Let’s face it—work can often feel like a grind. Repetitive tasks, endless meetings, and a lack of meaning can leave you feeling stuck and uninspired. But what if there’s a way to shift your mindset and transform even the most mundane work into something fulfilling?

In this episode, host Tony Tenaglier explores the paradox of work: how it can feel draining and yet be a powerful source of joy, flow, and purpose. Drawing on the psychology of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of flow—that state of deep focus and immersion—Tony breaks down why we get caught in the monotony and how we can break free and find more happiness.

You’ll learn why many people prefer leisure over work, even when work has the potential to be just as rewarding, and how to reframe your approach so that daily tasks become opportunities for satisfaction and growth. From practical tools to shift your experience to insights on how organizations can foster intrinsic motivation and collaboration, this episode offers a roadmap to not just survive your job—but truly thrive in it.

Whether you're stuck in routine or seeking more meaning in your 9-to-5, tune in to discover how work doesn't have to suck—and how it might just become something you look forward to.

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Work Sucks, But I Like It is the podcast where we tackle the messy equation of work and life. Hosted by Tony Tenaglier—engineer, PhD candidate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, author, and yoga teacher—we dive into why we show up to work beyond just the paycheck. From workplace culture and burnout to meaning, purpose, and the psychology of flow, this show explores how to rethink the "job" and maybe even start to like it (a little). Whether you’re tired of hustle culture or seeking more fulfillment in what you do, join us to challenge the status quo and rediscover the art and responsibility of meaningful work.

Support the show