LQ: I’m successful on paper, but I feel unfulfilled

Have you ever thought:

“I’m successful on paper… but I don’t feel fulfilled.”

You’ve got the senior title.

The salary is strong.

People respect you.

And yet something feels… off.

In this Listener Question episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien explores why external career success doesn’t always translate into internal fulfilment — and what to do about it.

If you’re a mid-career or senior leader, particularly in a commercial or client-facing role, this episode will help you understand the hidden drivers behind career dissatisfaction — even when everything “looks good” from the outside.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

In just five minutes, Aoife breaks down the four key areas that determine whether your success feels meaningful:

1️⃣ Values Alignment

Are you building your career around what genuinely matters to you — or someone else’s definition of success?

2️⃣ Psychological Needs & Drivers

Are your core needs (autonomy, connection, competence, recognition, challenge) being met in your current role?

3️⃣ Strengths & Zone of Genius

Are you using your natural strengths daily — or mainly operating in areas that drain your energy?

4️⃣ Environment & Culture Fit

Has your organisation evolved in a different direction to you?

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is especially relevant if you are:

1. A senior leader questioning your next move
2. A high performer feeling unexpectedly flat
3. A commercial or client-facing leader navigating growth and pressure
4. Considering whether to change role, redefine success, or redesign your current one

You don’t necessarily need a new job. But you may need greater alignment.

Key Questions to Reflect On

1. Where is there a gap between what I value and what my work rewards?
2. Which of my core needs are consistently unmet?
3. When was the last time I felt energised at work — and what was I doing?

Fulfilment isn’t about achieving more.

It’s about aligning more deeply.

Share Your Thoughts

This episode is part of the Listener Question format.

If you’d like Aoife to answer your question in a future episode, email:

podcast@happieratwork.ie

(Names are never shared without permission.)

Help Shape Future Episodes

If you haven’t already, please take two minutes to complete the Happier at Work Listener Survey. Your input directly shapes future episodes and topics.

👉 Complete the survey here:

https://happieratwork.ie/survey

About the Happier at Work Podcast

Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, workplace culture strategist and author of Thriving Talent, the Happier at Work podcast explores leadership, engagement, performance, psychological safety, and career fulfilment for ambitious professionals in global organisations.

New episodes every week.