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This episode of The After Work Hangout explores the darker side of work, while offering practical, hopeful guidance from a clinical and career counsellor.
Farah Kotadia has had various career setbacks, and each time, she’s developed a stronger sense of who she is. With a background in HR and the immigrant integration sector, she now brings her full self to Wellness Works Counselling, where she supports others with a mix of passion, compassion, and a deep commitment to social justice. Join us as we discuss strategies to navigate toxic workplaces, layoff grief, rejection fears, and imposter syndrome.
In this episode:
- How Farah’s experience in HR and supporting immigrants informs her equity-focused counselling practice (1:52)
- Why mental health matters in career conversations (6:32)
- When it comes to your purpose, which part of the puzzle do you want to work on? (11:31)
- Recently laid off? Tips from a certified grief counsellor (14:51)
- Remember to be kind to yourself (19:29)
- Find your way out of a toxic workplace by connecting with your core values (22:17)
- Overcome fear by separating your identity from your job title (26:38)
- More exciting things to ask than “What do you do?” (31:20)
- Dare to pursue your passions and be who you are (33:05)
- Celebrate your effort instead of focusing on the outcome (37:36)
- Everybody is replaceable, so take care of yourself (40:30)
- Advice for managing imposter syndrome (43:48)
Resources for making friends and building an identity outside of work:
- Meetup
- Bumble For Friends
- Facebook Groups – search for groups in your area and groups related to your interests
- Community Events – attend local gatherings, book clubs, and walking groups
- Pursue a hobby – join a class or share skills with others
About the guest:
Farah Kotadia, MBA, CPHR, MACP, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Grief Counsellor. She brings a non-judgmental and collaborative approach to her practice, creating a warm, open, and safe environment to support each client’s unique healing journey. She knows that it takes strength and courage to be vulnerable, and is humbled by the resiliency of the human spirit. With a fierce social justice lens, Farah believes that there is a place for all individuals who face barriers of gender, race, religion, disabilities, sexual orientation, and gender expression.
Connect with Farah:
- Website: wellnessworkscounselling.ca
- Instagram: @wellnessworkscounselling
- Facebook: Wellness Works Counselling
- LinkedIn: Wellness Works Counselling
Farah’s photo credit: Iqra Khan Photography
About the host:
Crystal Lee is a career coach who helps professionals clarify and communicate their strengths and values, so they can land their next opportunity. Since 2013, her clients have found dream jobs, settled in new communities, and successfully navigated major life transitions. When Crystal isn’t helping job seekers and business owners pursue their unique definitions of success, she’s organizing community gatherings, sharing laughter yoga, or growing food for humans and pollinators.
Connect with Crystal:
- Website: relocal.ca
- Instagram: @relocal.ca
- LinkedIn: Crystal Lee
- Sign up for Crystal’s monthly newsletter
- Get the free job search assessment workbook
Credits:
- Podcast artwork by Alex Dewar
- Editing and support by podcast manager Lindsay Curtis
