The promotion goes to the person who is better at talking about the work than doing it. The raise is 2.8% (which, adjusted for inflation, is actually a pay cut). The only feedback you get is an automated "Great job!" on a Slack emoji.
Let’s be honest for 60 seconds.
Ten years ago, if you worked late and hit your KPIs, you got a corner office. Today, you get a "Thank you for your flexibility" and a 30-minute virtual pizza party. OnlyFans.2023.Anna.Ralphs.BG.New.Years.Eve.XXX....
You aren’t burned out because you work too hard. You are burned out because you are screaming into the void.
You aren't tired of working. You are tired of working without a signal. The promotion goes to the person who is
They tell you to "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." That’s a lie designed to make you accept lower pay. Do what you are skilled at. Get paid very well for it. Use that money to fund what you love. Your job is a transaction of value, not a marriage.
List your top 5 daily tasks. For each one, ask: Does this directly improve my resume, my network, or my bank account? If the answer is no for three of them, you aren't an employee. You are a volunteer. Stop volunteering. Let’s be honest for 60 seconds
Always keep your resume active. Not because you are leaving tomorrow, but because you need to know your market value. Apply for one job a month just to interview. See what questions they ask. See what skills are hot. If your current job isn't teaching you those skills, you are falling behind.
If you can’t think of one? That’s not a writing problem. That’s a signal. It’s time to leave. What is the one "invisible" task you do that you wish your boss actually noticed? 👇
Update your LinkedIn "About" section. Not with your job description (nobody cares that you "managed stakeholders"). Write about a problem you solved that saved money or time.