Job Therapy

Finding Work That Works for You

by Tessa West

4.2(18 ratings)

12 min read

Brief overview

This book explores how to diagnose your career dissatisfaction and take practical steps toward a better fit. It shows you how to reassess your goals, apply psychological tools, and learn new strategies for finding meaningful and enjoyable work.

The Power of a Fresh Start

We often view our jobs as simple transactions: work in exchange for pay. But it’s more profound than that. How we feel about our work shapes our goals, confidence, and everyday joy. The first step is recognizing that dissatisfaction can come from big industry shifts or personal changes in what motivates you. Realizing this gap is an invitation to explore new ways of thriving, rather than a sign of failure or weakness.

Many of us cling to routines, fearing change. Yet work evolves as economies shift and personal dreams grow. Accepting this reality helps you see that it’s normal to feel uneasy when expectations no longer match your real-life experiences. Think of your career as a living relationship. It can drift, transform, or even rekindle if given the right attention.

Before diving into details, take a moment to reflect: Is your job still energizing you, or has it become a weight on your shoulders? That honest question can spark the path toward real change. A large part of this journey involves dissecting your career experiences and discovering the silent forces pulling you from enthusiasm to apathy.

By stepping back and assessing what once motivated you but doesn’t anymore, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. You’re not stuck—you’re on the brink of important insights that can reignite your passion or guide you to where you truly belong.

Change is a catalyst for discovering work that lights you up.

Seeing Work as a Relationship

A job can feel comforting at first—new ideas, excitement, and purpose. Then one day, everything shifts. Deadlines begin to pile up, the workplace dynamics aren’t as inspiring, or you realize you’ve changed more than the job has. Similar to a personal relationship, a career requires reflection and honest conversations. Ignoring the signs of drifting apart can lead to further dissatisfaction.

We often blame external factors for our unhappiness—company policies, tight timelines, or layoffs. While these are real, our personal evolution also plays a part. Recognizing how you’ve grown or changed helps reveal the deeper reasons behind your career restlessness.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial. Instead of focusing solely on what’s gone wrong, consider how your own values or goals might have shifted. This helps you pinpoint what you need next—maybe more autonomy, a supportive team, or a new challenge.

Once you see your work as a relationship, you begin to notice its patterns. Is there genuine respect, growth, and excitement? Or are you simply going through the motions? Answering these questions is the key to restoring meaning or deciding to move on.

Treat your job like a relationship—maintain open dialogue or face silent disconnection.

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What is Job Therapy about?

"Job Therapy: Finding Work That Works for You" by Tessa West is an insightful exploration into the modern workplace, highlighting the psychological and emotional aspects of career dissatisfaction. This guide equips readers with practical approaches to analyzing and reshaping their professional lives, focusing on aligning personal goals with career objectives. By examining common career obstacles, Tessa West not only provides understanding but also actionable advice for finding meaningful and rewarding work.

The book sheds light on the intrinsic value of work and how it impacts one's identity and fulfillment. Throughout the pages, readers are encouraged to reassess their professional roles and confront the emotional complexities that may arise. Job Therapy offers strategies to overcome feelings of being underappreciated, overwhelmed, or disconnected, making it a vital resource for anyone seeking to enhance their work-life balance and overall job satisfaction.

Tessa West presents a fresh perspective on how work reflects personal growth and emotional wellbeing. By integrating therapeutic techniques, "Job Therapy" helps readers delve into their professional lives' mental aspects, ultimately aiming to guide them towards careers that resonate with their true selves. This book is a beacon for those at a crossroads, providing clarity and a roadmap to a more fulfilling professional journey.

Review of Job Therapy

"Job Therapy" by Tessa West stands out for its holistic approach in tackling workplace dissatisfaction by combining psychological insights with practical strategies. It opens the door to deep self-reflection and encourages readers to assess their current employment through a psychological lens. This approach is a noteworthy strength as it brings unique, introspective processes often overlooked in career-related literature.

One of the book's key strengths is its provision of tangible, actionable steps for readers to evaluate and improve their work situations. West's advice is neither abstract nor prescriptive; rather, it invites readers to interpret findings relevant to their individual circumstances. From recognizing emotional distress to realigning career goals, each chapter offers practical insights that can be directly applied to one's career path.

The writing is both accessible and rich with professional nuance, blending a conversational tone with authoritative advice. "Job Therapy" is especially relevant for those feeling stuck or undervalued in their roles. West's guidance aims at helping readers understand their professional dissatisfaction and explore viable changes without immediately resorting to job-hopping.

For any reader exploring the intricacies of job satisfaction, Tessa West’s "Job Therapy" offers substantial value. Its blend of reflections and strategies equips professionals of all backgrounds to gracefully navigate their career crossroads, making it a staple read for modern-day employees seeking meaningful work.

Who should read Job Therapy?

Professionals experiencing career dissatisfaction: Readers in this group will benefit from the book's psychological insights and practical strategies to address workplace dissatisfaction.
Individuals seeking a career change or pivot: The guidance on aligning personal and professional goals will be beneficial for those contemplating a shift in their career path.
Managerial and HR professionals: This book offers valuable perspectives on workplace dynamics, aiding these readers in fostering environments that support staff satisfaction and engagement.
Recent graduates or young professionals: The actionable advice and reflective exercises presented will help these readers set a strong foundation for their professional journey.
Anyone overcoming burnout or career stagnation: "Job Therapy" provides practical advice on managing signs of burnout and seeking a more balanced work-life structure.

About the author

Tessa West is a Professor of Psychology at New York University and a leading expert in the science of interpersonal communication. She has spent 20 years researching workplace relationships and has published over 80 academic articles in prestigious journals. Dr. West received her PhD from the University of Connecticut and has received multiple grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, as well as several career awards, including the early career award from the Foundation for Personality and Social Psychology. She is also the author of "Jerks at Work: Toxic Coworkers and What to Do About Them."