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We live in a culture that praises overworking and pushing through tiredness, even when it hurts our well-being. Saying, “I’m exhausted,” can feel impossible. And this isn’t just normal tiredness. It’s a deep and heavy feeling that leaves you drained, overwhelmed, and questioning if it’s the job or you that’s the problem.

That same exhaustion could be exactly what pushes you to make a change. It’s not a sign that you’ve failed. iIt’s a signal that something in your career or life isn’t working. Often, it shows you something important: your work might not match your values, passions, or purpose. You could be putting energy into tasks that don’t really matter to you, and your mind and body are trying to tell you that.

The first step is recognizing it for what it is: a signal, not a permanent state. When you feel this way, take a moment to pause and reflect. Is it the work itself that’s draining, or is it that it doesn’t connect to your purpose? Are you stuck in a cycle that doesn’t match your values, or holding back because change feels scary? Many people stay in draining jobs not because they want to, but because they feel stuck. Maybe they think there’s nothing better out there, or they’re unsure what the next step could be.

You deserve more than a job that drains you. You deserve work that lights you up, challenges you, and leaves you feeling alive every single day.