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By Alyce Collins
Senior Reporter
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While many people are striving to climb the corporate ladder, one millennial woman has revealed why she is done setting herself career goals and aiming higher.
For several years, Emma, a civil engineer from Washington, constantly pushed herself to work harder at all costs, believing that her work successes were a reflection of her self-worth. But in a now viral TikTok video (@emmawithoutadilemma), the 30-year-old explained that she is no longer searching for career growth or increased productivity.
She now refuses to put her career first, as Emma told Newsweek that she's prioritizing balance and "pursuing opportunities" that boost her happiness instead. No more working long hours and not knowing how to switch off, because now she sees that it's "literally just a job."
Read More on Work
This empowered mindset has earned praise online, as Emma's video has been viewed over 462,300 times and gained more than 59,300 likes on TikTok.
"Starting my first job out of school, the corporate world was so shiny and new. I was really inspired to girl boss my way through," Emma said. "The drive I had early on was largely due to seeing my career as part of my own identity.
"The idea of succeeding at work while also being a team player was the ultimate fulfilment. It was difficult to not constantly strive for more without it affecting how I viewed my own worth."
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Feeling Burned Out
As time went on, Emma began to feel like a cog in a machine heading towards burnout, until she finally realized that there's more to life than just climbing the corporate ladder.
In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon, with symptoms including energy depletion, mental distance from one's job, and reduced efficacy.
A poll by YouGov revealed that 71 percent of working adults believe that burnout is a somewhat or very serious issue in the workplace. Millennials aged between 25-34 were most likely to see it as a serious issue, with 38 percent.
Since developing this new mindset, Emma still enjoys her job, but she no longer sees it as the primary source of joy and purpose.
She continued: "I'd much rather forfeit the growth in my career if it means focusing on growing in other areas of my life. Career growth often masks itself as becoming a manager or a leader, where the demands often outweigh the benefits. Infinite growth is not what we're designed for, and chasing it only left me exhausted and empty."
Removing the pressure to strive for more has been overwhelmingly positive, as Emma now feels content for the first time. Many might presume that this would decrease her output or productivity, but she says there's been no significant impact on her work.
She's taken a step back and now she's feels more present in her personal life by pursuing hobbies, and spending time with family. Now, she gets to see herself as far more than an engineer.
"Recognizing that my happiness exists outside my career is so liberating," Emma said. "I used to think that if I got to a certain point in my career I'd be satisfied, but I got to a point where I felt like I was getting less out of it than I was putting in.
"I'd like to encourage young people to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Find an environment that doesn't demand you to go above and beyond continuously. It's challenging when you start out because you're expected learn and execute all the time, but it's hard to sustain that level if you don't establish boundaries."
How Did TikTok React?
Emma wasn't sure how her perspective would be received online, but she's been heartened to hear from many other millennial workers who feel the same way.
In the past, she may have felt guilty for not prioritizing work, but now she feels validated and loves hearing from other career climbers who have stopped striving and started living. "Many of us no longer strive for continual growth or the infinite expansion our jobs, especially when it is all too common that the employer reaps the benefits," Emma said.
With over 2,100 comments on TikTok, the video has certainly resonated with many people. One comment reads: "I was so career driven years ago, and I'm so burnt out now. No reward and regarding all the cruelty in the world, it feels meaningless to work so hard for little reward."
Another person responded: "I just want to exist somewhat comfortably and pay my bills."
While another TikToker wrote: "A job doesn't define us! We just want money to live!"
Have you had a workplace dilemma? Let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
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