"Most people show up to work wanting to do a good job. The biggest risk to that is managers killing that motivation," say Dr Helmut Schuster and Dr David Oxley, co-authors of A Groundhog Career: A tale of career traps and how to escape them But even great entrepreneurs don't always know how to be good managers, so how can you avoid falling into the common traps that could make your team unhappy at work?"

“The trains were cancelled today … so I had to cycle to work … in 40 degrees … up and down a live volcano … that erupted …. I had to repair two flat tyres. But did anyone appreciate my effort? When we get trapped into painting ourselves as the victim of our circumstances, we become our own worst enemies.”
The solution? “Start rewriting your story with you as the hero.” Look at daily challenges, like the mundane commute, as adventures rather than burdens, and happiness will follow."

"Most employees feel disengaged because their work lacks meaning, not because of low pay. Purpose-driven workplaces attract and retain top talent by aligning daily tasks with a greater mission. HR leaders must foster integrity, autonomy, and growth to create environments where employees thrive."

"A Groundhog Career: A tale of career traps and how to escape them is the second in the Shey Sinope saga.

Forget everything you think you know about business books, this series breaks the mould. It’s a story book designed for Gen Z following Shey on his early-career journey, and it deals with the real stuff of trying to make your way in the world without losing yourself in the process. It’s a hugely readable but very important guide to living professional life on your own terms"

"We are delighted to announce that in partnership with Practical Inspiration Publishing we are able to offer the digital/kindle version of our new book A Groundhog Career for just 99p/99c. This is for the 17th and 18th of March 2025 only. We hope you take advantage of this great offer."

"David and Helmut spotlighted by PIP ahead of the launch of A Groundhog Career on March 18th. Read the short profiles below and also get a link to read a preview of the new book."

"With his long-time collaborator and former colleague Dr David Oxley he wrote ‘A Career Carol: A Tale of Professional Nightmares and How to Navigate Them' in 2023, which received wide praise and several awards for its refreshingly modern and innovative approach. The second book in the series - 'A Groundhog Career: A tale of career traps and how to escape them' - is out on 18 March."

"In this episode, we speak with Dr. Helmut Schuster and Dr. David Oxley, authors of A Groundhog Career: A Tale of Career Traps and How to Escape Them. Drawing from their extensive experience in management consulting, they discuss how to break free from unfulfilling careers and align your professional life with your true purpose. They share practical insights for MBA students and graduates on how to escape the “Groundhog Career” trap, find deeper meaning in your work, and embrace individuality in your career journey.

With expertise in leadership and career development, Schuster and Oxley offer advice on navigating career challenges, the future of work, and how to create a career path that works for you, not for someone else. Tune in for valuable strategies to reshape your professional life and find fulfillment in your work."

"I just started reading A Groundhog Career by @drsschusterandoxley and it's already making a huge impact on how I see my career and life. The book dives deep into the repetitive patterns we fall into - those cycles where we keep doing the same things , expecting a different results. Sound familiar?"

"What do you want to achieve in your career? “I’m seeking a leadership position?” What’s your goal for the next year? “I really want to get to Managing Director. That’s the gold standard at my firm.” These are common answers in career development discussions. But do they indicate we may have created career ladders that confuse recognition with leadership? "

"This entertaining new book is eye-opening read for anyone looking to take charge of their career journey. Whether you are a senior manager of a new graduate, we all need meaning and purpose at work, and this book is a roadmap for finding a career that truly matters."

"Have you ever caught yourself in a meeting, getting ready to present your point of view, not really listening and never seriously considering the speaker’s ideas? Have you been in a conversation with a less experienced colleague, showing off your vast experience and knowledge, showering the new member to the team with good advice? Have you ever been in an interview and spoke more than the candidate? If the answer is yes, then this article is made for you."

"We've just learned that A Groundhog Career has been short listed for best career book in the Wishing Shelf Awards! By making the final slate we apparently made it into the top 30% of books nominated this year. Winners are announced in April."

"There is apparently only one truth to winning: people and technology. In that order. Unfortunately, the lesson is easy to forget, tempting to bypass, and extremely easy to suspend when the storm clouds of economic cycles, political pressures, and, apparently, COVID-19 pandemics materialise."

"Whatever your job situation, feeling motivated and excited by work does not always come easy. It is a concern that career experts Dr Helmut Schuster and Dr David Oxley, authors of A Groundhog Career: A Tale of Career Traps and How to Escape Them, are well acquainted with."

"Helmut Schuster and David Oxley, who wrote the A Groundhog Career book, are also sceptical. “Working a job that is fully remote only suits a small minority of people, and for those looking to advance their careers, being physically present in the office can offer invaluable opportunities for networking.” However, they added: “Leaders should tread carefully when implementing blanket return-to-office polices.”"

Our January Newsletter is ready to go out later this week. If you haven't signed up yet, it's not too late. Submit your email on our home page.

"Blue Monday sees A Groundhog Career become Amazon's #1 hot new release. Blue Monday is the questionable concept of the 3rd Monday in January being the 'saddest' in the calendar. Whatever the origins, dissatisfaction and disillusionment with work is a real and growing trend. A Groundhog Career is dedicated to helping provide a roadmap to navigate to something more fulfilling."

"Why are so many of us miserable at work? Our research suggests the explanation is a counterproductive behavioural circle. We tell ourselves work is a necessary evil. That forbearance and suffering are a price we must pay in pursuit of a ‘good’ life."

"Blue Monday, whatever the questionable origins seems to resonate. Why is this? What are the underlying causes that make us feel unfilled and disillusioned with our careers. More importantly, how can we escape careers traps and pursue professional life on our own terms?"