Why You’re Always Feeling Behind: The Psychology of Toxic Productivity with Israa Nasir

If you’re ambitious, driven, and still feel like you’re constantly behind, this episode is for you. In this episode of Clock In, I’m joined by Israa Nassir, trained-therapist, writer, and mental health advocate, to break down toxic productivity — why high achievers are especially prone to it, and how ambition can quietly turn into anxiety, burnout, and chronic self-pressure. We unpack: Why productivity culture makes even successful people feel like they’re failing How ambition gets tied to self-worth and identity Why rest feels uncomfortable (or even unsafe) for high performers How “doing more” becomes a coping mechanism, not a strategy What a healthier relationship with work actually looks like If you’ve ever felt guilty for slowing down, anxious when you’re not being productive, or like no amount of success ever feels like enough — this conversation will help you understand why you feel this way, and how to start breaking the cycle. About the guest: Israa Nassir is a trained-therapist, speaker, and the author of Toxic Productivity. Her work focuses on burnout, emotional resilience, and unlearning hustle culture. You can learn more about her work at israanasir.com and pick up her book here: https://www.israanasir.com/toxic-productivity New episodes of Clock In with Emily Durham drop weekly.  If this episode resonated, make sure to follow, rate, and share. Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

PRE ORDER CLOCK IN: https://emilydurham.org/clock-inAHHH! I AM NOT OVER THIS EPISODE! SO MUCH TO TELL YOU!!! But also.January hits different. The motivation crash is real, the anxiety is loud, and suddenly everything feels… urgent. In this episode, we’re talking about The January Scaries — why they happen, why you’re not broken for feeling them, and how to calm your nervous system when the year feels like it’s already asking too much of you.PLUS: huge life updates (the kind I’d only tell you) and a WWED (What Would Emily Do) segment where we get into real listener dilemmas — careers, confidence, boundaries, and the quiet panic of “am I doing enough with my life?”If you’re feeling behind, overwhelmed, or weirdly emotional for no clear reason — this one’s for you. Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

PRE ORDER Clock In: https://emilydurham.org/clock-inIf you feel behind, confused, or low-key panicked because you still don’t know what you want to do with your life — this episode is for you.In today’s job market, the pressure to have a “dream career” figured out is unrealistic, outdated, and honestly… unhelpful. In this episode, I’m breaking down why not knowing your end goal isn’t the problem — and what you should be focusing on instead.We’ll walk through a practical, no-BS career mapping framework that helps you move forward without needing a 10-year plan, a passion epiphany, or a quarter-life crisis meltdown.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “finding your passion” is terrible career adviceHow to build career momentum even when you feel lostThe difference between a career goal and a career directionHow to make smart next moves without locking yourself into the wrong pathWhat to focus on when you don’t know your long-term plan — but still want to make more money, gain confidence, and stop feeling stuckThis episode is your permission slip to stop spiraling, stop comparing, and start making strategic moves that actually compound over time.You don’t need to know what you want to do with your life, you just need a map. Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

Your job can’t love you back — but that doesn’t mean a layoff won’t hurt.This week, I’m joined by Ilana Dunn, host of Seeing Other People and one of the most thoughtful voices on dating, self-worth, and navigating major life transitions online. Ilana went through a layoff herself, and together we unpack what happens when your career rug gets pulled out from under you.We talk about the emotional whiplash of layoffs, why so many high performers get cut, and how to rethink your identity when the job you built your life around disappears. We also dig into career pivots — how to tell when one is a strategic move versus a fear-based reaction.We get into:Why layoffs are rarely personal (even when they feel devastating)The grief, shame, and panic no one warns you aboutRebuilding confidence after being “cut”When a career pivot is actually a power moveWhy tying your self-worth to your job will always backfireFollow Ilana on Instagram  and check out her podcast Seeing Other People for honest conversations about dating, identity, and becoming yourself again.https://www.instagram.com/seeingotherpeople/https://www.instagram.com/ilanadunn/If you’ve ever stayed loyal to a company that wouldn’t hesitate to replace you, this episode is your reminder: your career should serve you, not the other way around. Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

New year, new energy — but no pressure!In this episode, I’m checking in on how I’m actually feeling heading into the new year, what I’m celebrating, what I’m leaving behind, and how I’m thinking about work, goals, and growth moving forward. We’re talking career ins and outs, realistic intentions, and setting the tone for the year ahead without burning yourself out. Consider this your friendly New Year career check-in. Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

In this special holiday edition of What Would Emily Do, I’m answering your real career questions. We’re talking about what to do when your boss doesn’t care about your health, how to know when it’s actually time to quit your job, and how to think about taking a pay cut without blowing up your future.If you’ve been rethinking your job going into the new year, this episode will help you get clear on your next move! Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

Standing up for yourself at work shouldn’t cost you trust, credibility, or future opportunities.In this episode, we break down how to advocate for yourself, push back, set boundaries, and deliver hard messages without damaging relationships or burning bridges. Because clarity isn’t the issue—delivery is.You’ll learn:How to say the hard thing without escalating the situationThe difference between being direct and being recklessHow to push back while staying respected and effectiveWhat tact actually looks like in real workplace conversations Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

This special Clock In LIVE x Intuit episode felt like a full-circle moment for me. If you’ve followed my career story, you know I actually worked at Intuit for 4+ years and it truly was the job that changed my career and life. So getting to come back, sit on stage, and host this conversation with two incredible Intuit leaders was honestly surreal in the best way.I’m joined by:✨Kristen Treacyhttps://ca.linkedin.com/in/kristen-treacy✨Kerry-Ann McAnuffhttp://linkedin.com/in/kerry-ann-mcanuff/Together, we get into:what genuine career growth actually looks like how to advocate for yourself at work even when your voice shakeshow high performers manage imposter syndromethe small habits that lead to BIG confidence at workwhat career development looks like inside a company that actually invests in youThis conversation is honest, energizing, and full of the kind of advice I wish I had earlier in my own career — especially when I was first starting out at Intuit.If you’re thinking about your next step, looking for a company with real growth opportunities, or you just want to feel inspired about your career again… bookmark this one.📌 Explore opportunities at Intuit:👉https://www.intuit.com/ca/careers/ Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

In this episode, we’re reframing “greed” as a career strategy. If you’ve been taught to be grateful, quiet, or low-maintenance at work, you’re probably leaving money, perks, and power on the table.I break down the real reason ambitious people earn more—and the exact tactics you can use to do the same. We cover salary negotiation, asking for raises, getting better perks, using competing offers, and how to confidently ask for more without feeling guilty.If you’re ready to stop playing small and finally get paid what you’re worth, this episode is your roadmap. Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

Welcome to a conversation we all need right now.Today, we're diving into The Cost of Keeping Up — why so many of us feel financially behind, exhausted, or like our “good salary” still isn’t enough. From lifestyle pressure to rising costs to the emotional toll of constantly comparing ourselves online, this episode unpacks the truth about Gen Z’s relationship with money in 2025. We talk about the systems, the psychology, and the reality behind why managing money feels harder than ever — and how to take back control without giving up your joy. This episode features insights from Melissa Leong, one of Canada’s leading personal finance experts, bestselling author, and your favourite money mentor.Follow Melissa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisleong/?hl=enWebsite: www.melissaleong.comBook: Happy Go Money And a huge thank you to RBC — this episode is proudly sponsored by them in support of their research on the financial pressures facing young Canadians today. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “everything right” and still can’t get ahead… this one’s for you. CONTEST INFORMATION! Between November 19 to 30, 2025 you have a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree at Shoppers Drug Mart. There is a special keyword embedded in today’s episode. Simply text the keyword plus you’re full name to 925-555. Standard message rates apply. Go to https://www.seekyoursounds.com/contests for contest rules.  From beauty to value sets, to stocking stuffers and more, Shoppers Drug Mart can help you during the holiday season—and you’ll get points on almost everything! Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.