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In this episode of Realistic Happiness, we’re joined by Abdul Ahad, a self-employed data consultant who believes work is just a transaction — not the source of your identity or happiness.

We discuss:

- The Truth About Transactional Work: Why treating your job as a simple exchange of time for money can protect your mental health and help you avoid burnout.

- Burnout, Overworking & Boundaries: How modern workplace expectations — like wearing multiple hats or always being 'on' — are leading to quiet dissatisfaction and how to reclaim your energy.

- Redefining Identity Beyond the Job Title: Why tying your self-worth to your career sets you up for emotional exhaustion, and how to find fulfillment outside of work.

- The Illusion of Office Perks: From puppy yoga to free lunches—are wellness initiatives addressing the root of burnout, or just masking deeper issues?

- Making Work Work for You: Tips for choosing roles that support your real-life goals, like more time with family, and why it’s okay to prioritize what you want.

- Tangible Fulfillment Outside of Work: How hobbies like pottery, gardening, or cooking offer more satisfaction than endless backlogs or Zoom meetings ever will.

If you’ve ever questioned whether your job should be your purpose—or felt like work was taking more than it gives—this episode offers a refreshing perspective on detachment, identity, and realistic happiness at work.

Connect with Ahad:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdulahadjamil/

Website: https://kydanalytics.io/

Connect with your Realistic Happiness Community:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/realistichappiness⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/realistichappinesspodcast/⁠

Connect with your host, Daisy:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-ilaria/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/daisy.ilaria⁠

Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@daisy.ilaria⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DaisyIlaria⁠

Connect with our producer, Jamie:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-everett1/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jamie.everett1/