In this podcast episode, our co-hosts, Eric Raine and Patrick Lageraaen, interview Scott Ptak, clinical assistant professor of operations management and strategy. Ptak discusses the importance of respect and working with people who align with your values in your career. He shares two personal stories—one from his time as a waiter and another from an internship with a law firm—that highlight the significance of these factors in job satisfaction. Professor Ptak advises students to prioritize their mental health and not to tolerate disrespectful or toxic work environments. He emphasizes the strength it takes to recognize and act on these situations, even if it means leaving a job. He also encourages students to consider the long-term consequences of staying in a negative work environment and potentially missing out on other opportunities.