni.com/advice/news/universities-with-highest-and-lowest-dropout-rates/85809/#:~:text=Their%20insights%20reveal%20that%20computer,to%20drop%20out%20of%20education. 2. https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2024/04/25/why-a-fresh-approach-is-needed-for-university-drop-out-rates/ 3. https://www.hepi.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Dropouts-or-stopouts-or-comebackers-or-potential-completers-Non-continuation-of-students-in-the-UK.pdf 4. https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/what-to-study/types-of-degrees-uk 5. https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/after-you-start/transferring-or-dropping-out-of-university 6. https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/dropping-out-of-university-and-starting-again If you have any questions about this episode please email us at soma@somaghosh.com or soma@thecareerhappinessmentor.com