Joy At Work

Searching for a new role is rarely joyful. Add children, mortgages, relocation, and a 25-year career in one industry… and suddenly midlife stuckness feels very real.When Dom Salomoni found himself job hunting for the first time in decades at 48, he didn’t spiral into panic-mode hustle. Instead, he designed a six-month runway. He invested in mindfulness. He redefined success for this stage of life. And he built what he calls his North Star — a clear, non-negotiable definition of what work needed to give him now.This conversation explores what midlife professionals rarely say out loud:The fear. The ego wobble. The identity shift. The quiet recalibration.Lucia Knight unpacks the emotional and practical strategies that helped Dom stay steady — and why midlife job search isn’t just about getting hired. It’s about designing work that matters.What This ExploresWhy midlife job search feels different (and heavier) than early-career movesHow a defined runway reduces panic and protects your thinkingThe power of mindfulness over frantic productivityCreating a North Star that reflects who you are now — not who you were at 38Structuring your days so rejection doesn’t define your worthMidlife job search often arrives quietly — through redundancy, relocation, or simply the realization that your work no longer fits.If this conversation resonates, share it with someone navigating their own stuckness. You never know who might need a steadier way forward.And if you're ready to design work that truly fits this season of your life, you can learn more about working with me here: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me

Ever find yourself thinking, “I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up”?You’re not alone — and more importantly, you’re not behind.In this episode, I respond to a heartfelt question from a 43-year-old marketing director who's feeling stuck and unsure about their future. We unravel the pressure-packed question we've all heard since childhood — “What do you want to be when you grow up?” — and offer two far more useful ones instead.You’ll hear:Why we’re still haunted by career expectations that began at age fiveA mindset shift that turns work from obligation to opportunityTwo powerful questions that can reframe your midlife work lifeHow to connect your superpowers with real-world problems that matterA peek inside how we tackle this inside the Fierce Emporium programmeIf your brain has been circling the same old questions for years, this is the episode to help you stop the spiral — and start designing something better.🎥 Watch the video – Do I just need a new job or a new strategy? 👉 Watch now📥 Free download – Five Questions to Ask When You’re Feeling Career Stuck 👉 Download here💬 Join the conversation – You’re not too old, and it’s not too late. 👉 Midlife Unstuck Community InvitationIf this episode sparks something, please share it with someone who's quietly wondering the same thing.

Have you ever had that gut-feeling that something’s off at work? You’re good at your job, but it just doesn’t feel good enough? In this episode, I share the one powerful concept that’s helped hundreds of my clients feel more alive, energised, and fulfilled in their careers—superpowers.Not the comic-book kind, but those unique things you do so effortlessly and joyfully that time disappears.Together, we’ll explore:What superpowers actually are (and how to spot yours)Three ways to uncover your own hidden brillianceSimple, real-life tweaks to build joy into your workdayWhy using your superpowers more often leads to promotions, pay rises, and feeling less drained at homeAnd yes, there’s a free tool to help you begin.📥 Download the Superpower Starter Worksheet👉 https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17Let’s design a workday (and a work life) that actually feels like you.

When your new boss is 20 years younger than you (and possibly owns trainers your teenager wants), the emotional whiplash is real.In this episode, I respond to a listener who's just landed under the leadership of someone they could have taught to drive. I share seven very practical, very real strategies for navigating this shift—without bitterness, without sarcasm, and with all the self-possession you've built up over decades.This isn't about sucking up or staying silent. It's about dignity, relevance, and choosing to lead in a new way. Whether you're simmering with frustration or simply unsure how to proceed, this one's for you.You’re not too old, and it’s not too late.Join the Midlife Unstuck Community → https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/3🔗 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE7 Dignified Strategies for Working with a Baby BossCase Study Series on Midlife Career Redesign

What if the goal isn’t balance… but flow?Five years ago, Chris joined the pilot of Lucia Knight’s work-life redesign programme. He wasn’t in crisis. He wasn’t burned out beyond repair. But something felt off. And instead of ignoring that stuckness, he chose to investigate it.Today, he shares the three insights he never wants to forget about his future work life.They’re simple. They’re powerful. And they’re the kind of truths that change how you design everything — from your diary to your relationships to the way you define success.This is a conversation about experimentation, clarity, appreciation, and that unmistakable full-body “tingle” you feel when work finally fits.What You’ll Sit WithThe difference between chasing balance and creating work-life flowWhy “everything is an experiment” removes the fear of getting it wrongThe kind of appreciation that makes work deeply satisfyingWhat it feels like when work aligns with your SuperpowersHow small experiments can quietly dismantle stucknessIf this conversation resonates with someone who’s quietly questioning their version of success — someone who’s successful on paper but sensing a deeper misalignment — consider sharing it with them.And if you’re ready to design work that matters, you can explore the ways to work with Lucia here: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-meLearn more about Chris's work here: www.brightrisephotography.co.uk

In this episode of the Joy at Work Podcast, I sit down with former client Gill Kirk to capture the three timeless lessons she’s taking into the next chapter of her work life. These aren’t generic career tips—they’re deep truths discovered through months of intentional redesign.Gill shares what it means to lead with deliberate curiosity, how she gently but powerfully challenges outdated work processes, and why carving out quiet space is now non-negotiable in her career. It’s honest, human, and full of insight for anyone considering what really matters in how they work.Whether you're at a crossroads, already in transition, or just craving more joy in your work life, this conversation offers clarity, warmth, and a bit of gentle provocation.Learn how you can work with me:👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-meCatch Other Stories of Midlife Career Redesign:Designing A Work Life That Fits: Silvia's Story - https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/career-redesign-midlife-lessons-silviaWhen You Stop Editing Yourself, Your Work Changes: Deirdre's Story - https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/career-redesign-midlife-lessons-deirdreFrom Stuck to Energised: Lara’s Story - https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/career-redesign-midlife-lessons-laraEscaping Boredom and Finding Your Superpowers: Scott’s Story - https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/scott-midlife-career-redesign

I get this question more often than you might expect:My work isn’t awful… but it isn’t great either. I can’t tell if it’s bad enough to leave or good enough to stay.Yes. I’ve seen this a lot.There’s a particular kind of work experience that doesn’t shout, doesn’t sparkle, and doesn’t trigger a crisis — but quietly drains your energy over time. I call it languishing at work.It sits between happy work and unhappy work.It doesn’t ring alarm bells.And that’s exactly why it’s so dangerous.When you’re languishing, you still show up. You still do the work. You might even work hard. But inside, something has gone flat. You tell yourself you’re lucky. You tolerate it. You coast. Weeks turn into months. And slowly, almost invisibly, you lose your spark.In this episode, I talk about:The three “siblings” of work life satisfaction — and why the middle one gets ignoredHow languishing feels different from burnout (and why that matters)Why smart, capable mid-career professionals are especially good at tolerating work that no longer fitsThe difference between a short-term dip and chronic work-life languishingWhat actually helps — from tiny pattern-disrupting experiments to knowing when it’s time for a bigger rethinkIf your work feels fine, okay, or just about tolerable — and has done for far too long — this is for you.Because the middle child doesn’t stay quiet forever.And designing work that feels energising again starts with noticing what’s really going on.If this idea of languishing at work resonates, you don’t need a dramatic leap — but you do need a more intentional next step.If you’re ready to think more deliberately about the next decade of your work life, you can explore my work redesign programmes here:👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-meAnd if you’d rather start with something lighter, I’ve shared practical ways to experiment your way out of flatness here:👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/new-blog-1/2020/11/8/midlife-career-kiss-of-life

I’m joined by Silvia, someone I worked with a few years ago during her work-life redesign — and what I love about this conversation is how grounded it is in real decisions, not big declarations.Silvia didn’t chase a “perfect job.” Instead, she got clear on what actually mattered to her in midlife: time, the people she works with, and the freedom to keep adjusting as life changes.We talk about choosing a three-day workweek, why work environment became a non-negotiable baseline for her, and what happens when you stop expecting work to have a final destination.This isn’t a story about burning everything down or finding your one true calling. It’s about designing work that gives you enough energy, money, and time to support the life you care about — now, and in the decade ahead.What This ExploresWhat being “time-rich” really changes about work decisionsWhy the right work environment isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a baselineHow letting go of a final destination creates more freedomWhat success can look like in midlife — without burning everything downCurious what joy at work could look like for you?Explore all of my programs at 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-meCatch Other Stories of Midlife Career Redesign:What Changes When You Stop Editing Yourself at Work: Deirdre’s StoryFrom Stuck to Energised: Lara’s Story Escaping Boredom and Finding Your Superpowers: Scott’s Story

There’s a curious pattern that shows up again and again: people say they want more connection, more belonging, more community — and then quietly avoid the very practices that would help them build it.This reflection explores why deep, human networks feel so confronting in midlife, how shame and fear sneak in disguised as “being busy,” and why meaningful connection isn’t something you wait until you’re ready for. It’s something you practice while you’re still unsure.This isn’t about networking tactics. It’s about remembering who matters, and letting yourself matter back.What This ExploresWhy smaller networks often carry more emotional weight than we expectThe quiet fear that stops us from tending relationships we actually wantHow urgency crowds out what’s meaningful — and why that costs usWhat changes when connection is treated as a living system, not a toolA tiny, human experiment that rebuilds trust in belongingIf this stirred something tender or familiar, you’re not alone. Many people quietly carry the same longing — and the same hesitation. You don’t need a bigger network. You just need to start where you are.If you'd like your next year or decade of work to be more enjoyable than your last, check out the three work-life redesign programs I offer at https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me.Want more? Check out my resources for Networking like a Midlife Human

There’s a quiet kind of exhaustion that comes from succeeding while only showing up halfway. From doing excellent work that never quite feels like yours. From knowing you’re capable of more, but not knowing how to bring your whole self without blowing things up.In this conversation, I’m joined by former client Deirdre McCarthy, who reflects on what changed when she stopped fragmenting herself to fit professional expectations—and started designing work that aligned with her values, her curiosity, and her humanity.We talk about trusting your inner truth, leading with vulnerability instead of expertise-as-armor, and letting go of the belief that work is a zero-sum game.This isn’t a story about quitting everything overnight. It’s about the quieter shifts that change how work feels from the inside out—and what becomes possible when you stop editing yourself.What This ExploresWhat happens when you bring more than just your “competence” to workWhy vulnerability can create momentum instead of riskHow abundance thinking quietly dissolves comparison and competitionThe difference between being successful and feeling congruentWhat “joy at work” actually feels like when it’s realIf any part of this conversation stirred something for you, you’re not alone. Sometimes the most important work shift isn’t external at all—it’s the quiet decision to stop abandoning parts of yourself that matter.Curious what joy at work could look like for you?Explore all of my programs at 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-meCatch Other Stories of Midlife Career Redesign:From Stuck to Energised: Lara’s StoryEscaping Boredom and Finding Your Superpowers: Scott’s Story

Most of us are pretty rubbish at listening, aren't we?In this episode, I’m joined by Colin Smith, aka The Listener — a man on a mission to change the way the world listens. We explore what it really feels like to be deeply heard (spoiler: it’s calming, empowering, and makes you feel safe), and what’s at stake when we’re not. Think disconnection, disengagement, even depression.But we also get practical. Colin shares two beautifully simple listening practices you can try today — at work, at home, or even with your kids — to spark trust and connection in minutes.If you’ve ever felt unheard, or you suspect you might be doing more talking than listening... this one’s for you.🎧 Mentioned:Two mini listening experiments that deepen trust quicklyWhy “don’t fix it” might be the best career advice you’ve never heardThe real cost of not listening inside companies (hint: it’s not just talent loss)👉 Want to begin your own joy-at-work redesign?Start with my self-assessment tool ‘Derailed’ — it takes just 30 mins and might just change how you see everything: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed👉 Want to learn more?Dig into Practical Tactics for Better Listening: A Joy At Work Experiment with Lucia Knight: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/active-listening

Ever wondered if loyalty is keeping you stuck?In this episode, I’m joined by former client Lara, who bravely reflects on three career design insights she never wants to forget. These are not surface-level tips—they’re hard-won truths shaped through deep experimentation and support inside our Fierce Emporium programme and 1:1 work.We talk about:The blurry line between loyalty and unhealthy boundariesHow your body knows the truth before your brain doesWhy working on someone else’s passion will eventually drain youLara also shares her new direction—supporting people navigating grief while executing estates—and how she discovered her “fourth superpower” along the way.If you’re in a season of stuckness, questioning what’s next, or need a gentle nudge to prioritise your kind of meaningful work, you’ll feel seen in this one.🔗 Curious what working together might look like?Explore how we can redesign your career:👉 Work With MeListen to another client transformation:Scott’s Three Career Design Insights He’ll Never ForgetLearn More About How To Find Your Superpowers

Have you ever had that gut-feeling that something’s off at work? You’re good at your job, but it just doesn’t feel good enough? In this episode, I share the one powerful concept that’s helped hundreds of my clients feel more alive, energised, and fulfilled in their careers—superpowers.Not the comic-book kind, but those unique things you do so effortlessly and joyfully that time disappears.Together, we’ll explore:What superpowers actually are (and how to spot yours)Three ways to uncover your own hidden brillianceSimple, real-life tweaks to build joy into your workdayWhy using your superpowers more often leads to promotions, pay rises, and feeling less drained at homeAnd yes, there’s a free tool to help you begin.📥 Download the Superpower Starter Worksheet👉 https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17Let’s design a workday (and a work life) that actually feels like you.

As we head into the festive season and spend more time with family and friends, there's one question that always seems to show up: "How’s work?" In this short episode, I share why that question is a total conversation killer—and what to ask instead if you want to spark a deeper, more joyful connection.I’ll walk you through a simple but powerful question you can use at your next gathering, whether you're chatting to a burnt-out sibling, a newly retired uncle, or a friend who secretly hates their job. I’ll even show you how to ask it well—and why it can lead to unexpectedly beautiful conversations.This one shift can bring more joy not just to their work, but to yours too.💬 Take the Life Satisfaction AssessmentIf you’re ready to reflect on your own work and life, try the Derailed Assessment. It’s a guided 30-minute deep dive into what’s bringing you joy—and what’s not. A brilliant place to begin your joy-at-work redesign.👉 Take the Life Satisfaction Assessment

Ever wonder what it really takes to shift from quiet burnout to joy at work?In this special episode, I’m joined by one of my former clients who generously shares the three career design insights he never wants to forget. These insights came from our deep work together and his own fierce curiosity about what a joyful working life could actually feel like.We talk about how boredom can spiral into stress and anxiety, how understanding your personal kryptonite can transform how you show up at work, and why leaning into your real self (and your superpowers) is the key to sustainable joy.If you’ve been stuck in autopilot, or you’re craving a new way to make decisions about your next career move—this one’s for you.Ready to design work that matters? 👉 Work with meMentioned in this episode: 🔹 Midlife Worklife Satisfaction Report

I want to talk about something I’ve been hearing over and over again from brilliant, experienced professionals: boredom at work. Not the low-level kind we all get from time to time—but chronic, energy-draining, soul-dimming boredom.This episode is grounded in new research from the Midlife Work-Life Satisfaction Report, which drew insights from over 1,000 midlife professionals. And one thing was glaring: 97% said they want to do more meaningful work. That’s not a typo.In this episode, I walk you through:What chronic boredom really looks like at midlifeThe 3 distinct types of boredom I uncovered in my researchHow each type chips away at your joy, energy, and engagementA more nuanced way to reconnect with work that matters moreYou’ll also hear a bit about my own experience with boredom coma—and how I found my way out.If any of this feels painfully familiar, you’re not broken. But you might be overdue for a redesign.👉 Ready to do something about it? Work with meMentioned in This Episode:Midlife Work-Life Satisfaction Report

This episode is a little different.I’ve been experimenting again, and this time, I teamed up with my younger brother to bring a long-simmering idea to life — a short film about one of the most overlooked emotions at work: boredom.We talk about how stress gets all the attention in work dissatisfaction stories, but boredom — quiet, creeping, and often ignored — is doing damage in the background. And if we miss its early signals, we often end up with a combo of burnout and boredom that’s hard to escape.I share a personal story, a client vignette, and an invitation to notice boredom earlier — when it can still guide us to something more joyful.🎬 Want the visual version? Watch the 3-minute video here: The Most Dangerously Overlooked Emotion at WorkIf you’re suffering from chronic boredom and want help to redesign more enJOYment into your work life, go to MidlifeUnstuck.com to learn how.Mentioned in This Episode:A special thanks to Brendan and Sam at Kaios Media for bringing this to life.The Derailed Diagnostic: A 30-minute life satisfaction assessment

Ever hit “send” on a big report or finish a massive project, and instead of feeling relief... you still feel wired, tense, or ready for the next punch? In this solo episode, I answer a listener question about that exact experience—and explain why your brain might think you’re done, but your body is still stuck on the rollercoaster of stress.I’ll walk you through six surprisingly simple, science-backed ways to complete the stress cycle—so you don’t carry tension home or pass it onto your loved ones.If you've ever felt like you're bracing for impact long after the storm has passed, this one's for you.🌀 Key Topics Covered:• Why your body stays in stress even when your mind moves on• The “unfinished rollercoaster” of emotions• 6 practical ways to complete the stress cycle• How to avoid bringing work tension into your home life• Why creativity and laughter are legit biological reset buttons👉 Mentioned in This Episode:2025 Midlife Work-Life Satisfaction ReportCurious what joy might look like for you? Explore what’s possible

If you think conflict at work is something to avoid—or outsource to HR—this episode might just change your mind.My guest, NadeenSivic, has spent nearly three decades leading tech teams across Australia and the UK. She’s known as “the fixer” of messy teams and offers a street-smart, no-nonsense lens on workplace conflict: not as a problem, but as a natural part of work that every manager needs to master.We talk about:Why conflict is not the enemyThe difference between contrast, friction, and true conflictWhy most mid-level managers are thrown into the “execution mosh pit” without proper toolsNadeen’s dead-simple “Said / Done / Produced” framework you can try in your next Teams meetingYou’ll laugh, nod, and quite possibly see your last team meeting in a whole new light.🎯 Ready to lead with more confidence and fewer HR escalations? Join the waitlist for The Manager’s Lab: www.the-managers-lab.com

Ever stumbled when someone asked, “So, tell me about yourself?” You’re not alone—and the good news? You can get better at it.This week, I answer a listener question about the most deceptively simple interview prompt there is—and why your answer might be derailing more than your confidence.I’ll walk you through:What this question really means (hint: it’s not a test)Why reviewing your CV from the past 20 years is not the story to tellThree different approaches that make you memorable—not forgettableWhether you’re in the middle of interviews or just rethinking how you present yourself, this is your reminder: you don’t need to be dull, and you don’t need to shrink. You just need to show up as the version of you that brings energy, clarity, and value.🎧 Press play, and let’s design the joyful version of you they can’t ignore.👉 Need help finding your superpowers? Check out this starter kit: https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17

Am I Too Old To Change Careers?This question came from a listener who asked: “I'm 62—am I too old to change careers?”I remember a conversation with a Speedy Sherpa client in his 50s that sent me down a rabbit hole looking for what I began calling "the unicorns"—people in their 60s who weren’t just working, but thriving in meaningful full-time roles. And yes, I found them. But they didn’t get there by accident.In this episode, I’m sharing:Why “Corporate Toast at 50” is still far too commonWhat thriving 60-somethings do differentlyThe real reason career joy is rare—but not impossible—after 60And why you don’t need permission… you just need a plan.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “too late” to make a change—this one’s for you.Mentioned in This Episode:The Speedy Sherpa Programme: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/the-redesignArticle: 50 Year Old “Corporate Toast” https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/new-blog-1/2017/9/20/50-year-old-corporate-toastThe (2025) Midlife Work-Life Satisfaction Report - https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/new-blog-1/2025/midlife-worklife-satisfaction

In this episode of Joy at Work, I reconnect with my old friend and ex-colleague Nia Trussler, now an Associate Partner at Page Executive. We worked together in the headhunting world over a decade ago, and today, she joins me to shed light on a powerful shift in how companies are selecting senior leaders.Gone are the days when only linear, polished blue-chip CVs were the golden ticket. Nia shares how companies are now valuing non-linear, innovative career paths—those who’ve zig-zagged, pivoted, and taken unconventional routes.We discuss:The rising demand for complex, multidimensional leadership rolesWhy traditional career ladders are no longer the normThe power of your neglected networkHow to get noticed by headhunters today (even if you’re not marketing yourself)This one is packed with real insight from the other side of the hiring table. Whether you’re rethinking your next move or curious about how the exec job market is evolving, you’ll want to tune in.🔗 Ready to explore what’s next for you? Start with the Derailed Life Satisfaction Assessment – it’s the perfect entry point to begin your career redesign.

Have you been ignoring the rattles in your career for a while?In this episode of Joy at Work, I answer a heartfelt listener question: “When is the best time to change careers after 40?”If you're over 40 and feeling that something's just... off — like you're driving a car that no longer fits the journey you're on — you're not alone. I talk through the quiet warning signs that we so often ignore, and the real cost of waiting too long to make a change.Midlife career change isn’t about starting over. It’s about tuning up, resetting your GPS, and taking the next small, intentional step.🔧 You don’t need to burn it all down — but you do need to lift the bonnet and take a look inside.🎁 If you’re feeling stuck in a career cul-de-sac, grab this mini-worksheet on questions worth answering: 👉 Download the Free Guided Worksheet

Have you noticed your job applications getting ignored—even when you're asking for less money? You might be in The Squeeze.In this episode, I share a concept I’ve observed for years but only recently named: The Squeeze. It’s a silent career crisis where your value appears to shrink in the market, even though your experience is growing. It’s not just about money—it chips away at your confidence, identity, and joy at work.You’ll hear:The three types of professionals most at riskThe tell-tale signs you're being squeezedWhy bland messaging and generic job titles are costing you interviewsHow Rory, Kieran, and Jolene turned things around (real client stories)Three powerful ways to avoid—or recover from—The SqueezeIf you’re feeling overlooked, underpaid, or unsure how to position your value in your 40s, 50s, or 60s—this episode is for you.🎁 Mentioned in This EpisodeDownload the Superpower Starter KitThe Fierce Accelerator ProgrammeThe Fierce EmporiumJolene’s StoryHow to Stay Highly Paid in Your 40s, 50s, and 60s🛠️ Curious what joy might look like for you? Download the Superpower Starter Kit to begin identifying what makes you truly brilliant—and how to talk about it so people get it.

Have you ever been offered a promotion right when you were thinking about leaving your job? That’s exactly the situation this week’s listener finds themselves in.In this episode of Joy at Work, I share a powerful real-life story of what happened when someone said yes to a role that didn’t align with their superpowers. I also walk you through four essential clarity questions to ask before accepting a promotion that could lock you in for years.If you’re at a career crossroads or simply wondering if your next move fits who you are now, this episode is for you.Want to design a work life that energises you instead of drains you? Learn more about The Fierce Emporium: 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/the-fierce-emporiumMentioned in This Episode:X Change book: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/bookSuperpower Starter Kit (free download): https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17

When your new boss is 20 years younger than you (and possibly owns trainers your teenager wants), the emotional whiplash is real.In this episode, I respond to a listener who's just landed under the leadership of someone they could have taught to drive. I share seven very practical, very real strategies for navigating this shift—without bitterness, without sarcasm, and with all the self-possession you've built up over decades.This isn't about sucking up or staying silent. It's about dignity, relevance, and choosing to lead in a new way. Whether you're simmering with frustration or simply unsure how to proceed, this one's for you.You’re not too old, and it’s not too late.Join the Midlife Unstuck Community → https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/3🔗 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE7 Dignified Strategies for Working with a Baby BossCase Study Series on Midlife Career Redesign

This week I’m joined by Caroline Clark, a leadership coach, performance psychologist, and analogue space astronaut. Caroline recently spent five days locked inside a simulated space mission in Poland—with no windows, no phones, and no escape. What she discovered is that humour isn’t just “nice to have” in high-pressure environments—it’s a survival tool.Together, we explore how laughter connects us, regulates stress, and creates resilience at work. Caroline shares why humour builds trust, strengthens teams, and even makes leaders more effective. We also talk about what makes humour appropriate (and what doesn’t), and how to bring more playfulness into our everyday working lives without losing professionalism.If work has started to feel heavy, this episode is your reminder that joy, play, and humour aren’t distractions—they’re powerful ways to thrive.👉 Curious where joy is showing up in your own life? Take my Derailed Life Satisfaction Assessment—a 30-minute guided programme that helps you explore what’s bringing you joy and what’s bringing you down: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailedConnect with Caroline Clark: • Website: carolineclark.coach • Substack: Liftoff with Caroline • LinkedIn: Caroline Clark

Have you ever looked at your CV and thought, “This is a total mess”?You’re not alone—and you’re not wrong. But that doesn’t mean your career isn’t valuable.In this short and powerful episode, I unpack why non-linear career stories can actually be your superpower, especially during interviews.Whether you’ve made instinct-led choices, followed opportunities based on relationships, or simply changed direction a few times—you’ve got a story to tell.And it’s not about explaining every twist and turn.It’s about highlighting the single thread that shows who you are, what you bring, and why you’re a fit for that role.If your CV feels messy, this one’s for you.👉 Curious what joy might look like for you? Join the Midlife Unstuck community here: https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/3

Have you ever realised you’re holding your breath while answering emails? I hadn’t—until I did. This episode of Joy At Work dives into a phenomenon called email apnea, and trust me, once you notice it, you won’t stop noticing.I’ll share how a former Microsoft exec stumbled on this strange breathing pattern, why it matters to our energy, focus, and joy, and what I’ve been experimenting with to breathe better—even while emailing.You’ll hear:The origin story of email apneaWhat dancers and test pilots know about breath that we don’tSix small, weird (but wonderful) experiments to reset your breathingHow movement, breathing apps, and even watching a dog can help!This one’s short but mighty. If your workday feels heavier than it should, this may be why.🎧 Prefer video? Watch all my Joy at Work Experiments on YouTube: 🔗 Watch the Experiments on YouTube🔍 Explore more episodes on joyful movement & breathing:Pain-Free Work with Rune AboMovement is Medicine with Jon FieldLawrence van Lingen on YouTube🌬️ Curious to experiment more? 👉 Check out all the Joy At Work Experiments

Ever felt the urge to just stop? To hit pause on work, travel a bit, try something new—or just breathe?In this episode, I answer a question I hear often: "If I take a sabbatical, will I ruin my career?"If you’re in midlife and considering stepping off the treadmill—even briefly—you’re not alone. I share stories of people who’ve done it (including me), talk about why the old model of work is crumbling, and offer a perspective that might help you rethink what a meaningful, joyful work life can look like.We explore:Why sabbaticals are no longer career suicideHow midlife reinventions are reshaping what "career success" even meansWhat actually makes a work life feel worth returning toAnd I’ll introduce you to the kind of rethinking we do inside my Fierce Emporium programme—where the first thing we redesign is your idea of work itself.🎯 Learn more about Fierce Emporium: 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/the-fierce-emporiumMentioned in This Episode:📘 X Change – Lucia's Book🎧 Returning to Uni in Midlife

When a listener wrote in about leaving their job to return to uni for a post-grad, I had flashbacks to my own midlife university adventure — and all the mistakes I made.In this episode, I share why I rarely recommend a full-blown post-grad as the first step in a career redesign, plus the three red-flag scenarios where it’s usually the wrong move. I also tell the very real (and slightly messy) story of my own year back at university, balancing motherhood, academia, and a dwindling supply of energy.You’ll hear the rare situations where post-grad study does work beautifully, the key questions to ask before you enrol, and some low-risk ways to test your interest without draining your savings or sanity.If you’re considering going back to uni, this one’s for you.👉 Join the Fierce Emporium and work through my exact clarity process before you invest your time, money, and self-worth in a huge leap. Explore The Fierce Emporium.

If you’ve got a half-formed career idea that just won’t go away—but you’re afraid it might fail—this episode is for you.I’m sharing the story of “Cliona,” a client who tested her dream career idea in a way that didn’t blow up her finances, relationships, or confidence. She discovered her idea wasn’t the right fit—but that clarity freed her to find a path that doubled her salary, increased her time off, and fit beautifully with her life goals.You’ll learn my approach to testing career ideas without taking blind leaps, the key questions to ask before making any move, and why getting clear on your values, superpowers, and life goals is the best insurance against career regret.Mentioned in This Episode:Case Study: Cliona’s StoryVideo testimonials from Fierce Emporium clients (scroll to the bottom)Learn more about The Fierce Emporium:If you’re ready to redesign your career with clarity, confidence, and a proven process for testing your ideas, explore The Fierce Emporium.

If you’ve ever been told to “just do some informational interviews” when exploring a career change, this episode is for you.I’m sharing exactly why the traditional approach to informational interviews drives me up the wall – from the selfish ask, to the hidden job request, to the way it distracts you from the real work of figuring out who you are and what you want.Instead, I introduce my philosophy of “networking like a midlife human” – a generous, human-centred way to connect that honours people’s time and builds genuine relationships.Mentioned in This Episode:Networking like a midlife humanJoin the Midlife Unstuck Community:You’re not too old and it’s not too late. Here’s your invitation to a space where we talk about career redesign, joy at work, and living a life well-lived.

Have you ever found yourself not burned out... but just oddly flat at work?In this episode, I respond to a listener who described a creeping sense of detachment and apathy in their work life—and the dread of staying stuck that way for the next 15 years. I share my own tipping point story from a Tuesday night in October (complete with toddler bedtime chaos and an empty interview with a man I can’t even remember), and how that night became the moment I decided to change everything.If you're feeling like your career has lost its spark but you're not ready to throw it all away, this one's for you. I also share a 6-step “quest” plan to move from flat-lining to future-forward—including what I wish I’d done sooner, and a few ideas to get you experimenting again.✨ Mentioned in this episode:Midlife Career Kiss of Life articleHow to Choose a Career CoachJoin the Midlife Unstuck Community43 Experiments to Help You Enjoy Work Again🎧 Ready to start your quest? Let’s begin your unstucking.

Have you ever wondered why certain things at work feel so much harder for you than others—but easier for your peers? In this episode, I sit down with Rosie Arthey, a coach who specialises in working with neurodivergent adults in the workplace.Rosie was diagnosed with ADHD in her early 40s, and what followed was a cascade of clarity, grief, and surprising self-compassion. Together, we unpack what it really feels like to receive a later-in-life diagnosis—whether it's ADHD, autism, or another form of neurodivergence—and how that affects work, confidence, and communication.This episode is for you if:You’ve received (or suspect) a midlife diagnosisYou manage someone who is neurodivergentYou’re done with masking and ready to thriveWe also talk through the difference between tender and fierce self-compassion—and why both are essential if you want more joy at work.🎯 Ready to redesign your own joy at work?Start with Derailed, my 30-minute quiz that guides you through a 10-area life satisfaction check-up: 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailedMentioned in This Episode:FT Adviser on Self-Compassion in Financial ServicesKristin Neff: What Is Self-Compassion?Research on Self-CompassionMyths About Self-Compassion

Have you ever found yourself staring at your work and wondering, “What’s the point?” after losing someone important?In this episode, I respond to a listener who recently lost a dear friend and finds that their “give-a-toss-ometer” is utterly broken. They’re wondering whether it’s okay to just stop for a while—and the answer might surprise you.We explore how grief recalibrates our values, why traditional career drive can fade in times of emotional upheaval, and what a season of sense-making might look like instead of rushing into change. This one’s a gentle, human conversation about the hidden impact of grief on our working lives—and why it’s perfectly okay not to have it all figured out yet.🎧 We cover:Why grief can make previously fulfilling work feel flatHow loss reshapes our relationship with timeTiny first steps when you don’t know what’s nextMy favourite tools and podcast recommendations for grieving professionals👉 Mentioned in this episode:Article: How a health scare, bereavement or grief impacts career changeBook: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch AlbomPodcast: GriefcastJoy At Work Episode with Dipti TaitJoin the Midlife Unstuck Community❤️ If this episode resonates, give yourself permission to slow down. Grief isn’t something to fix—it’s something to honour.

Have you ever felt so numb at work you wonder if it’s depression—but know it’s not? In this episode, I answer a raw and honest listener letter from a high-achieving law partner who’s “bored to the back teeth.”We dive into why career success often leads to chronic boredom, especially for smart people with a deep need for novelty and challenge. I unpack the hidden psychological toll of this emotional flatline and why it's not just something to push through.If you’ve climbed the ladder only to feel emotionally dimmed, this one’s for you. I’ll walk you through why your clever brain is desperate for stimulation—and how to spot (and stop) the boredom spiral before it impacts everything else.🔗 Mentioned in this episode:🎧 A Joy At Work Experiment: Create Time to Think📥 Download the free worksheet: Get Clear on Your Kryptonite🧭 Join the Midlife Unstuck Community🎁 Share this episode with someone who’s quietly struggling. Boredom isn’t trivial—especially for the smart and successful.

Have you ever thought, “I just want to do something that matters”?In today’s episode of Joy at Work, I respond to a listener who wants to leave a successful commercial career to work in the charity or not-for-profit space. If that sounds familiar—if you’re craving more purpose or impact—I invite you to pause before leaping.I share what I’ve learned from years of working with midlife professionals who’ve felt the same longing. And I offer questions worth asking before you make a big switch. Because meaning doesn’t always come from where you work—it comes from how your work connects to who you are.🎧 In this episode:Why switching to a not-for-profit role isn’t always the magic solutionHow to uncover what’s really missing from your current workThe difference between industry and role misalignmentA practical exercise to get clearer on what you actually wantWhy volunteering can offer more insight than job applications📥 Free Worksheet: Questions Worth Asking (When You're Feeling Career Stuck) → Download it here💬 Join the Free Midlife Unstuck Community → Join here💡 If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone else questioning what’s next.

Have you ever gone down a Google rabbit hole after noticing a small ache… and convinced yourself it was something life-threatening?In this episode, I’m joined by my longtime friend and therapist Warren Foot to talk about something I had barely heard of before our conversation — health anxiety. And once I heard what it was, I realised just how many of us might be living with it silently.Warren specialises in helping people deal with anxiety, trauma, and emotional overwhelm. He introduces us to the concept of rigid thinking, the difference between worry vs. anxiety, and shares how unchecked health anxiety can quietly hijack our lives.You’ll hear:What health anxiety really is (and what it’s not)The role of irrational beliefs and catastrophic thinkingWhy Googling your symptoms makes everything worseHow to reclaim control with “worry time” and action stepsIf anything in this episode resonates with you, I invite you to take Derailed — my 30-minute life satisfaction assessment to gently explore the areas of your life that may be out of alignment.🔗 Take the Derailed Assessment → https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

I’m answering a brilliant (and very real) listener question: “Is it insane to resign?”If your workplace has recently been bought out, the culture is collapsing, and you’re feeling an urgent need to escape — this one is for you.I’ll share why your frustration and anger are valid, why it’s NOT insane to want to leave, and — crucially — why pausing, planning, and positioning yourself first is key to protecting your future.You’ll hear: ✅ Why private equity takeovers feel so brutal (and why it’s not personal) ✅ How to handle the emotional vs. logical brain tug-of-war ✅ 3 practical steps to create your Freedom Fund and plan your next move ✅ Why rushing out the door might land you in a different version of the same trapAnd a gentle reminder: You don’t have to pretend this culture is okay for you. Clarity, not insanity, is what you’re experiencing.Ready to design a sane, strategic exit — and a joyful next chapter?👉 Join the Midlife Unstuck Community Membership — find clarity, support, and real tools to redesign your work life.Mentioned in This Episode:Reclaiming Middle-Aged Me BlogCareer Design Video on YouTubeYou’ve got this. And if you need a guide — you know where to find me.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the slow pace of change inside your organisation—you’re not alone.This week on Joy at Work, I’m joined by Luke Murphy, Product & Transformation Coach, who has walked this path himself. Together, we dive into the mindset shifts and small actions that can empower anyone—yes, even without a big job title—to become a true trailblazer for change.We cover:Why waiting for permission holds us backThe four common traps that sabotage grassroots change effortsLuke’s personal story of transformation and what he learnedPractical first steps to take today if you want to drive meaningful change in your teamThis conversation is a powerful reminder that real change often happens from within, not from above.If today’s episode sparks ideas for you, I’d love to invite you to start your own redesign journey with my Derailed Life Satisfaction Assessment → https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailedAnd to learn more about becoming a Trailblazer, sign up for Luke’s newsletter Disrupt From Within → https://disrupt-from-within.kit.comHere’s to building workplaces—and work lives—that bring more joy.

Have you ever hit the top of your career only to realise... this isn’t the mountain you wanted to climb?In this episode, I respond to a listener who’s built an enviable career, but now finds themselves utterly done with the job—yet far from done with working. We explore what it means to reach the peak and feel empty, the risks of early retirement, and the real work that begins once the big job ends.If you’re staring down your next chapter and wondering what truly fulfilling work could look like now, I walk you through the first steps of career redesign—including how to identify your Superpowers and choose work that feels fierce, meaningful, and yours.🎯 Download The Superpowers Starter worksheet now:💬 Mentioned in This Episode:Join the Midlife Unstuck CommunityDana’s Story: A Case Study in Midlife Redesign

Ever Googled “career coach” and found yourself drowning in vague promises and polished LinkedIn bios? You're not alone. This episode was sparked by a real message from Mike, a listener who’s 51, cynical, and unsure where to start. He knows he doesn’t want a repeat of the same job—but how do you find someone who actually gets that?In this episode, I break down four key hints for choosing the right career advisor (even if you hate the word coach). You’ll hear about:Why generalists rarely work in midlife career redesignHow to spot someone who actually walks their talkThe importance of emotional safety in a coaching relationshipReal talk about pricing transparency and red flagsI also share how my own missteps cost me over £100k—and how I now help others avoid the same.🎯 If you're exploring what joyful, aligned work could look like for you, take the next step here: 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me🔗 Mentioned in This EpisodeBlog: You’re Not Too Old and It’s Not Too LateVideo: 12 Stages of Burnout for Professionals in Midlife

This episode was sparked by a listener who was unexpectedly made redundant after 13 years. If you've ever had the rug pulled out from under you—or fear that moment might come—this one’s for you.I break down what really happens emotionally when you’re let go (spoiler: it’s not just fear), why shame is the quietest but most damaging response, and how to gently move through it. I also share two key steps to help you figure out whether you simply need a new job—or a new career strategy entirely.You’ll find links below to my most-read article on navigating redundancy and all of my midlife career redesign tools.If you're feeling the wobble, you don't have to figure it out alone. The Midlife Unstuck Community is here when you’re ready to begin your redesign.👉 Join the CommunityMentioned in This Episode:Article: The Emotional Anatomy of a RedundancyBlog Archive: All Career Design Article

Ever find yourself thinking, “I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up”?You’re not alone — and more importantly, you’re not behind.In this episode, I respond to a heartfelt question from a 43-year-old marketing director who's feeling stuck and unsure about their future. We unravel the pressure-packed question we've all heard since childhood — “What do you want to be when you grow up?” — and offer two far more useful ones instead.You’ll hear:Why we’re still haunted by career expectations that began at age fiveA mindset shift that turns work from obligation to opportunityTwo powerful questions that can reframe your midlife work lifeHow to connect your superpowers with real-world problems that matterA peek inside how we tackle this inside the Fierce Emporium programmeIf your brain has been circling the same old questions for years, this is the episode to help you stop the spiral — and start designing something better.🎥 Watch the video – Do I just need a new job or a new strategy? 👉 Watch now📥 Free download – Five Questions to Ask When You’re Feeling Career Stuck 👉 Download here💬 Join the conversation – You’re not too old, and it’s not too late. 👉 Midlife Unstuck Community InvitationIf this episode sparks something, please share it with someone who's quietly wondering the same thing.

 Assess how feeling career stuck is impacting you across ten areas of life - in 30 minutes.  Then, decide what you want to do about it.------Season 2 is officially a wrap—and in this episode, I’m giving you a fast-paced recap of what we covered, what stood out, and how to take action now.Across 18 Joy at Work Experiments and conversations with brilliant guests, we explored everything from boundaries, burnout, and imposter syndrome to procrastination, identity, appraisals, and midlife dating. These weren’t just chats—they were practical insights designed to help you feel better about your workday and life.If you’re just joining us, this episode is a great way to get caught up. If you’ve been listening all season, this is your chance to revisit your favourite moments—or finally try that experiment you skipped.What You Can Do Now:1️⃣ Pick one experiment that still lingers in your mind—and try it again.2️⃣ Revisit your favourite interview and note one action you’ve taken (or want to take).3️⃣ If you’re feeling a bit “off” in life or work, try my Derailed Life Satisfaction Assessment to get clearer on what’s working and what’s not.Season 2 may be over, but the tools and insights are still here waiting to support you—wherever your work journey goes next.

 Assess how feeling career stuck is impacting you across ten areas of life - in 30 minutes.  Then, decide what you want to do about it.------Dating in midlife can feel like a minefield—swiping, bad dates, and wondering if you’ll ever meet the right person. But what if there was a better way?In this episode, I sit down with Kerstin Rao, a midlife dating coach who went from disaster dates to finding her perfect partner by building a dating system that actually works. She shares her most outrageous dating fails (yes, there was a convicted felon), but more importantly, she explains how to date with confidence, clarity, and strategy—without wasting time on the wrong people.Key Takeaways from This Episode:✔ Why random dating leads to random results (and how to fix it) ✔ The biggest mistakes midlife daters make—and how to avoid them ✔ How to get crystal clear on what you actually want in a partner ✔ Why dating multiple people at once can help you make better decisions ✔ How treating dating like a career search can get you better resultsMidlife dating doesn’t have to be exhausting—with the right mindset and system, it can actually be fun.

 Assess how feeling career stuck is impacting you across ten areas of life - in 30 minutes.  Then, decide what you want to do about it.-----We rarely talk about guilt at work, but many of us carry it every day—without realizing how much it shapes our decisions, stress levels, and even our happiness.This week’s Joy at Work Experiment was inspired by David, a high-achieving professional who reached the top of his field only to feel disconnected and guilty for no longer loving his work. His story made me examine my own hidden guilt, and what I found was surprising.When I did this experiment, I found that guilt crept in when I felt I didn’t allocate enough time to others or when I was so absorbed in work that I overlooked small but important moments. Recognizing this helped me adjust my calendar and approach, leading to less guilt and more self-compassion.Give it a try. Ten minutes of reflection could change the way you experience your workday.

 Assess how feeling career stuck is impacting you across ten areas of life - in 30 minutes.  Then, decide what you want to do about it.-----Stress is everywhere, and for many of us, our default response is to just crack on and keep going. But that mindset doesn’t work forever—eventually, burnout catches up.In this episode, I talk with stress management coach Bernadette Dancy about why we need to stop glorifying overwork and start building sustainable ways to thrive. Bernie shares practical, science-backed techniques to help midlife professionals reduce stress, regain energy, and set boundaries—without quitting your job or making drastic changes.Key Takeaways from This Episode:✔ Why stress is officially a global health crisis (and why it’s getting worse) ✔ The ABC Framework for real stress relief ✔ Why exercise doesn’t have to mean the gym—movement is key ✔ How better sleep, boundaries, and reducing alcohol can transform your energy ✔ The hidden role of caffeine and carbs in burnout recovery ✔ Why dealing with stress isn’t just about habits—it’s about your beliefsSmall adjustments lead to big relief. You don’t have to overhaul your life—just start with one positive change today.

 Assess how feeling career stuck is impacting you across ten areas of life - in 30 minutes.  Then, decide what you want to do about it.-If you’re constantly saying, “I don’t have enough time,” you’re not alone. But what if I told you that you don’t need more hours in the day—you just need a smarter way to use them?Last week, I asked you to imagine what you’d do if you magically had an extra 30 minutes every day. This week, I’m showing you exactly how to create that time—without waking up earlier, working late, or sacrificing the things you love.What will you do with your extra time? The choice is yours—but it all starts with making space for what truly matters.