Is anyone else tired of being overworked, undervalued and taken for granted? It’s so demoralising :(

12 Comments

1. Vivian LeeJanuary 2,2026 at 3:02AM UTC

   Yes. It took many years to realize I had been enabling others to overwork, under appreciate, and take me for granted. From the bad advice I took for making myself indispensable, being the good girl who kept quiet, didn’t complain nor comment about the unequal treatment, and not standing up for myself. My contributions were only valued after I left the company, like an artist known for their posthumous works.

2. BarbaraJanuary 2,2026 at 4:47PM UTC

   Like an artist appreciated only after you left. Very cute!

3. Neena RawatJanuary 2,2026 at 1:21PM UTC

   I also sometime feel that I am overworked and undervalued. I am SDM and managing a team of 70 developers. However, I am less paid than few of my team members inspite of having more Technical experience

4. ppinesJanuary 2,2026 at 1:31PM UTC

   Yes, in my current role I am definitely undervalued. When I was told that my contract role was being made permanent, I was promised that my role would be graded a Level 8 ( middle management).... instead, it was graded a Level 6 (support/junior mgr).

   When I was then shifted to a more responsible/senior role (brand new and no job description - boss was going to create a Level 7 position) the boss just used my Level 6 role description and changed the title! So my current role jd reflects the previous role and is nothing like my actual role.... and no pay rise!

   When I completed my annual career plan, I outlined my achievements, and focused on building skills in line with a Level 7. My manager stated that he couldn't see me being promoted for another 12 months!

   I am sick of his gaslighting, so I am now looking for an internal promotion in another department.

5. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 2:44PM UTC

   Been overworked for years in every company I've ever been with. Every time I start a new job I say I won't let myself be taken advantage of this time. And it happens again and again. Kept in roles because I'm "too good" at my job, given workload way beyond a 40 hour week with no compensation every time someone quits or us fired because I can "handle it". I've worked nearly 80 hours a week for almost 25 years with no extra money, no recognition and no promotions. Been laid off three times and my current company was recently sold so I'm waiting for the hammer to drop on me again. It's truly my own fault for allowing it and not setting boundaries. I'm always worried that if I don't do the extra work I'll be eliminated. I have massive debt and a family so I've never had the luxury of being able to not work. My current employer is so toxic I feel like I'll never find another job because they've made me feel incompetent for nearly 10 years with micromanagement.

6. AnonymousJanuary 2,2026 at 4:57PM UTC

   Being overworked , under valued and taken for granted is the great efficiency strategy in corporate America! So stop it. Value yourself! Draw boundaries around your hours even if you require a doctor to intervene for you because you’re chicken to ask on your own, get clear about what your job actually is. Have consistent check in meetings with your boss to ensure that your projects are on track and identify any changes or efficiencies they may require. Stop being a martyr and waiting for someone to recognize you. Even if you are lucky and get a good management team that encourages and recognizes you, they can leave and you get a whole new set of expectations.

   Do something outside of work that gives you confidence. Learn to crochet, take martial arts , do something that you can accomplish outside of the dum work environment! Break the martyr habit.

7. Debra CrumbJanuary 3,2026 at 8:08AM UTC

   Yes

8. Diane KingJanuary 3,2026 at 1:29PM UTC

   Absolutely. It’s demoralizing when effort isn’t matched with recognition. I’ve found that being intentional about growth, whether through courses, creative projects, or planning next steps, helps me feel less stuck and more in control.

9. Gill HefferJanuary 8,2026 at 1:32PM UTC

   Agree- control what you CAN

10. AnonymousJanuary 7,2026 at 10:50AM UTC

    No matter how hard one works, they may encounter a toxic employer. Self reflection is great, but please don't blame the victim. It's like telling a woman whose husband just beat the heck out of her that she should smile more and focus more on how to please him. As for looking for a new job, the OP is likely doing so. In case you haven't heard, it's a tough job market, and she probably has to keep her job to pay the bills until a better job comes along.

11. Gill HefferJanuary 8,2026 at 1:31PM UTC

    yes!!

12. ppinesJanuary 17,2026 at 2:02PM UTC

    Yet somehow he managed to land himself a promotion and a payrise!