• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Happier at Work logo

Happier at Work

  • About
    • FAQs
    • Testimonials
  • Podcast
  • Speaking
  • Services
    • Imposter Syndrome
  • Resources
    • Research
    • Blog
    • Aoife’s Reading List
    • Media
  • Contact

173: “Why I left”: inspiring stories from the Great Resignation with Brian Aquart

No matter how much you progress in your career, do you still feel like there must be something more out there?

In this week’s episode of the Happier at Work® podcast, we welcome a special guest, Brian Aquart, who shares his insights and experiences regarding the “great resignation” phenomenon that many have observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brian, a former employment law specialist turned healthcare industry professional, offers a unique perspective on why people are leaving their jobs and embarking on new paths.

Brian introduces us to his podcast, “Why I Left,” where he provides a platform for individuals to share their personal journeys of leaving stable jobs during these unprecedented times. The motivation behind their decisions ranges from a desire for alignment with personal values and aspirations, to pursuing passion projects and side hustles that foster personal growth and fulfilment.

The pandemic has forced many individuals to reflect on their career choices and evaluate if their current jobs truly bring them happiness and purpose. Brian emphasises that being happier at work goes beyond financial considerations, challenging the notion that money is the sole indicator of success. Instead, he urges us to consider the impact we have on the world and the kind of impact we want to make.

Through his own work in healthcare, Brian has found fulfilment by focusing on initiatives that positively impact lives, such as working with students and exposing them to opportunities in the healthcare industry. He reminds us that finding something we genuinely love to do and feel passionate about, coupled with making a difference in our chosen field, is key to experiencing happiness in our careers.

The main points throughout this podcast include:

– Personal stories from career changers, the main reasons people left stable jobs during the pandemic

– We don’t talk enough about job resignations, and what we can learn from the process

– How money is not purpose, and people want to have an impact through their work

– When you reach a certain level and think “is this all there is?”

– How to create more opportunities for yourself

– What companies should be offering to employees to prevent resignations

Connect with Brian Aquart:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/

https://www.WhyILeft.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/why-i-left/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialwhyileft/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-i-left/id1613667100

YouTube Channel Link

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgQI4X0kEp8-o7Z9D3tRmg

Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

Website: https://happieratwork.ie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/

Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ" rel="noopener noreferrer"…

Previous Post: « 172: Autonomy at Work with Aoife O’Brien
Next Post: 174: The Role of Emotions in Workplace Dynamics with Dr Lola Gershfeld »

Footer

Contact

Email: aoife@happieratwork.ie
Tel: +353 87 225 2670

Quick Links

  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms and Conditions of Service
  • Cookies

Connect

  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2025 · Happier at Work · Website by The Website Chef

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “ACCEPT ALL”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Read More about our Cookie Policy.
Cookie SettingsREJECT ALLACCEPT ALL
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Powered by CookieYes Logo