I'm in my late 40s and am in a mid level management position.

63 Comments

1. Jenn Paster DetmerFebruary 2,2024 at 2:36PM UTC

   It sounds like you have become disconnected to the things that used to excite you about your work and are a bit "stuck" in the current perspective. I would recommend keeping a journal where you write down a sentence or a few words (doesn't need to be a book) each day about what parts of your day you felt excited about or brought you joy. Then you can go back and review after a few weeks to see if you notice any patterns. It may allow you to restructure your day so that the things that motivate you are more present OR to even negotiate to move more toward that area. This could also be a case of adding more boundaries and delegation to let go some of the overwhelm, which is hard to say without more information. I would try the journal and if you really feel stuck, you can always work with an accountability partner or professional coach to try to scientifically look at your own data and hold yourself accountable to analyze it and make changes. But do bear in mind if you are feeling these feelings in other areas of your life, you may want to consider seeing a mental health professional and/or your physician to make sure everything is okay as there are a number of health issues that could result in lower motivation.

2. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 2:53PM UTC

   I want to somewhat support what the other person said here, except; therapy is something everyone should be doing not just people who think they might be depressed. It's like gym for the mind. That being said women in their 40s and 50s, particularly those going through menopause experience a kind of "not putting up with the bs" shift (there are actual studies on this) AND it's not just you it's everyone. The news is constantly regaling us with how the motivation is gone or never existed in newer generations but forgot to mention it's no longer there in later generations either. Mid level management is also rife with being a carp umbrella. You are privy to the ugly things and have nothing you can do about them, including all the ways your colleagues are sexist, racist or just incompetent while being handed things because they would make a good beer buddy. It's quite frankly exhausting. At your level it's three times as hard to progress if you are underrepresented. I don't know if any of this rings true to what you are experiencing but I do want to say a hearty "it's not just you, it's everything." And having a therapist will help you not because you are "crazy" but because a therapists job is to help keep you sane in an insane world, and there's not a human alive who wouldn't benefit from that.

3. LizFebruary 2,2024 at 8:07PM UTC

   "Not putting up with the b.s." This. Yes. I am tired of being expected to accept what many would find unacceptable.

4. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 2:55PM UTC

   I think you are like a lot of us. The last few years showed us exactly how empty most of what we do is. Jobs/Careers/Companies, just lost meaning when we were all living on the edge of a global catastrophe.

   You and I are in a similar boat, we were raised with the ideals of working hard meant great, fulfilling rewards and a life of satisfaction and accomplishment. What we now know is it was all a bunch of bull. Company loyalty and being rewarded for your work not really how things work.

   Best advice I can give as someone in the same boat, find things outside work that make you happy. If you can reasonably tolerate your job and you're making money to pay your bills then find passion in other things; (crafts, volunteering, sports, etc.) I've learned to let go of that idea that my job/career was the center of my world.

5. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 3:28PM UTC

   Thank you. I guess I've seen too much and experienced what goes on behind closed doors in corporate America. The lies, intentional deception and the lack of loyalty.

6. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 2:57PM UTC

   I’m in the exact same situation.

7. JulieFebruary 2,2024 at 2:59PM UTC

   Are you me? I feel the same way. I don't have an answer for you on how to overcome this, but you are not alone.

8. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 4:08PM UTC

   Completely feel this way, now a VP in Tech - been involved since starting off as a DEV lead for a Y2K project.
   I have no desire to progress at work, but still put in a solid effort as a 'silent professional' - I am not one to self-advocate, speak needlessly on project calls, or derail work related conversations to interject with self-promoting anecdotes. What motivates me is still the problem solving aspect, but I dislike unnecessary workplace politics and the 'Hunger Games' culture which my company seems invested in. Just want to take care of my family and fish Salmon.

9. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 4:55PM UTC

   Whoa, it is like you are describing me! Same - I am not viewed as high potential, but more solid delivery, because I just do my job, but don't go around bragging to everyone to get further promoted.

10. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 5:28PM UTC

    Same here! Strong work ethic but avoid the Hunger Games. Travel and eat salmon!!

11. AnonymousFebruary 3,2024 at 3:32PM UTC

    Thank you, I am a 'catch and release' Angler, probably since age 12. Recently even started using barbless hooks / flies. Salmon and trout face so much adversity with climate shift, predation and habitat degradation that they don't need me eating them.

12. Kimberly McFebruary 2,2024 at 4:24PM UTC

    I enjoy my work but feel 100% the same in all other ways. I just want to do my job and be left alone, but because I’m a self starter I’m getting more responsibilities when really I want less! (I’m in my early 50s). I don’t think this is unusual, but I also don’t know what the solution is.

13. Jolie CorralFebruary 2,2024 at 4:31PM UTC

    Pre-retirement syndrome - that must be what I have. Over the past year I've found that more and more I'm wishing I could find ways to just retire. I've been doing the corporate thing for upwards of 35 years and I'm ready to let the younger ones take the reigns. If only I were of age/financially ready to actually retire.

14. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 5:17PM UTC

    Yes......as I aged I felt more and more like this. I was shocked because I was always so ambitious professionally and juggled raising our family and grabbing every professional opportunity I could.

    When I hit my 50s I was just not feeling it. So after changing jobs a couple of time I discovered it wasn't the work so after my last child finished college, I started to build my side hustle of a consulting (legal support for small to medium sized companies). After the pandemic I quit my W2 Employer and now I work for myself and 2 clients. I bill 3x my rate and work remote about 20 hours per week. My kids are grown and on their own so my husband and I RV around the country visiting the grandkids and friends across the country. I tell you this because life is not static. Your view of life and goals change, your needs change and you are drawn to new ways of life. I can't imagine ever going back. There are phases and stages and I learned not to fight the flow.

15. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 6:40PM UTC

    Thank you for your encouraging words.

16. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 5:24PM UTC

    I enjoy my work but DESPISE office politics. I'm about giving 110%, and going home. It seems as though organizations want 200% and expect a "dedicated " employee to be plugged in 24/7.

    I don't mind the occasional fire drill but when supervisors are CONSTANTLY in panic mode, it's a symptom of disorganization and control IMO

    I'm 50. I feel your pain.

17. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 7:30PM UTC

    I was laid off in my late 40s and did a career pivot to non-profit work. It is not unheard of for one near the "empty nest" and the perimenopausal hormone shift for this to happen. You may want to talk to your doctor and have a complete checkup.

18. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 8:01PM UTC

    You're a manager.

    Please make sure these feelings do not trickle down to anyone else in the workplace. That being said, I feel the same way. I am mentally exhausted and fed up. My organization is cheap on raises (never had a "raise" this low in my entire life - 1.5%!) and keeps raising the parking rates to extreme levels (which makes their showboating of equity a complete joke). I actually make the same amount of $ I made when I started a little over a year ago. I've been dealing with a middle manager (late 40's) who is NOT my boss but never seems to miss an opportunity to undermine me in front of others and belittle me (over really stupid things that wouldn't matter to a sane and reasonable person). She has even taken to yelling, slamming doors, and having mini tantrums over the most inconsequential things. She once yelled out that I "sucked" because she didn't realize the particular creamers she prefers that I reordered were in the fridge (jumping to immediate conclusions is her M.O.). She once "apologized" by saying she had a "bad morning." (I would never be given a free pass if I acted like her.). I think she is perimenopausal but I sure don't drive an hour and 20 minutes to work to be someone else's emotional dumpster. I am 54 and am currently IN menopause but I'm sure no one cares. I have ZERO incentive to knock myself out. I'm in Academia and admins are sometimes considered invisible and replaceable (previous Director and this middle manager ONLY addressed me if they wanted to give negative feedback- always over minor things...some of which could've been avoided if they had communicated to begin with. My new Director seems unaware... I tried dropping hints but I've arrived at the conclusion that this is not on his list of concerns, so I have been applying elsewhere).

19. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 8:53PM UTC

    I recommend you speak with your manager regarding their behavior with you and how it makes you feel, that you respect them.and you expect the same. If this continues you will report to HR. After conversation recap and bcc: HR rep, as they may try to retaliate against you.

20. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 9:04PM UTC

    Thanks.
    Tbh, I've lost all respect for her. Lord knows I've tried to bear it, but I am done. Her attitude has trickled to at least one of her reports who micromanages me more and more and expects IMMEDIATE answers to non urgent emails (like, maybe don't send an email 2 minutes before lunchtime and come at me a mere 15 minutes after I've returned from lunch? And this is a place where others are free to completely ghost with no consequences.). And I am considered more responsive than most people...In fact, I KNOW that I am. I just don't have the energy or desire to fight this anymore and I am looking at other positions.

    Also, I have NEVER seen a case in which an admin reported a bully and emerged unscathed. I did that once (due to a Sr. VP who was creeping on me, including eventual shoulder, neck and back contact, for months and he didn't disclose to anyone that he was no longer separated but had been reunited with his wife- he had previous inappropriate office relationships. I tried to address it with HIM - privately- the day after I was awarded a 2K merit bonus in my 7th month there. Well, what I was put through for the next 4 1/2 months was traumatizing. He threw me under the bus to HR... He even stalked me outside of work. My manager put me through months of gaslighting hell... false writeups, following me everywhere, bullying, nitpicking to the extreme, extreme hostility, you name it). I was fired a week before my 1-year mark and he eventually got PROMOTED. He stalked me on my bike route a year after he got me fired. Now, tell me again why I should speak to this new, male Director, who I hardly know, about this person...?

21. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 9:32PM UTC

    HR is not your friend and they almost always side with management/upper management.

22. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 10:46PM UTC

    speak TO hr and accomplish what? I don’t think any of these scenarios are illegal unless they are being said to a member of the 8 protected classes and the discrimination is clear. hr is not the place to go if you’re hoping your colleagues will be nicer. IMHO they only care if the behavior is legally protected. OP is best to keep their cards close and bide time until they can apply elsewhere

23. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 8:48PM UTC

    I don't really enjoy my work either, but I don't necessarily aspire to be in management. I haven't made a move because the pay, culture and I enjoy the people I work with. Also, I have personal and family esponsibilities to take care of, so my happiness in that regard is put on hold. In a few years, I hope to do more of what I love. So I believe your feelings are totally normal, but there may be other factors that play into those feelings as well. BEST OF LUCK!

24. AnonymousFebruary 2,2024 at 9:26PM UTC

    I am 52 & have never looked for my work to complete me or make me happy. I don't want to hate my work or job & have left places where I felt that way. But I also know, most of my life satisfaction does not come from where I work or what I do. My job pays for me to do the things I enjoy & get satisfaction from. I hate the fairy tale that we should all go out & get jobs that are fulfilling & make us happy. That's just not reality. To me the goal is get a job you don't hate, doesn't make you miserable, is legal & pays the bills. Making friends, enjoying the work or being fulfilled is really all bonus.

    I currently enjoy my job & most of what I do. But there's also tedium & parts I do not enjoy any more. It often cycles. I am behind right now because of winter blahs & some tedium. But I'll power thru knowing it always gets better (for me in my current job of 20 years).

    My advice is to gain perspective. Why do you work? Personal fulfillment or to pay the bills?

25. AnonymousFebruary 3,2024 at 12:16AM UTC

    I feel the same! I tried to climb the ladder only to get pushed out of the way. My job is physically demanding, sweat involved, make up and fancy up dos will only get messed up! This one particular place expects good appearance at all times and has hindered my advancement and now all I do is focus on paying bills and retirement! I try to stay positive and that's about it! May be you can try a few new pieces to your wardrobe, get a shampoo/blowdry and see if that helps. I don't know your work environment, hope this helps!

26. AnonymousFebruary 3,2024 at 12:53AM UTC

    Hi there,

    Glad to see it is not just me feeling like that. I am in my early 50s, am a VP in my organization, something I never thought I would achieve, but I was lucky with bosses, mentors and being able to demonstrate what I was capable of on some big projects. But I never did those self-promoting things that others do now just to be noticed. I currently have a new boss, who clearly likes loud and super confident leaders. I feel I don't want to play this game. I want to come, do what makes sense to me and leave. Lately a lot of what we do doesn't even make sense to me. A lot is paper exercises, flashy presentations, form over substance.

    I try to enrich my life outside of work to overcome that feeling of being stuck at work. I would love to retire now, but cannot figure the Healthcare cost situation if I don't work.

27. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 3:29PM UTC

    I feel like you wrote this post right out of my own head. Exactly what I'm going through right now. I'm a COO and trying to figure out how to replace myself and be an independent consultant with no direct reports.

28. Mimi WalkerFebruary 3,2024 at 3:01AM UTC

    The feeling is normal.
    Sounds like this would be a good time for you to mentor, take someone under your wings who has the ambition. Teach them how to get to where you are, by also encouraging fulfillment outside of work. When I feel down or uninspired, it's often been helpful for me to help someone else who may be worse off.

    Also, because of Obama Care, health insurance, especial for those who aren't making 6 figures (if you were to retire), can be very affordable. Get with an agent, or do the math to see what your options would look like.

29. James ElliottFebruary 3,2024 at 2:18PM UTC

    This is something I'm going through as well. I'm 42 and was laid off last may along with 9 other Engineers. I have applied to 400 jobs but can't find a single one. I think it has to do with the fact I move to Omaha and their not nearly as big as Denver in terms of white collar jobs. I lost my ambition to even find another job after being rejected so many times. Luckily, it's allowed me to raise my 3 year old daughter and I'm cherishing those moments. I think a lot of people are waking up to the 'corporate scam' among others out there. The "American dream is a dream, because you have to be asleep to see it". -George Carilton. I don't look forward to starting another job, working my butt off, only to be laid off during the next plandemic or whatever it may be. These companies don't value their employees anymore becaue the labor pool to choose from is so big. Now with the influx of people flooding the border that's only going to get worse. I think your best bet is to try and think about another industry where you may not earn as much, but will be less stressful. I used to contract for the federal government so I know about office politics and it's unhealthy. That's why I mainly apply for remote positions as I refuse to be around toxic people who I'm supposed to kiss up to. Or maybe start your own business. Good luck!

30. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 3:14PM UTC

    Those "flooding the border" wouldn't be doing so if they didn't need to. They aren't competing with you for your engineer job, at least not for a year or more but I highly doubt at all.

    Companies care about profits that's true.

31. AnonymousFebruary 3,2024 at 5:12PM UTC

    I just want to thank the OP and everyone who commented on this post. It’s refreshing to see others be real with feelings about work and corporate America, specifically.

    As a tail-end GenX’er, I feel our generation was sold a bill of goods regarding the path to personal fulfillment and success: go to college, pursue a career with strong companies where you can climb the ladder, kill it everyday to prove your worth, play your part and win. It’s was always an empty formula, and it’s so obviously outdated in 2024. It is wild to devote so much of one’s day to something that can feel pointless so much if the time.

    I’m grateful for this forum where people can say what’s true for them without fear of consequences. It is a relief to know my realism is in good company. We might be cube neighbors at the office, in fact — and I bet we are such professionals that no one knows how we really think!

32. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 1:27PM UTC

    When i talk to coworker they are all just as unmotivated and unhappy

33. AnonymousFebruary 3,2024 at 9:25PM UTC

    I am considering giving up the money and stress of tge corporate world and just going to nonprofit where I can coast for the remaining years of my career. I have several friends who have parked themselves there and are pretty happy and stress-free now.

34. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 1:06AM UTC

    I would like to know what non profits are stress free and pay well!

    Ive seen so many nonprofits who low ball and do not pay well.

35. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 4:17PM UTC

    Post says ready to give up the money......

    Nonprofits are notorious for offering higher titles but much lower compensation. They are usually far lower in work load and stress because they have to be to attract skilled professionals. You trade money and status for mission and life balance. It seems to be the answer for many what want a slower pace role that aligns with a purpose. Unfortunately many are highly dysfunctional due to a general lack of business savvy of their leadership.

36. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 1:26PM UTC

    Is nonprofit better in hours and flexibility? I always thought you are just trading off salary for mission.

37. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 11:20PM UTC

    A single mission not driven by profits.

38. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 3:26PM UTC

    I don't think you should plan on "coasting" at a nonprofit. I have worked in them my whole career and it's not a cake walk. You need to have a passion for the mission, otherwise it will be just like any other job. I have never worked harder in my life than I do now (I'm COO of a nonprofit) and I love it.

39. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 1:26AM UTC

    I feel exactly as you do and I’m sorry to say that since the pandemic corporate America has become a toxic waste dump. I hate working and wish I could retire but I can’t. No one knows how to treat people

    right anymore and the world seems like a bleak place

40. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 1:43PM UTC

    I am also sick of corporate America and do think they try to wrench every last ounce of self respect they can. I can't see doing it anymore.

41. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 1:22PM UTC

    For a minute I thought I wrote this post myself. I m counting down the days (more like years) until I can retire . My purpose of working is because I like nice things

42. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 1:35PM UTC

    Thank you for sharing this, I feel the same way!!

43. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 1:40PM UTC

    Thank you for posting this, I was beginning to feel I was the only one who felt this way. I had my 57th birthday this week and I am literally counting the days until 59.5! I am fortunate enough to have saved during the last 30+ years so I have a decent nest egg, but that still doesn’t account for health insurance, which is a real issue. The exchange in my State is not cheap, so I am probably going to get a part time job that offers health benefits. Retail is always hiring and gives benefits. In the meantime I just go along to get along.

44. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 2:20PM UTC

    This is normal. Don’t beat yourself up over it. A couple thoughts:

    Can you reframe the role work plays in your life (“…this is what I do with part of my day. I don’t love it but it supports my life and family and enables enjoyment in the parts of my life that are really fulfilling.”)

    Or, do you want work to continue as a source of fulfillment, in which case, identify what you do like about it and which function you can move into to maximize that. Or even going off on your own or working for a much smaller, local business.

45. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 2:44PM UTC

    I can relate to this and about to turn 40 and I don't enjoy what I do anymore. I feel like I am meant to be self -employed. Thank you for sharing this!

46. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 2:45PM UTC

    I am in the exact same spot. Do my work just separate myself for the corporate race.

47. Brent BakerFebruary 4,2024 at 3:09PM UTC

    It’s very common and called work burnout. Comes with getting older and requires some self evaluation and planning to improve. Try new hobbies, work on new investments, focus on family or friends more. It’s just a job that enables your life outside of work.

48. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 5:24PM UTC

    I think COVID has something to do with this as well - I work in marketing and had a new job offer and other opportunities right before COVID; they evaporated during the lockdown and I spent over a year just focusing on saving and spending time with family when it became possible again. I saw a number of older relatives in my and my friends' families pass away after having limited or no contact with loved ones for months - it really changed what I feel is important.

    At this point I no longer care about advancement for myself, just saving enough for retirement. But I will say that as a manager I received enormous satisfaction from mentoring my team, and as a manager it's something you should explore. Even when you can't give people more money, you can help them gain the experience they need and coach them through issues. I'm very proud of the deep relationships I built with my last team, and even after I got laid off they've continued to reach out and now support me.

49. In Favor of EquityFebruary 4,2024 at 7:32PM UTC

    I feel this way and I’m in my mid 30s. The only motivators are being able to pay my bills and staying remote.

50. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 9:51AM UTC

    Same here: add travel. I don't care about remote. I've been remote and feel like never leave home anymore

51. TestE CullFebruary 5,2024 at 12:08PM UTC

    You are on the right path. Living to work is no life at all. Work to live, instead. Build your life around things that truly matter. Friends, family, hobbies. Lif is too short to give it to corpo overlords that see you as nothing more than a red shitstain on the quarterly finance reports.

52. Mo Faul, Founder, CEO, Exec CoachFebruary 5,2024 at 1:06PM UTC

    It’s burnout! It sounds like a normal syndrome when your expectations and stress are unmet!! You can get a coach who is an expert in this (I happen to be one- after a long, successful executive career I noticed many issues women have and have a formula to change this). You’re not alone- but you can find your soul and your self and feel satisfied at work again!

53. SarahFebruary 11,2024 at 5:55PM UTC

    Do you have a website?

54. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 1:57PM UTC

    I thought the same thing!

55. DeborahORellFebruary 5,2024 at 2:20PM UTC

    I had started bioidentical hormones for antiaging/longevity reasons in my late 40s. Menopause hit a early few years later and it was a nothing event for me. Had zero symptoms. I would seek out a recognized longevity physician. Friends who received HRT through their gynos did not experience any help. and be sure you are taking bioidentical hormones. big difference.

    As for your job, Peri- and menopause are conditions that an employer needs to accommodate. It's often that women don't bring up symptoms for fear of backlash. Get a note from your doctor to request accommodations ie work from home several mornings to recover from sleepless nights , for example.

56. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 2:33PM UTC

    IMO, the ladder now comes in different styles. What one considers climbing, it another's step stool where they feel they've were able to attain their goal and are happy with the help of the step stool. It's okay for that to change and to no longer want to climb higher. What's been added to the ladders are 'is it purposeful', 'is really adding value', 'does it make me feel fullfilled and happy', those steps matter.

57. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 2:36PM UTC

    Did you ghost write this for me?

    I feel exactly the same. I was also recently promoted to a director position. It was a long hard road to get here and achieve this goal but now that I'm here. MEH. It's not fulfilling. I'm not excited about it. And unfortunately to the advice saying put in your 40 hours and then go home... well it's not fitting to the role I have in automotive. executive roles have expectations of being on all the time. It took so long to get here and legit ready to quit today with no plan and sort it out. I really don't have good advice for you but you aren't alone. So, at least don't feel like all your peers are happy and successful and you're struggling. Wish you some peace no matter your next steps.

58. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 3:21PM UTC

    I am in the exact same boat. I'm 55 and the COO of a non-profit. It was never my goal to be at the top of an org chart - I'm much more comfortable behind the scenes, and don't really care to have any direct reports. I've been doing a lot of soul searching and am coming to the conclusion that I am much better suited to be in a consulting role (which I've done before). I wish you the best as you're trying to figure it out - it's a sucky feeling!!!

59. Amy Miller, Psy.D. - Career CoachFebruary 5,2024 at 6:21PM UTC

    I think it's normal/common sure but that doesn't mean it has to keep being that way. You may be expecting yourself to have the same motivators and enjoyment through different phases of your life and that is unrealistic. We just can't do our jobs, avoid burnout, and keep motivated if we are trying to make work what used to work (or what works for other people, etc). Not sure if you want to change jobs now or in the future but I recommend rethinking your goals now that you are older/wiser and feeling differently about things, and consider what elements of your work still do interest you so you can move toward those areas whether in this company or elsewhere.

60. AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 7:19PM UTC

    Yes, it is natural. Best way to combat that is to take back joy!

    Make a grid of what you like and what you don't like about work, you can use the current role specifically and be granular in your documentation of the why you do and don't like it. Then make a list of what you like a lot and think about the - can I get that somewhere else or do I get that in my life instead.

    Learn to compartmentalize the work part of your life. Start at a set hour, take set breaks 2 per day mid morning and mid afternoon and during lunch, get out take a walk and do something just for you. Find a thing that makes YOU happy every day and feels satisfying. It can be anything, you decide. Be sure that if you need consistency there are no excuses for not doing it daily. Block off on your calendar some focus times when you do just that. Take fridays if you can to plan work for the next week and then repeat the process. Spend an hour each week looking at other jobs at other companies and even do some interviews to see if your happiness might exist somewhere new. Often people get into management and then realize the extra pressure and work are not worth it so they go back to being an IC (individual contributor) that may be you. If that does end up being the happy piece for you, you can just pull that plug at 5ish and be done with work putting a nice bow on the end of your daily work. Find that purpose and find the things that make you tick the job satisfaction will follow. Often a reset later in your career is either burnout, or just what I call treadmill syndrome, same thing different day....most careers are built on what you want to do, who you do it with and how you get paid. Figure out what matters most to you.

61. AnonymousFebruary 11,2024 at 4:56PM UTC

    Girl I’m only 30 and I’m right there with you. Several times this month I’ve thought to myself ‘should I quit my well-paying corporate job and go to medical school to become a psychiatrist?’

    Late-stage capitalism will do that to you.

62. NC16February 12,2024 at 12:51AM UTC

    Follow your heart!

63. AnonymousFebruary 12,2024 at 4:03PM UTC

    If I was 30, I would go back to school to be a psychiatrist. Follow your heart and invest in yourself.