Is Your Career Depressing....You?

Published on 22 May 2025 at 21:59

 By Adenike O. Adeyanju, LCSW

If you’ve been wondering why your energy is depleted by 10 a.m., why the passion you once had feels out of reach, or why even weekends don’t feel like a break anymore—let me tell you this: you’re not lazy, ungrateful, or broken.

You might just be burnt out. Or even more deeply, your career could be silently contributing to symptoms of depression.

As a licensed clinical social worker and therapist specializing in mental wellness for professionals, I’ve supported countless clients who arrive in my office whispering some version of:
“I don’t hate my job... but it’s killing my spirit.”

Let’s explore why that might be happening—and more importantly, how you can begin to shift things.

The Quiet Toll of a Misaligned Career

We’re taught to push through, stay grateful, and keep climbing. But what happens when you reach a level of success and still feel... empty?

Work-related depression often masquerades as chronic stress or “just being tired.” But the truth is, long-term emotional misalignment with your career can cause:

  • Persistent low mood or hopelessness

  • Feeling emotionally flat or disconnected

  • Anxiety before or during workdays

  • Lack of motivation or creativity

  • Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or insomnia

These aren’t minor red flags—they’re calls for you to check in with yourself.

Research shows that the structure of many modern workplaces—long hours, lack of control, unclear expectations—can lead directly to depressive symptoms (Maslach & Leiter, 2016; Theorell et al., 2015).

But here’s what I want you to hold onto: You have options, and you have power.

Encouragement: You Can Reclaim Your Mental Health (and Your Joy)

You don’t have to quit your job tomorrow. But you do need to listen to yourself today. Here are some gentle, empowering steps I walk my clients through:

1. Get Curious, Not Critical

Ask yourself: What specifically is draining me?
Is it the role, the environment, the values of the organization—or a deeper need for change? Self-compassionate curiosity opens doors that self-judgment slams shut.

2. Check for Alignment

Many people I have seen in both therapy and coaching pursued careers based on family expectations, financial necessity, or “playing it safe.” But when your work doesn’t align with your core values, depression can creep in quietly. According to Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000), people thrive when their work supports their autonomy, purpose, and relationships.

Take a moment to ask:

  • What do I need to feel fulfilled?

  • What brings me a sense of meaning?

  • Am I honoring those needs in my current work life?

3. Practice Micro-Restorations

You don’t need a sabbatical to start healing. Introduce moments of restoration into your day:

  • Step outside during lunch

  • Block time for deep work

  • Say "no" to unnecessary meetings

  • Reconnect with parts of your role you once enjoyed

These micro-changes can reignite your inner fire and give you enough clarity to make the bigger ones later.

4. Seek Support Without Shame

If your job is impacting your mental health, therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a tool for transformation. Therapy can help you untangle whether you need to shift your mindset, your environment, or both. Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help you rebuild confidence and clarity (Beck, 2011; Hayes et al., 2012).

Your Career is a Chapter—Not Your Whole Story

Friend, you are allowed to change your mind. You are allowed to feel what you feel. And most importantly, you are allowed to pursue a career that supports your wholeness—not just your paycheck.

I’ve walked with brilliant people who felt trapped in careers that no longer fit—and watched them rise again, with clarity, courage, and compassion. You are not alone in this. And you don’t have to have all the answers today.

The question isn’t whether you can make a change.

The question is: What would it mean for you to thrive?

Let’s start there. I believe in your growth.

Love & Light,
- Nike

References:

  • Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Burnout: A Multidimensional Perspective. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 38(3), 473–485.

  • Theorell, T., et al. (2015). A systematic review including meta-analysis of work environment and depressive symptoms. BMC Public Health, 15(738).

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.

  • Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

  • Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change. Guilford Press.