In this deeply personal and fiery episode, Kelsey dives into the emotional toll of toxic workplaces, reflecting on past jobs that left her drained, depressed, and doubting her worth. From the silence of dreaded office mornings to unsafe environments in hospitality, she shares raw stories of trauma, courage, and transformation.
Now thriving in a supportive workplace, Kelsey unpacks the importance of valuing your time, energy, and mental health. She answers relatable Reddit stories about job anxiety, purpose, and the illusion of escaping the 9-to-5 grind. This one is for anyone who's ever cried in their car on their lunch break or questioned what they’re really working for.
💬 Here’s what we unpack:
Feeling invisible, unwelcome, and dehumanised at the office
Staying too long in bad jobs due to fear or financial pressure
Wishing for age-appropriate mum groups and outlets
Creating enrichment time to protect your soul
AI disrupting hustle culture dreams (selling feet pics won’t cut it)
Funny, honest, emotional, and empowering. This episode is your reminder that it’s never too late to leave the wrong job and start chasing what lights you up.
Jump to a chapter:
00:00 - Opening: The best staff party ever
01:05 - Reflecting on toxic jobs
03:00 - The soul-crushing office routine
04:30 - Leaving your identity at the door
06:00 - Finding purpose through work-life balance
08:00 - Surviving hospitality as a teen
09:45 - Workplace harassment and unsafe environments
11:00 - Starting over in a safe workplace
13:20 - Being a broke single mum
15:30 - The hardest job: stay-at-home parenting
18:00 - Reddit story #1: Well-paid but soul-draining job
21:30 - The power of “enrichment time”
24:00 - Reddit story #2: Anxiety at a toxic law firm
27:30 - Workplace communication & self-worth
30:00 - Reddit story #3: Escaping the 9-to-5 myth
33:00 - The illusion of passive income
36:00 - The truth about hustle vs purpose
37:30 - Ending thoughts: Choose your life, not theirs
38:30 - Enrichment time + podcast goals
39:30 - Farewell and reminder to engage
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This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio. www.ontrackstudio.com.au [email protected]