What happens when a seemingly successful career no longer feels fulfilling?

In this kickoff episode of 20 Happy Careers, Dr. Fred Cho opens up about his unexpected journey from burnout to rediscovering meaning and excitement through travel optometry. Joined by co-host Dr. Riyad Khamis, the two optometrists dive deep into the myths of career “success,” the warning signs of burnout, and how small, intentional steps can lead to a career that aligns with your passions and values.

Dr. Cho shares how a two-week locum transformed his outlook, what it really means to have career autonomy, and the surprising ways his blog and side projects opened doors he never anticipated. Whether you're in healthcare or not, this episode offers honest insights and practical tools to help you design a career that's uniquely yours.

Key Topics:

• Recognizing burnout (even when things look good on paper)
• What is a portfolio career and why it matters
• How to start a passion project without quitting your job
• Building autonomy no matter where you work
• Why your “Monday morning feeling” might be telling you something

If you're feeling stuck, restless, or just curious about alternative career paths, this is the episode for you.