After nearly almost 20 years I am burned out from my "career".

16 Comments

1. Dawn MarieMarch 20,2026 at 1:38PM UTC

   I did the same thing after a 20 year career in federal government. Don’t look back. Take the leap.

2. AnonymousMarch 20,2026 at 1:38PM UTC

   I’ve been seeing a lot of remote Executive Assistant positions in my area. All of the skills you describe translate and, depending on your area, the pay can be great.

3. GirlBossanova934974March 20,2026 at 3:09PM UTC

   What you are describing, I have seen a few times. The little boy/girl high school cliques, the toadyism, favoritism, etc. After 42 years in the workforce, I have come to expect it. That is why it does not really bother me anymore. I would suggest two things. A) If you wish to avoid this sort of work environment, you should be on the lookout for organizations where the numbers count and they don't have a lot of time for petty office politics. That usually starts with a good manager who keeps the drama kings and drama queeens out of the team. B) I would not assume the WFH is going to solve your issue. It may make it worse. I have been in 2 WFH teams and the office politics was off the charts. Our org SLACK channel got turned into a daily pity party of one team member after another taking time off and broadcasting their trials and tribulations to the whole darn world on a daily basis. And the behind-your-back ZOOM gossip sessions got completely out of control.

4. AnonymousMarch 21,2026 at 1:18PM UTC

   I work from home for roadside assistance. There are a lot of WFH jobs. I am happy to be away from office drama.

5. HollyMarch 21,2026 at 1:28PM UTC

   What you are going through was me 4 years ago. I had planned for it, so I just quit. I knew it was going to be the last corporate job I would have (for the foreseeable future anyway). It's not been easy and the stress is amplified! I would not recommend just quitting without something lined up though. Here is what I suggest (along with some tips)

   1. I would recommend looking while you're still working. Finding a job while you have a job is much easier.
   2. Look locally at your local town or municipality. They may not pay as much as corporate, but you'll get some peace of mind back. A lot of local towns are hiring.
   3. WFH jobs are in incredibly demand, especially now that there have been many layoffs making the job pool more competitive.
   4. Depending on where you live, you might be able to take a leave of absence to focus on your mental health. Sometimes a break is all you need. Talk to your doctors about that.

   You can absolutely find something, but make sure you're going in with eyes wide open. No job is worth your mental health. Good luck in your journey, you've got this!

6. AnonymousMarch 21,2026 at 2:01PM UTC

   I can related to this so deeply. After 38, yes…..38 years in this as you so aptly framed it “career” I’m bitter, I’m exhausted physically, emotionally and find that I’m so angry most of the time. I dread when anyone comes up to my desk with one of their nonsense things. I’m a EPA to the Owner/CEO and the President but my job has morphed into the work of EPA, Office Manager, Personal Valet, Personal runner/gopher (including early mornings/late night/weekends…unpaid as I’m salary). 14 months ago I had a double mastectomy with diep flap and that just about killed me due to complications requiring six additional surgeries. I can barely get out of bed each day to face more of the same favoritism, bullying, watching people who do half (or LESS than half) get praised. Now I’m at an age where the light at the end of the tunnel is JUST far enough away to make me just about lose hope. I don’t have a spouse or family members to depend on or I’d be gone like yesterday but I have to continue in this grind because what other choice do I have after a lifetime of working this grind due to medical and other financial obstacles, I’d be homeless, literally. I’m now trying to hold it together long enough to find a way to make Early Retirement Social Security work. I don’t have any tips but wanted to share with you that after almost double the length of time you’ve sunk into your career, there are a few like myself that are still grinding away. Wishing you that unicorn of a remote position and peace of mind. Nobody deserves to be treated like this.

7. Boby BryanMarch 21,2026 at 3:13PM UTC

   That sounds really exhausting — I’m sorry you’re going through that. Burnout like that is real, and wanting something calmer makes total sense.

   With your background, you actually have a lot of solid options for WFH roles. Things like virtual assistant, remote admin support, project coordinator, or document/contract review are all good fits and don’t usually come with the same level of stress or office politics.

   I’d start by looking at remote-focused job boards and also updating your resume to highlight how well you can work independently and manage tasks remotely. Even short-term or freelance roles can be a good way to transition and see what feels right.

   You’ve put in 20 years — it’s okay to choose peace now.

8. AnonymousMarch 21,2026 at 10:39PM UTC

   Yip I was laid off, from tech/healthcare. I had been prepping for it for years as my previous company had a layoff nearly every quarter for 3 years. Mine came just when I was burnt out having to take care of my mom.

   So I miss the money & not so free healthcare, and some of my colleagues but I don't miss anything else about Corp America. It served its purpose though, so I'm moving on.

   I'm back in college again, pursuing a not so promising career as with corp tech but at least it's something I want to learn.

   My husband had the same thing but he had to quit a 1.5 years before me for his mom. But I'm developing a scarcity mindset..., just be prepared for that, I'm working on it but its really hard.

9. AnonymousMarch 22,2026 at 4:06AM UTC

   Make sure your work can be done remotely. Certain work require for you to be in office. So, if you quit now, may be there aren't remote jobs that suit your skill set. Take a break and go on a vacation somewhere else once in a while to recharge yourself from the daily grind.

10. GwenMarch 22,2026 at 12:24PM UTC

    Remote work can help avoid that in-person contact but it won’t remove bullying, favouritism etc., altogether. It can still happen. The only way to be able to avoid it completely is to set up your own company/work for yourself. Even then you will still encounter jerks, but it means you have the power to choose who to work with. If you do go the employment route, fully remote will be better than hybrid. It will definitely be an improvement and I encourage you to go for it, but be mindful that it may not remove the risk altogether. Ensure you have a support network and join a union if you have one too, in case of any problems.

11. Hajir HMarch 23,2026 at 12:58PM UTC

    This happened because you stayed long at the same place and they take you for granted . I am sure at your country there are a lot of remote jobs unlike in my country . So either you find a new place with new people and spend the few years until retirement , new company where you go physically not online rather than you find online job , you will get bored . And at the end , you know yourself better , if I was instead of you , I would look for anew job at a new company , you must change the energy .

12. AnonymousMarch 23,2026 at 1:03PM UTC

    I went through that exact experience. Stayed at one place that did not benefit me for 13 long years . I got out in 2020 and vowed never to waste my time again .

13. LauraMarch 23,2026 at 5:02PM UTC

    Thanks for the input but I am not interested in another in office job. I'm burned out on office politics and games.

14. Hajir HMarch 23,2026 at 6:10PM UTC

    Then if you feel so , go to remote job either full time or part time, I wish you the best, stay strong you are the best ?

15. AnonymousMarch 23,2026 at 2:42PM UTC

    I'm going through the same thing.

16. AnonymousMarch 24,2026 at 3:01AM UTC

    good lord - it's like I wrote this in my sleep....but guess what - the same people who are slackers, and show ponies, and pets of the bosses will resent your WFH if they have to show up. the only benefit is you won't have to be there to smile through the drama stirring gossiping RTO people.