Help Wanted Podcast Episode Summary: "They’re Not Better Than You"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Help Wanted
• Host/Author: Money News Network
• Description: Do you have a work problem? We have solutions. On Help Wanted, Entrepreneur editor in chief Jason Feifer and money expert Nicole Lapin help you stay ahead of the curve and make money doing what you love — no matter if you’re trying to impress your boss, or if you ARE the boss.
• Episode: They’re Not Better Than You
• Release Date: June 12, 2025

1. Introduction: Confronting Envy in the Workplace

The episode "They’re Not Better Than You" delves into the pervasive issue of envy within professional settings. Host Jason Feifer opens the discussion by acknowledging a common emotional struggle: feeling envious of colleagues or peers who seem to have more success, higher salaries, or more prestigious positions. This sentiment is relatable to many listeners striving to excel in their careers while maintaining personal satisfaction.

2. Jason’s Personal Journey with Envy

Jason Feifer candidly shares his own experiences with envy, providing a personal touch to the discussion. At [02:48], he begins by admitting, "I can be a jealous bastard." He recounts his early aspirations to become a successful writer and how witnessing the achievements of his contemporaries led to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. This admission sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how envy can impact one's professional and personal life.

Notable Quote:

"I can be a jealous bastard." — Jason Feifer [02:48]

3. The Hidden Struggles Behind Success

As Jason attained his own form of success, his perspective shifted. He observed that the individuals he once envied were grappling with their own challenges and sacrifices. This realization is pivotal, highlighting that outward success often conceals internal struggles and trade-offs.

He shares insights from PJ Vogt, stating, "the desire to succeed can give you what you want while at the same time removing your ability to enjoy it." This underscores the paradox where ambition and achievement can lead to diminished personal fulfillment.

Notable Quote:

"The desire to succeed can give you what you want while at the same time removing your ability to enjoy it." — PJ Vogt [Exact timestamp not provided]

4. The Cost of Success: Personal Sacrifices

Jason provides illustrative examples of successful individuals who, despite their achievements, face significant personal costs:

• Business Podcaster: Initially envied for his reach, Jason discovers that he is constantly stressed about download numbers, leading to relentless anxiety.

• Bestselling Writer: Admired for her sales, it’s revealed that her success was fueled by unethical behavior, resulting in burned professional relationships.

• CEO: Despite a thriving company, the CEO is perpetually exhausted, unable to maintain personal friendships due to nonstop travel.

He also references celebrity chef David Chang, who attributes his success to battling depression and anger, leading him to acknowledge his shortcomings as a boss. These narratives emphasize that behind every success story lies a series of sacrifices and challenges.

Notable Quote:

"Success was the product of depression and anger. He said to me I was a really bad boss, yelling, screaming, and I'm looking back being like man, I got there. But were there other ways?" — Jason Feifer referring to David Chang [Exact timestamp not provided]

5. Recognizing Personal Sacrifices

Transitioning to his own experiences, Jason discusses the personal sacrifices he makes in pursuit of his career. He shares a moment where he had to choose between spending time with his son and working on his newsletter, which later became the podcast episode.

Notable Quote:

"I told him that I couldn't because I had to work, because I had to write the newsletter. The newsletter that would become then this podcast that you are hearing right now." — Jason Feifer [Approximately 07:30]

6. Three Questions to Overcome Envy

To address and mitigate feelings of envy, Jason proposes a reflective framework consisting of three questions:

1. What Choice Did I Make?

   • Examine the decisions that led to your current circumstances.

2. What Benefit Did That Create?

   • Identify the positive outcomes resulting from those choices that you value.

3. What Would Have Happened if I Took the Other Path?

   • Consider the potential outcomes of alternative decisions and assess whether they would have truly made you happier.

This structured reflection encourages individuals to appreciate their unique paths and understand that every choice involves trade-offs.

Notable Quote:

"There are three of them. Number one, ask what choice did I make? Number two, what benefit did that create? And now think question number three. What would have happened if you took the other path?" — Jason Feifer [Approximately 07:45]

7. Personal Example: Balancing Career and Family

Jason illustrates the application of these questions through his wife, Jen’s career decisions. Despite opportunities for greater book sales by focusing on a specific niche, Jen chose to pursue her diverse interests, leading to a more fulfilling and varied writing portfolio. This decision, though it may have limited her commercial success, resulted in greater personal satisfaction and creative freedom.

Notable Quote:

"Jen might want more book sales, but she is happier having not limited herself." — Jason Feifer [Approximately 09:30]

8. Conclusion: Living Intentionally and Appreciating Choices

The episode concludes with a powerful message advocating for intentional living and self-appreciation. Jason emphasizes that success should not be measured solely by external achievements but by the alignment of one's career with personal values and happiness.

He encourages listeners to cease comparing themselves to others, recognizing that every individual's journey is shaped by unique choices and sacrifices. By focusing on personal growth and the benefits derived from one's decisions, individuals can find contentment and reduce envy.

Notable Quote:

"Instead, let's just think about choices. If we had infinite lives, we could make infinite choices and that would be fun. But we don't. Instead, the best we can do is make our own choices and appreciate our own accomplishments." — Jason Feifer [Approximately 10:50]

Key Takeaways:

• Envy is Common: Feelings of envy are widespread in professional settings and can impact personal well-being.

• Success Comes with Trade-offs: Behind every successful individual lies a series of sacrifices and challenges that are often unseen.

• Reflective Questions Aid in Overcoming Envy: By asking about one's choices, benefits, and alternative paths, individuals can better understand and appreciate their own journeys.

• Intentional Living Enhances Satisfaction: Aligning career decisions with personal values and priorities leads to greater fulfillment and reduces the urge to compare oneself to others.

Final Thoughts:

"They’re Not Better Than You" offers a candid exploration of envy in the workplace, blending personal anecdotes with actionable advice. By highlighting the hidden struggles behind success and providing a framework for self-reflection, Jason Feifer empowers listeners to navigate their careers with greater self-awareness and intentionality.

For those grappling with similar feelings of inadequacy or envy, this episode serves as a reminder that everyone's path is unique, and true success lies in making choices that align with one's personal values and happiness.

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