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Surviving in the corporate world

By Terry
Fri, 11, 23

The idea of shutting down my mind and hitting the sack seems like an enticing escape from the daily grind....

Surviving in the corporate world

DEAR DIARY

Entry 4: Stuck forever?

Do you ever wonder if the 9 to 5 grind is our eternal destiny until retirement? It sure feels that way most days. Time is just flying by, with days and weeks slipping through our fingers like sand. As the sun sets, I find myself drained and fatigued, longing for the sweet relief of a good night's sleep. The idea of shutting down my mind and hitting the sack seems like an enticing escape from the daily grind.

Career development, professional life, and social commitments all seem like nonsensical notions when I'm caught in the relentless whirlwind of work. There are moments when I just feel like quitting altogether, fantasizing about lounging at home, and surviving on whatever my partner makes. Yet, deep down, I know it's not the right path. The energy and time required for things I love – meeting friends, shopping, or simply connecting with family – seem like distant dreams.

Ever felt stuck? Not like being stuck in traffic, but that profound, soul-crushing feeling of being stuck in a rut, both in your career and personal life. But truth be told, sometimes we lead ourselves into difficult situations. We make decisions without weighing the consequences, driven by an overambitious spirit that blinds us to our own limits.

It's like creating an ambitious to-do list in the morning only to realize, as the day unfolds, that you've bitten off more than you can chew. We must recognize our capacities as human beings and stop burdening ourselves unnecessarily. It's easy to fall into the trap of comparison, watching others effortlessly navigate hectic jobs, attend meetings, dress sharp, groom themselves, and socialize. But we are all standing on our unique paths, and comparison only adds to the weight on our shoulders.

To distract myself from the monotony, I escape into the realm of future travel plans and daydream about appliances I'll buy someday. I explore the idea of starting a business, breaking free from the shackles of the 9-5 routine to indulge in more creative pursuits. Sitting in front of a laptop all day feels like absolute stupidity sometimes.

The office is no haven either. Seeking help is often met with dismissive remarks about overthinking. Toxicity seems to be an unwelcome companion in every workplace, a normalized form of bullying that we all silently condone. The fear of losing jobs and connections silences our voices, and we become complicit in the collective normalization of workplace toxicity. Today was just one of those days when the frustration spilled out in the form of rambling thoughts.