Beyond the 9-to-5: A Balanced Career

About Beyond the 9-to-5: A Balanced Career

Welcome to A Balanced Career Podcast, the podcast for the modern professional who wants more than just a paycheck. Join hosts Simanto Khandaker, a seasoned career coach with a mental health background, and Ian Schonberg, an expert in higher education and social work, as we dive into the psychology behind career development. Each episode, we explore the emotional and mental challenges that come with building a career—from imposter syndrome and burnout to navigating difficult bosses and finding your purpose. We challenge the notion that a successful career must come at the expense of your well-being. Tune in to discover how to find true fulfillment, set compassionate boundaries, and build a career that truly supports your whole life.

Publisher

Simanto Khandaker

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Oct 2025

Latest episode

21 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

29 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Oct 2026

   Guest: Samantha Savvy - Empowerment Through Self-Expression

   Summary In this engaging podcast episode, Samantha Savvy shares her multifaceted journey as an entrepreneur, DJ, speaker, and author. She discusses her evolution from a quiet child to a powerful advocate for self-expression and empowerment, particularly for women. The conversation emphasizes the importance of supportive environments, the power of giving and receiving, and the continuous journey of personal growth and healing. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore themes of authenticity, self-expression, and the journey of self-acceptance. Sponsor Visit https://balancedatlast.com (https://balancedatlast.com) to book a free 20-minute consultation! Plus, mention this podcast to get 20% off any of our career or executive coaching services. Balanced at last is located in Atlanta, and services Greater Atlanta and Orlando area. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Samantha Savvy 02:07 The Journey of Self-Expression 05:56 Breaking Free from Limitations 11:57 The Importance of Supportive Environments 18:25 Finding Purpose in Pain 22:18 The Power of Giving and Receiving 25:54 Embracing Multiple Passions 30:39 Embracing Authenticity and Self-Expression 33:15 The Power of Performance and Personal Branding 35:49 The Journey of Self-Acceptance and Happiness 37:44 Defining Your Unique Signature 39:10 The Interconnection of Dance and DJing 45:00 Crafting a Cohesive Musical Experience 49:58 Finding Your Unique Path and Signature Keywords Samantha Savvy, empowerment, personal growth, self-expression, overcoming adversity, supportive environments, purpose, giving, receiving, multiple passions authenticity, self-expression, performance, personal branding, happiness, unique signature, dance, DJing, music experience, self-acceptance Follow Samantha Savvy on: https://www.samanthasavvy.com/ (https://www.samanthasavvy.com/) https://www.facebook.com/samanthasavvyofficial (https://www.facebook.com/samanthasavvyofficial) https://www.instagram.com/samanthasavvyofficial (https://www.instagram.com/samanthasavvyofficial) https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthasavvyofficial/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthasavvyofficial/) https://open.spotify.com/artist/0QlZGQXS1R4Pnvz93uBOh1 (https://open.spotify.com/artist/0QlZGQXS1R4Pnvz93uBOh1) https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/dj-savvy/1765790538 (https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/dj-savvy/1765790538) https://www.youtube.com/@samanthasavvyofficial (https://www.youtube.com/@samanthasavvyofficial) Follow us on: IG - https://www.instagram.com/balancedatlast/ (https://www.instagram.com/balancedatlast/) FB - https://www.facebook.com/BalancedAtLast/ (https://www.facebook.com/BalancedAtLast/) YT - https://youtube.com/@BalancedAtLast (https://youtube.com/@BalancedAtLast) LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/skhandaker (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skhandaker) Website - https://balancedatlast.com (https://balancedatlast.com)

2. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Season 2 - Identifying the RED Flags

   Summary In this episode, Simanto Khandaker and Ian Schonberg share insights on how to spot red flags during job interviews, including recognizing subtle warning signs and understanding company culture. Learn practical strategies to make informed career decisions and protect your professional well-being. Key topics Recognizing overt and subtle red flags in interviews The importance of gut feeling and moral compass Questions to ask about company culture and team dynamics How layoffs and company stability signal red flags The role of preparation and research in interview success Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:23 Personal story about inappropriate interview questions 04:53 Recognizing flags and gut instincts during interviews 07:37 The significance of asking about failure and support systems 10:10 Understanding the meaning of family in workplace culture 13:44 Questions to ask about team success and company stability 15:06 Dealing with red flags when considering a job offer 18:33 The impact of layoffs and company strategy on job security 22:17 Assessing the interviewer and understanding the role of the person you meet 26:37 The importance of informed decision-making and research Follow us on: IG - https://www.instagram.com/balancedatlast/ (https://www.instagram.com/balancedatlast/) FB - https://www.facebook.com/BalancedAtLast/ (https://www.facebook.com/BalancedAtLast/) YT - https://youtube.com/@BalancedAtLast (https://youtube.com/@BalancedAtLast) LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/skhandaker (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skhandaker) Website - https://balancedatlast.com (https://balancedatlast.com) Keywords job interview, red flags, company culture, career development, hiring tips, interview strategies, workplace warning signs, professional growth

3. 

   26 Aug 2026

   There is NO Balance

   Summary In this episode, Ian and Sim explore the complex concept of work-life balance, challenging traditional notions and emphasizing the ongoing, fluid nature of achieving stability in life and work. They share insights on recognizing hidden strengths, the importance of reflection, and the role of coaching in personal development. Sponsor Visit https://balancedatlast.com to book a free 20-minute consultation! Plus, mention this podcast to get 20% off any of our career or executive coaching services. Balanced at last is located in Atlanta, and services Greater Atlanta area, and greater Orlando. Key topics The misconception of work-life balance as a static goal Balance as an ongoing, fluid process like an atomic symbol The importance of reflection and recognizing hidden strengths The role of coaching in personal development and stability The impact of global events and personal challenges on balance Strategies for recognizing when balance is off and how to adjust The difference between balance and stability in life and work The significance of small, consistent improvements in daily routines Chapters 00:00 Introduction and season wrap-up 01:55 The contradiction of the podcast name and the theme of no balance 04:07 The atomic symbol of interconnectedness and balance 07:55 The complexity of balancing multiple life components 12:00 The fluid nature of balance and stability 16:01 The dangers of over-reliance on energy drinks and destructive recovery 19:52 Recognizing hidden strengths and challenges 24:58 The ongoing process of achieving stability and the role of reflection 29:56 The importance of coaching and external perspectives 34:00 Planning for the future through seasonal perspective 37:54 Key takeaways and closing thoughts Keywords work-life balance, stability, reflection, coaching, personal development, energy management, mental health, continuous process

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

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