While leadership is trending on every platform, mid-career professionals are facing a much harsher reality: sudden unemployment.
Picture this: You studied hard, landed your dream job, gave 10-15 years to the company, and then decided it’s time to move on. With all that experience in your pocket, you feel confident about your chances in the job market. But wait, what’s this? Suddenly, you realize you’re not as “employable” as you thought. Ouch.
The Leadership Hype: Is It for Everyone?
Sure, leadership is the hot buzzword right now, but can everyone really achieve it? And more importantly, are people being treated fairly? There are tons of professionals out there who can’t even find an average job, let alone climb the ladder to leadership.
According to recent stats from CNBC, unemployment among young folks aged 20-24 is skyrocketing to 44.49%, and it’s not much better for those aged 25-29 at 14.33%. But what about mid-career pros? Aren’t they supposed to be living the cushy life by now? Spoiler alert: Many aren’t.
Underemployment: The New Norm
To make matters worse, many companies are seriously under-employed, stretching their current workforce way beyond reasonable limits. The result? Exhausted employees burning out faster than ever. In this pressure-cooker environment, it’s ridiculous to think everyone’s going to thrive.
Work-Life Balance: Easier Said Than Done
I’ve written articles about work-life balance, and I’ll be the first to admit I’ve often painted an idealistic picture. The truth? For many people, work-life balance is more of a luxury than a reality.
We’re in an era where “taking a break” is praised and even romanticized. But how many of us actually get to take that break? I know people who grind through their weekends and work crazy hours, not because they want to, but because they don’t have a choice.
So here’s the deal: If things feel overwhelming, take that break—even if your manager rolls their eyes. Your health and sanity come first. If you’re not protecting your own well-being, who else will?
The ‘More’ Trap
I’m lucky to work for a good company in IT, but even I see peers working 10-12 hour days and still feeling unappreciated. The hustle culture we live in thrives on this belief that if you’re not doing more, you’re doing nothing.
But let’s get real for a second. Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right—putting in the hours, taking on extra work—and yet it still feels like it’s never enough? The more you chase career success, the further you get from everything else that matters—like life. Whether you’re an employee, entrepreneur, or boss, there’s always this nagging pressure to push harder, like what you’re doing is never enough. It’s exhausting.
What can you do? Recognize that this endless pursuit of more is a treadmill, not a path. Learn when to say no. It’s a small but powerful step toward regaining control.
The Fear of Becoming Obsolete: Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome—it’s everywhere, and it’s real. In the tech world, it’s especially brutal. Tech evolves every day, and if you’re not keeping up, you risk losing your edge. I’ve seen industry veterans who’ve spent their entire careers in this field suddenly feel like outsiders because they can’t adapt fast enough to the newest tools and trends.
Imagine building your expertise over decades only to be told you’re outdated. And no, I’m not talking about folks nearing retirement. These are people in their 40s. If that doesn’t put a pit in your stomach, I don’t know what will.
Company Goals vs. Personal Aspirations
Your company’s goals? They’re not the same as your personal aspirations. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Sure, hit those KPIs, but don’t forget to pursue your own dreams—even if it’s something as simple as trying out that fancy restaurant you’ve been eyeing for months.
The point is, don’t let your company’s vision become the only vision you have. When you prioritize yourself, you’ll likely become more productive at work too.
Closing the Blinds
The pressure to “do more,” become a leader, or stay ahead of the curve has become relentless. Mid-career professionals often find themselves disillusioned. After years of dedication, job security isn’t guaranteed, and the sense of belonging in a fast-changing workplace starts to slip away.
But here’s the thing: Your career does not define your entire life. Have you stopped recently to ask yourself what you’re really chasing? The constant pursuit of ‘more’—more promotions, more recognition, more money—can leave you feeling empty if it comes at the cost of your well-being.
What can you do? Set boundaries. Prioritize your personal goals. Take breaks without guilt. These aren’t just nice ideas—they’re necessary if you want to sustain long-term happiness and success. No title, paycheck, or promotion is worth sacrificing your peace of mind.
And while it might feel like you’re stuck in a system that demands more than you can give, it’s important to remember that you do have control over how you spend your energy. By learning to pause, reflect, and choose your own path, you can create a life where work is part of the story—not the whole narrative.
Here’s to finding balance. To that Utopian life!
Key Call to Action:
- Recognize the “more trap” and learn when to say no.
- Set boundaries between company goals and personal aspirations.
- Take breaks and prioritize self-care, no matter how insignificant it seems to others.