Work Should Feel Good with Diana Alt

Diana Alt
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Work Should Feel Good is the no-BS career podcast for people who want more from their work, without selling their soul to get it. Hosted by career strategist and layoff survivor Diana Alt, this show shares real stories, mindset shifts, and practical strategies to help you grow your career on your terms. You'll hear from recruiters, entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday professionals in episodes that drop most Wednesdays. Let's make work feel good - together.

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode 41: Navigating Stages of Grief After Layoff with Steve Jaffe

    Getting laid off can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you, but what if the real work begins after the shock fades? In this episode, Diana sits down with Steve Jaffe, author of The Layoff Journey, to talk about the often-overlooked emotional side of job loss. From surviving four layoffs to helping others process theirs, Steve shares what professionals get wrong about "bouncing back" and why grieving your job is not weakness, it's necessary. Key Topics or Themes Steve's career journey from advertising to author of The Layoff Journey What layoffs during the dot-com crash and post-9/11 taught him about resilience The seven stages of grief as they apply to job loss Why skipping emotional processing can hurt your job search Shame, dignity, and identity after a layoff How to manage anger and disappointment during a prolonged job search Practical self-care strategies that actually support career recovery What companies and leaders can do to handle layoffs more humanely Why "job security" is largely a myth — and what to focus on instead ⏳ Timestamps 00:00 Intro & meet Steve Jaffe 02:24 The "What Happens in Vegas" campaign story 06:09 First layoff during the dot-com crash 17:35 Multiple layoffs & career pivots 26:37 The seven stages of grief after job loss 31:20 Why emotional recovery matters before job searching 38:00 The role of shame, identity, and dignity 46:20 How leaders can handle layoffs more humanely 52:10 The hardest parts of layoffs people don't expect 57:45 Lightning round & final advice 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com 📢 Connect with Steve Jaffe 🌐 Website → https://thestevejaffe.com 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaffesteve/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/stevejaffethelayoffjourney/ 📘 Grab Steve's book The Layoff Journey → https://www.amazon.com/Layoff-Journey-Dismissal-Discovery-Navigating/dp/B0DXSDCQPY 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt #CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #LayoffRecovery #CareerResilience #JobLossSupport

    1 hr

  2. FEB 10

    Episode 40: Why Working Hard Isn't Enough to Get Promoted with Diana Alt

    You're doing great work… So why hasn't that promotion happened yet? Diana breaks down the five real reasons promotions get delayed and why your output alone won't get you to the next level. This solo episode dives deep into what really drives advancement inside companies, from internal politics to system constraints to strategic visibility. Whether you're early career or gunning for the C-suite, this is a must-listen if you want to stop getting overlooked and start being seen as ready. Why "do great work and get promoted" is bad advice The 5 hidden drivers of promotion: System, Positioning, Readiness, Signal, Advocacy How to play the internal game without losing your integrity Why visibility matters more than you think How to evaluate if your org can actually promote you What leadership is really looking for at each level ⏳ Timestamps 01:10 The myth of merit-based promotion 02:11 Why promotion isn't just about your performance 03:12 Understanding "the system" 06:45 Role availability, funding, and timing 08:56 Positioning: experience and direction 11:29 Readiness: proving you're capable of more 15:54 Signal: do decision-makers know who you are? 20:19 Advocacy: who's carrying your papers? 23:24 Final thoughts on playing the game 23:34 CTA: Is it time to walk away? 💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away from your job? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com 📲 Follow Me LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt

    25 min

  3. FEB 3

    Episode 39: Competence vs Confidence & Promotions with Sara Gallagher

    What's more valuable at work, being good at your job, or looking like you are? Diana reconnects with longtime friend and guest Sarah Gallagher, President of The Persimmon Group and creator of the popular LinkedIn newsletter Big Dumb Questions. They dive into a lively, honest conversation about why confidence often outpaces competence in career advancement and why that might not be a bad thing. They also unpack Sarah's career journey, her sobriety story, and how she's redefining leadership on her own terms. Where the idea for Big Dumb Questions came from Confidence vs. competence at work Career growth myths and when they break Sarah's journey from Middle Eastern Studies to PM consulting Why project managers are not product managers Navigating sobriety, leadership, and life balance What leaders actually need from their teams Creating a job instead of waiting for one ⏳ Timestamps 02:18 The origin of Big Dumb Questions 07:06 PM vs BA vs Product Manager – untangling the mess 15:00 Career lessons from real-life project experience 21:30 Sarah's unconventional career path 30:30 From Gantt charts to consulting: how she made the leap 34:40 Becoming president… days before the pandemic 38:30 Sobriety and leadership: getting real 43:50 Why outside outlets matter when you lead 47:48 Work-from-home as a leadership strategy 49:00 Confidence vs. competence in promotions 54:00 What leaders can do to counter hiring bias 59:50 Final thoughts on creating work that fits 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com 📢 Connect with Sarah Gallagher 🌐 The Persimmon Group → https://www.thepersimmongroup.com 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahgallagher 📲 Follow Me LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt

    1h 17m

  4. JAN 27

    Episode 38: Fake Recruiters & Resume Scams with Diana Alt

    Fake recruiters. Phony resume "fixes." Learn how to protect yourself from a rising scam that's catching even the smartest job seekers off guard. Scams targeting job seekers are getting more sophisticated and more personal. In this solo episode, Diana Alt exposes the latest trend in fake recruiter scams designed to exploit your job search anxiety. From LinkedIn messages to fake ATS feedback, she walks through how the scam works, red flags to watch for, and what ethical resume support really looks like. Whether you've already been targeted or just want to protect yourself, this episode offers practical advice for staying safe and smart during your search. How fake recruiters lure job seekers with phony feedback The real psychology behind why smart people fall for scams Red flags to watch for in resume "optimization" offers What ethical resume writers and recruiters actually do How to respond and recover if you've already been scammed ⏳ Timestamps 00:00 Intro – Job seekers are getting scammed 01:27 How the scam works 03:30 The psychology of pricing and urgency 05:52 Why the recruiter's role is so deceptive 07:20 ATS anxiety and fear-based decision making 10:30 Resume critique red flags 13:10 Thin LinkedIn and Fiverr profiles 15:03 Reverse image search and fake headshots 16:33 What to do if you've been targeted 18:29 Ethical practices of real recruiters and resume writers 21:46 Final thoughts – Trust your gut and pause 💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away from your job? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com 📲 Follow Me LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt

    25 min

  5. JAN 20

    Episode 37: Career Breaks for Dummies with Katrina McGhee

    Burned out or misaligned at work? Here's how a break could change everything. What if taking a break from your career wasn't a setback, but a strategic step forward? In this episode, Katrina McGhee, career break coach and author of Taking a Career Break for Dummies, joins Diana to explore how to plan, fund, and return from a career break with clarity and confidence. From burnout to intentional reinvention, Katrina shares powerful insights from her own 20-month break and the 200+ clients she's helped since. If you're craving change but unsure how to make space for it, this episode is your permission slip. Katrina's path from actuary to world traveler to career break coach How burnout, betrayal, and blossoming reveal the need for a break What a "career break" actually looks like (hint: it's not a gap year) How to plan, fund, and protect your break Strategies for reentering the workforce confidently ⏳ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:22 How Katrina and Diana connected 02:31 Katrina's journey from math major to career break expert 06:03 The misalignment that led to her 20-month break 08:30 Breaking down the "Three B's" model: Burnout, Betrayal, and Blossom 13:40 Understanding self-betrayal and its impact 17:04 Using a break for discovery, not just recovery 20:53 Preventing career jumping vs. intentional pivots 24:37 How the job market shift has changed break dynamics 26:35 Talking about your break without sabotaging your story 30:58 What reentry actually looks like — and how long it takes 36:00 Katrina's job search post-break (and 5 offers in 5 weeks) 40:55 Internal vs. external narratives during reentry 43:38 Common mistakes: rest guilt, reentry panic, and LinkedIn doomscrolling 💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away from your job? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com 📢 Connect with Katrina McGhee 🌐 Website → https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcghee-katrina/ 📲 Follow Me On Social Media LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

    1h 8m

  6. JAN 14

    Episode 36: Turning New Year's Intentions into Real Action with Diana Alt

    Want to follow through on your New Year's goals instead of fizzling out by February? Diana breaks down exactly why most resolutions fail and how to turn your intentions into real progress. In this solo episode, she shares three common mistakes that sabotage follow-through and how to avoid them with a better approach to planning, prioritization, and progress tracking. Whether you're building healthier habits or launching something new in your business, this episode will help you set goals that actually stick. Why resolutions often fail by February The "boiling the ocean" trap and how to escape it How to select the right goals for your current season Turning vague intentions into measurable plans The importance of evaluating progress—and celebrating wins ⏳ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:26 Why good intentions fall apart 03:24 Mistake #1: Trying to change everything at once 07:20 Focus vs. quitting – the mindset shift 09:26 Mistake #2: No concrete plan 12:54 Defining what success looks like 14:41 Mistake #3: Not assessing or celebrating progress 17:42 Simple ways to review and reward your efforts 19:56 Final thoughts and encouragement 💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com 📲 Follow Me LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt

    21 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    Episode 35: Why Being Qualified Isn't Enough with Gina Riley

    In this conversation, Gina and Diana dive deep into the Career Velocity™ system Gina developed after years of experience in executive search and career coaching. Together, they bust outdated job search myths and show why checking all the boxes on a job posting still won't guarantee an interview, let alone a job offer. You'll learn the difference between being qualified and being compelling, why resumes are not the first step in a successful search, and how a strong unique value proposition (UVP) can change your entire career trajectory. Gina shares advice for leaders and job seekers of all ages, including how Gen Zers can stand out with more than just a degree. If you're tired of applying online and getting nowhere, this episode will rewire how you approach the search. ⏳ Timestamps: 02:15 Why "qualified" doesn't mean "hired" 05:40 The Career Velocity™ model overview 10:20 How Gina's son leveraged UVP and UMAP as a Gen Z job seeker 16:30 Frameworks that transform informational interviews into strategy 20:15 Ditching the elevator pitch, what to say instead 24:45 Tell your story: The 3/3 method for "Tell me about yourself" 30:00 Using values and motivators to make better job decisions 36:10 Thought leadership beyond LinkedIn 42:00 Metrics that actually matter in a job search 49:00 Navigating the "AI Doom Loop" in 2025 53:00 Lightning round: worst advice, best habits, biggest mindset shifts 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com 📢 Connect with Gina Riley 🌐 Gina Riley Consulting → https://ginarileyconsulting.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginariley/ 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) → https://x.com/atginariley 📚 Buy Qualified Isn't Enough on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Qualified-Isnt-Enough-Develop-Interview/dp/B0F7WP4TXV 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt #CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #JobSearchTips #ExecutiveCareer #ThoughtLeadership #UMAP #UniqueValueProposition #ResumeTips

    1h 16m

  8. 12/24/2025

    Episode 34: The Difference Between Rest and Avoidance with Diana Alt

    Are you actually resting… or just numbing out? As the year winds down and exhaustion sets in, it's easy to blur the line between real rest and quiet avoidance. In this solo episode, Diana breaks down how to tell the difference and why noticing it matters as you move into the new year. Diana explores why so many of us feel depleted at the end of the year, even when we finally slow down. She explains how rest is intentional and capacity-building, while avoidance is often reactive and numbing even when it looks relaxing on the surface. You'll hear practical examples of how everyday activities like reading, watching TV, or scrolling can either restore you or drain you, depending on your intention. This episode isn't about judging yourself or fixing your life, it's about noticing what truly fills you up so you can move forward with more clarity and less pressure. ⏳ Timestamps 01:26 Why rest feels urgent at the end of the year 02:28 What real rest actually is 03:28 How avoidance shows up (and why it feels tempting) 05:48 Rest restores, avoidance numbs 06:53 How the same activity can be rest or avoidance 08:55 Why avoidance spikes during the holidays 11:07 Why avoidance isn't a character flaw 11:51 The risk of ending your break more exhausted than you started 13:43 What noticing restoration vs. depletion teaches you 14:32 What's coming next on the podcast 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt #CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #BurnoutRecovery #CareerReflection

    16 min
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About

Work Should Feel Good is the no-BS career podcast for people who want more from their work, without selling their soul to get it. Hosted by career strategist and layoff survivor Diana Alt, this show shares real stories, mindset shifts, and practical strategies to help you grow your career on your terms. You'll hear from recruiters, entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday professionals in episodes that drop most Wednesdays. Let's make work feel good - together.

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