Joy At Work

Lucia Knight
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The Joy at Work podcast offers time-poor professionals in their 40s, 50s and 60s ideas on how to increase their joy at work. Lucia Knight dives right to the heart of the value each guest offers so that you can make deliberate change to bring more enjoyment, satisfaction and fulfillment to your work. Beyond expert interviews, you'll get practical reflections following guest interviews, recommends on experiments to try this week and answers to call-in career questions from listeners.

  1. When Work Isn’t Bad Enough to Leave — But Not Good Enough to Care

    15 HRS AGO

    When Work Isn’t Bad Enough to Leave — But Not Good Enough to Care

    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 rethink If 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-me And 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

    10 min
  2. Choosing Work That Fits — Silvia’s Story

    4 FEB

    Choosing Work That Fits — Silvia’s Story

    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 down Curious what joy at work could look like for you? Explore all of my programs at 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me Catch Other Stories of Midlife Career Redesign: What Changes When You Stop Editing Yourself at Work: Deirdre’s Story From Stuck to Energised: Lara’s Story Escaping Boredom and Finding Your Superpowers: Scott’s Story

    8 min
  3. The Network You’re Avoiding Might Be the One You’re Missing

    28 JAN

    The Network You’re Avoiding Might Be the One You’re Missing

    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 belonging If 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

    8 min
  4. What Changes When You Stop Editing Yourself at Work - Deirdre's Story

    21 JAN

    What Changes When You Stop Editing Yourself at Work - Deirdre's Story

    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 real If 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-me Catch Other Stories of Midlife Career Redesign: From Stuck to Energised: Lara’s StoryEscaping Boredom and Finding Your Superpowers: Scott’s Story

    11 min
  5. Is Listening a Luxury? A Conversation with Colin Smith, The Listener

    14 JAN

    Is Listening a Luxury? A Conversation with Colin Smith, The Listener

    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

    11 min
  6. From Stuck to Energised: One Former Client’s Joy-at-Work Breakthroughs

    7 JAN

    From Stuck to Energised: One Former Client’s Joy-at-Work Breakthroughs

    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 you Lara 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 Me Listen to another client transformation: Scott’s Three Career Design Insights He’ll Never ForgetLearn More About How To Find Your Superpowers

    10 min
  7. The One Small Shift That Increases Joy at Work (It’s Not What You Think)

    31/12/2025

    The One Small Shift That Increases Joy at Work (It’s Not What You Think)

    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 home And yes, there’s a free tool to help you begin. 📥 Download the Superpower Starter Worksheet 👉 https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17 Let’s design a workday (and a work life) that actually feels like you.

    13 min
  8. Ditch Small Talk: Ask This Instead of "How’s Work?"

    24/12/2025

    Ditch Small Talk: Ask This Instead of "How’s Work?"

    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 Assessment If 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

    6 min
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About

The Joy at Work podcast offers time-poor professionals in their 40s, 50s and 60s ideas on how to increase their joy at work. Lucia Knight dives right to the heart of the value each guest offers so that you can make deliberate change to bring more enjoyment, satisfaction and fulfillment to your work. Beyond expert interviews, you'll get practical reflections following guest interviews, recommends on experiments to try this week and answers to call-in career questions from listeners.

Information

  • Creator
    Lucia Knight
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Lucia Knight
  • Show Website
    Joy At Work

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