Escape the Dream Job Trap | Simone Stolzoff

The Art of Charm

http://www.TheArtOfCharm.com

Business, Health & Fitness, Education

4.7 • 11K Ratings

🗓️ 5 May 2025

⏱️ 63 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough Job, to explore why modern work culture traps so many of us in cycles of burnout, identity crises, and unrealistic ambition. Drawing on research and personal experience, Simone challenges the “dream job” myth and offers a liberating framework: redefine success on your terms. We explore the dangers of workism, the importance of building an identity outside of your career, and the power of setting clear boundaries. For high-achievers who feel stuck on the hedonic treadmill, this episode offers a roadmap to a more balanced, meaningful life — without abandoning your ambition. [00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:26] The real meaning of a “good enough job” — and why it’s not about slacking off [00:08:16] The rise of workism: why your job became your identity [00:13:33] The difference between boundaries and guardrails — and why we need both [00:21:14] The myth of the dream job (and why passion usually follows skill, not the other way around) [00:27:41] How to rebuild an identity outside of work and escape workaholism [00:39:28] The surprising reason people at both ends of the ambition spectrum struggle [00:50:00] Why defining your “enough” number is the antidote to endless striving [00:56:08] Simone’s personal lesson: why time autonomy is his ultimate luxury Episode Takeaways: Your job should support your life, not become your life. Stop chasing perfection — a “good enough” job can free you to thrive in other areas that matter. Identity is like an investment portfolio: diversify it beyond just work. Intrinsic motivation (mastery, purpose, autonomy) beats external markers of success. Define your personal “enough” — financially, emotionally, and professionally — or risk falling into the endless “more” trap. Play, beginner’s mindset, and non-work communities are secret weapons for resilience. Tired of awkward handshakes and collecting business cards without building real connections? Dive into our Free Social Capital Networking Masterclass. Learn practical strategies to make your interactions meaningful and boost your confidence in any social situation. Sign up for free at theartofcharm.com/sc and elevate your networking from awkward to awesome. Don’t miss out on a network of opportunities! Unleash the power of covert networking to infiltrate high-value circles and build a 7-figure network in just 90 days. Ready to start? Check out our CIA-proven guide to networking like a spy! Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince—where high-end essentials meet unbeatable prices. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Shopify makes it easy to start, scale, and succeed—whether you're launching a side hustle or building the next big brand. Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm. Need to hire top talent—fast? Skip the waiting game and get more qualified applicants with Indeed. Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm. Curious about your influence level? Get your Influence Index Score today! Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence. Simone Stolzoff’s website The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work AJ on LinkedIn Johnny on LinkedIn AJ on Instagram Johnny on Instagram The Art of Charm on Instagram The Art of Charm on YouTube The Art of Charm on TikTok What to Listen ForEpisode Takeaways:A Word From Our SponsorsResources from this EpisodeCheck in with AJ and Johnny! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	I started working for myself and I found that I was actually the worst boss that had ever had.
0:05.3	There wasn't some culture of a company or manager that was like pushing me to work all the time
0:11.0	or to open my laptop on the weekends or to feel like shit when I didn't meet my internally imposed goals.
0:17.9	It was just my own sort of nature of my self-worth being tethered to
0:22.7	my productivity.
0:32.6	All right, let's kick off today's show. Today we're talking with CNA Stolesoff, an expert on
0:37.0	work-life balance and the future of work. We discuss why chasing your dream job, kick off today's show. Today we're talking with Cimene Stoles Off, an expert on work life balance
0:37.8	and the future of work. We discuss why chasing your dream job might actually be a trap.
0:43.6	Cine is a writer and designer from San Francisco whose work has been featured in the New York Times,
0:47.5	Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and the Atlantic, amongst many other publications.
0:51.8	He's the author of the book, The Good Enough Job, Reclaiming Life
0:55.3	from Work. Today, we discover how good enough jobs actually for you to live better, the secret
1:01.1	to creating work boundaries for more fulfilling relationships outside of work, and understanding
1:06.5	why time autonomy might be your Red Corvette. Welcome the show. It's great to have you.
1:13.2	Welcome the show. Great to have you. Thanks. Thanks for having me. Now, your book is titled
1:17.7	The Good Enough Job. What does Good Enough mean? On first read, you might think it's like a slacker
1:22.8	manifesto, right? Just like, do a good enough job. Settle. Like, don't look for something that you
1:27.1	love. But, you know, I think the way that I think about it is a good enough job, subtle, like don't look for something that you love.
1:28.3	But, you know, I think the way that I think about it is a good enough job is a job that
1:32.0	lets you be the person that you want to be. I like it because it's sufficiently subjective, right?
1:37.2	For one person, it could be a job in a certain industry. For someone else, it's maybe a job
1:41.2	with a certain title. For someone else, maybe it's a job that lets off at a certain hour so they can go pick up their kid from daycare, elementary school each
	...

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