Psychologists observe that people often describe their work with the same passion and emotions as they do personal relationships. This is hardly surprising, considering a job usually consumes eight hours of the day—about one-third, and often the most productive hours. Naturally, it is worth making this time as fulfilling and comfortable as possible.

Balance across different areas of life is far more valuable than excelling in one while suffering in another. Unfortunately, finding a workplace where you arrive with a smile is not always easy. Employees are rarely warned about hidden difficulties, team frictions, or managers uninterested in growth. At times, the entire field may lose its appeal, and routine turns into slow torture…