True Happiness at Work: The Balance Between Feeling Valued and Valuing Yourself

“True happiness at work comes from feeling valued, not just employed.” – Dr. Alex Young

This quote resonates deeply with me because it reflects a journey I know all too well.

For years, I poured my heart and soul into my teaching career. Shaping young minds wasn’t just a job for me—it was a calling. But as much as I loved my work, the environment I was in didn’t love me back. The administration didn’t value my contribution, and that lack of recognition chipped away at my motivation and sense of purpose.

Eventually, I reached a breaking point. Turning my back on a broken system wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It was a decision rooted in self-worth, and it allowed me to follow my dream and build a life I love.

That pivotal moment taught me an invaluable lesson: while it’s essential for workplaces to value their employees, it’s equally critical for individuals to value themselves. Self-worth isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation of resilience and fulfillment.

Turning Pain into Purpose

Leaving my teaching career wasn’t the end of my story—it was the beginning of something greater. Today, my work revolves around helping others recognize their value, tap into their potential, and create lives that align with their dreams.

Through coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements, I empower people to break free from limiting beliefs and reclaim their confidence. Whether I’m guiding someone through a career transition or helping a leader build a more empowering workplace culture, my mission is the same: to cultivate environments where both external recognition and self-worth thrive.

The Ripple Effect of Self-Worth

When individuals value themselves, it has a ripple effect. They approach their work with more confidence, seek opportunities that align with their skills, and contribute more meaningfully to their teams. For employers, fostering self-worth in employees isn’t just a feel-good initiative—it’s a business imperative. Employees who feel valued are more engaged, more innovative, and more committed to their roles.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just the employer’s job to foster this sense of value. Individuals must also do the inner work to build their self-worth. That means recognizing your contributions, setting boundaries, and seeking out opportunities that align with your values, integrity, passions, strengths.

Building a Culture of Happiness

True happiness at work is a two-way street. It requires employers to create cultures of recognition, trust, and growth. It also requires employees to bring their authentic selves to the table and advocate for their own value. When these two forces align, workplaces can become hubs of fulfillment and innovation.

This is the vision that drives my work today: helping people and organizations build that alignment. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of self-worth, and I’m passionate about helping others harness it.

Your Turn

Whether you’re an employee navigating workplace challenges or a leader looking to create a more empowering culture, the key to happiness lies in value—both the kind you give and the kind you claim for yourself.

So, let me leave you with this: Are you recognizing your worth? And if not, what steps can you take to reclaim it?