UPBUILDING THE SELF

What If I’m Not Fulfilled At Work?

Most of us spend the majority of our waking hours at work, yet so many people feel dissatisfied with their jobs. In this episode, Michael, Vipin, and Hari Prasada explore why work so often feels disconnected from meaning and how the ego plays a central role in this struggle. They break down the financial insecurities, self-limiting beliefs, and social pressures that keep us stuck in unfulfilling careers. The conversation also challenges the modern assumption that work should be our primary source of purpose. 

Podcast Hosts: Michael, Vipin and Hari Prasada

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform

Highlights

  • [01:00] Why so many people feel their jobs aren’t aligned with their purpose

  • [02:00] Personal experiences at McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and MTV

  • [05:20] Finding fulfillment in a monastery

  • [09:00] Financial insecurity, fear, imposter syndrome, and other reasons people stay in jobs

  • [15:00] The performative aspect of career fulfillment

  • [22:00] Why most jobs don’t provide fulfillment

  • [26:00] Should work even be our primary source of fulfillment?

  • [29:20] Practical ways to find fulfillment within your job

  • [32:20] The importance of finding meaning outside of work

  • [46:00] The Enneagram as a tool to maximize the experience at work

  • [50:00] Closing thoughts and call to action

Quotes

  • “If you're looking for a job that feels aligned with (your) values, you have to spend a lot of time understanding what those values are.” - Vipin

  • “When someone is deeply fulfilled, they don't have an insecurity to compensate for, so therefore, they don't have such a loud voice to try to overpower the insecurity.” - Hari Prasada

  • “We have to change our own consciousness to change the consciousness of the workplace.” - Hari Prasada

  • “...Instead of demanding that work deliver meaning, why don't we take up the call to find that meaning for ourselves and bring that with us wherever we go...” - Hari Prasada

For first timers, welcome to Upbuilding the Self

About the podcast: Two former monks, a former startup founder and CEO, and a former equity derivatives trader dive into how to be our best selves, free from the ego. Our egos are the identities we create for ourselves and wish the world to validate, but when we are not seen as we want to be, we feel insecure. This podcast lives at the intersection of leadership and spirituality. It will help you understand your ego and shed light on your inner world so that you can act with greater clarity, compassion, and the freedom to be your best self.

We also have three upcoming programs. Please reserve your spot ASAP.