Ever find yourself saying, "I don’t have time for this," as one more task lands on your already full plate? You’re not alone — but that statement may be hiding a deeper problem.

Welcome to the Work Sucks, But I Like It Podcast with your host Tony Tenaglier — PhD student in Organizational Psychology, Flow Coach, aerospace industry leader, and self-proclaimed "industrial athlete."

In this episode, we break down the illusion of busyness and expose the common trap of appearing busy while getting little done. I’ll share my personal system for managing time, priorities, and energy — including the wild, color-coded calendar that runs my life (yes, even naps are scheduled). We’ll talk about how to:

✅ Identify your “big rocks” and build your day around them
✅ Apply Flow Science to your workday for optimal engagement
✅ Manage interruptions like a pro — without losing your mind
✅ Stop reacting and start executing on what matters most
✅ Recognize when you’re “appearing busy” instead of being productive

Plus, you’ll get a peek into how I balance work, a PhD, yoga teaching, rock climbing, family/friends, and even a Lego city — and still make time for deep rest and recovery.

This episode is for anyone tired of running on the hamster wheel of modern work life, and ready to take the wheel back. Because time isn’t the problem. Priorities are.

🎯 It’s not about being busy — it’s about being fully engaged.

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Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

In this episode of Work Sucks, But I Like It, host Tony Tenaglier explores the life of Chris McCandless — the man behind Into the Wild — and asks: Was he chasing meaningful work, or running from it? Through 6 key takeaways, we connect his journey to ideas from Thoreau and Viktor Frankl to uncover what his story can teach us about purpose, burnout, and the search for meaning in our own work lives.

Support the show

Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

In this raw and reflective episode of Work Sucks, But I Like It, host Tony Tenaglier shares the pivotal experiences that reshaped his understanding of what work means—and what people truly seek when they clock in. It's not just about a paycheck. It's about purpose, value, and that deep sense of importance we all crave. From steel mills to leadership lessons, from being promoted to getting fired, Tony explores the uncomfortable truth about corporate culture, the limits of financial motivation, and the enduring human desire for meaningful work. If you've ever asked yourself, Why am I really doing this?, this one's for you.

Support the show

Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

In this episode of Work Sucks, But I Like It, Tony Tenaglier explores the concept of the "industrial athlete"—the unsung heroes of the workplace who show up, suit up, and play the game of work every day. Why do we glorify athletes on ESPN but overlook everyday excellence in manufacturing, engineering, and business? Tony makes a compelling case for using platforms like LinkedIn to highlight wins in the workplace, celebrate achievement, and bring positivity and meaning back into the daily grind. If ESPN is the highlight reel for sports, shouldn't work have one too?

Support the show

Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

Let’s face it—work can often feel like a grind. Repetitive tasks, endless meetings, and a lack of meaning can leave you feeling stuck and uninspired. But what if there’s a way to shift your mindset and transform even the most mundane work into something fulfilling?

In this episode, host Tony Tenaglier explores the paradox of work: how it can feel draining and yet be a powerful source of joy, flow, and purpose. Drawing on the psychology of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of flow—that state of deep focus and immersion—Tony breaks down why we get caught in the monotony and how we can break free and find more happiness.

You’ll learn why many people prefer leisure over work, even when work has the potential to be just as rewarding, and how to reframe your approach so that daily tasks become opportunities for satisfaction and growth. From practical tools to shift your experience to insights on how organizations can foster intrinsic motivation and collaboration, this episode offers a roadmap to not just survive your job—but truly thrive in it.

Whether you're stuck in routine or seeking more meaning in your 9-to-5, tune in to discover how work doesn't have to suck—and how it might just become something you look forward to.

Support the show

Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

Work Sucks, But I Like It is the podcast where we tackle the messy equation of work and life. Hosted by Tony Tenaglier—engineer, PhD candidate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, author, and yoga teacher—we dive into why we show up to work beyond just the paycheck. From workplace culture and burnout to meaning, purpose, and the psychology of flow, this show explores how to rethink the "job" and maybe even start to like it (a little). Whether you’re tired of hustle culture or seeking more fulfillment in what you do, join us to challenge the status quo and rediscover the art and responsibility of meaningful work.

Support the show

Want to find out more? Check out the website:

www.worksucksbutilikeit.com