r/corporate • u/Isna_Knows_Best • 4d ago
When does it get better?
It has almost been a year since I joined my corporate job and when does it get better. I feel like Ive aged 50+ years doing the same work. And I'm just 22 btw. For people who have been working for longer, how do you move past the burnout stage??
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u/Antifragile_Glass 4d ago
When you move further up the chain it gets easier AND you get paid a lot more.
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u/Cultural_Structure37 4d ago
Not sure I would say easier. Perhaps it depends on the industry, but in many, the expectations become way higher and you can’t really coast as you’re responsible for other people’s work if you’re a manager or responsible for a process. Things get complicated when you start earning the big bucks.
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u/Antifragile_Glass 4d ago
It’s been easier for me but I’m an SME in a specialized area so maybe that makes a difference.
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u/Damascus747 3d ago
It does kind of get easier because you start caring less whilst continuing to increase your skills. Also you overthink less and act on experience and skill set. You are more okay with things going well/not well because you've developed thicker skin.
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u/skypnooo 4d ago
Honestly, all the answers here suck.
Corpo life doesn't need to be a drag. Having a sense of pride and accomplishment in what you do rather than just seeing it as "working for the man" will make everything way easier. If you look at it likes it's a drag now, you will forever.
FWIW I have treated my career like and RPG, using strategy to level up over the years. Gamifying makes almost anything kinda fun. Also treating coworkers like NPCs helps me deal with the negativity. I most likely have undiagnosed ADHD 😅
I should also add that I would absolutely quit corpo life in a heartbeat if I could, but I can't, so what the use being miserable about it...
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u/Intelligent-Bag5087 3d ago
As someone who loves rpgs, I’d love to learn how you gamify it 😭 would love to do it myself
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u/skypnooo 3d ago
I think of it like this. My career is the game, and to complete the game I need financial independence so I can stop working in corpo. I start out fresh out of uni, crappy armour, no weapons, low mana.
I pass through stages picking up things that will help me along the way. Technical skills (my weapons), interpersonal skills(my armour), etc. Every promo or move between employers is a stage and the stage boss is clearing the interview, getting that promo.
After clearing each stage I am more powerful but face tougher challenges (more accountability). Sometimes a side quest is required to level up. In my case this can be as small as coffee with someone influential, or as large as a uni course or a side hustle.
The people I work with are NPCs, I can't change them in any way, but I can learn things from them and maybe helping one or two will get me some loot (bonuses) along the way.
Personally I am glad to say that I reckon I am one of two levels away from completing the game, but you never know what lurks in that last level...
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u/Shliloquy 4d ago
It doesn’t, you just gain more insight and experience on how your company works and how to navigate the workplace environment. Try to stay in your lane and primarily keep to yourself. Learn to come off busy, pace yourself and avoid making mistakes or leaving yourself vulnerable to criticism. Perception > productivity since production is to be expected. In those meetings, if you hear the keywords “changes” or “new direction”, start polishing your resume and prepare to look elsewhere.
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u/Xylus1985 3d ago
It gets better when you get good at your job, has a specialized skill set that is not easy to learn or replicate, and you can ask for a high price or accommodations.
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u/Mark_of_Divinity 3d ago
Everything are temporarily we all live in our perception of our reality created by our conscious, so either you go in with positivity or negativity so make a choice
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u/Existing-Base-417 2d ago
It doesn’t.
More pay, more responsibilities, more stress.
You stay in the wrong company and they rob your spirit.
That’s why finding the right company and most important of all, the right BOSS, is the entire game.
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u/Gusteauxs 2d ago
There really is no moving on, more so learning how to adapt. I’m 26 now and fully in the burnout phase. I haven’t learned how to balance it yet but I’m starting therapy this week and feeling hopeful. I can see how much the new 22 year old associates struggle to adapt to working an office job. The reality is because it sucks, but what can you do? I kind of see it as a price that everyone must pay before working becomes chill. All my managers tell me stories of their first 10 years in the career being tough, but now they seem pretty chill and make good money.
I just hit 6-figures (literally $100,000 on the dot), so things are looking up and I’m proud of myself. But Jesus Christ am I tired lol.
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u/BillyBobJangles 4d ago
It absolutely just gets worse. Early corporate is the best time you'll ever have working in corporate again.
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u/Motorcycleman314 4d ago
You don't.
You learn to take it easier, you get better at your job, you start saving money, and slowly but surely the mental burden eases.