As author of "Bringing Up the Boss" and upcoming book "Manage What Matters," Rachel Pacheco has spent her career researching what actually drives meaningful work. And the answer surprised her: 26% of people would keep their job even if they won the lottery. Not because they have perfect jobs. Because they've built meaning intentionally.

This episode is for anyone who feels stuck waiting for the "right job" to make their work feel meaningful. We cover:

• Why dream jobs (NASA, nonprofits, mission-driven companies) often feel the most meaningless
• The perpetual journey vs. the destination trap
• How to align your personal values with your daily work
• The Wednesday morning test: what are you actually doing moment-to-moment
• Operating at the "top of your license"—using your strengths every day
• Signal vs. noise: how to optimize what matters and minimize what doesn't
• Why genuine friendships at work are one of the primary drivers of meaning

Core Values Worksheet: https://stan.store/jjthelen/p/defining-your-core-values

Rachel Pacheco
Bringing Up the Boss: https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-Boss-Rachel-Pacheco-ebook/dp/B0936LSFFB/
Upcoming Book: "Manage What Matters"
Website: rachelpacheco.com
Substack: //bringinguptheboss.substack.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-pacheco/

JJ Thelen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffthelen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jjthelen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjthelen