Why Misaligned Work Is Quietly Burning You Out?
Burnout symptoms don’t always show up as full collapse. Often, they creep in quietly, masked by what we’ve come to see as ‘normal’ in modern work culture: constant fatigue, exhaustion at work, feeling disillusioned, or the quiet thought: “Is this really it?”
Being disengaged and apathetic about work has become so common that it’s been normalised. Everyone else seems to feel the same, so you convince yourself it’s just life. You get on with it. You deliver the goods. You keep showing up barely.
But then something shifts. A flicker of curiosity appears: What else could I be doing? A career change? Something more aligned with who I am now?
You quickly brush it away, it feels completely unrealistic.
And so, you continue.
What Are Burnout Symptoms?
When we think of burnout, we often imagine someone unable to get out of bed, completely drained. But what are burnout symptoms, really? They often show up long before crisis hits.
Burnout begins in subtle ways:
Emotional exhaustion
Reduced sense of purpose
Constant workplace disillusionment
Apathy or frustration
Disconnection from your work or team
These are signs—not failures. They’re the early burnout symptoms that something isn't right.
Signs You're Doing Work That Doesn't Align with Your Values
One of the key causes of burnout is doing misaligned work that no longer fits who you are, how you work best, or what matters most to you.
Ask yourself:
Does this work contradict my personal values?
Am I doing work that energised me once, but now drains me?
Do I spend more time worrying about work than enjoying life?
Does my work ignore my talents or overlook my contributions?
Am I pretending to be someone I’m not just to survive?
If the answer is yes, these are powerful signs you're doing work that doesn't align with your values.
Neurodivergent Leadership and Career Misalignment
For those who are neurodivergent, the cost of closeting who you are can be even higher. When workplaces lack inclusive leadership and flexibility, neurodivergent professionals may feel forced to mask or over-compensate, leading to burnout, anxiety, and a profound loss of self-trust.
Neurodivergent leadership thrives when people are supported to lead, think, and work in ways that honour their natural styles. But when we’re forced into conformity, the dissonance grows and so does the risk of exhaustion at work.
Misaligned Work Is Not Benign
Doing work that goes against your natural energy, values, capacity, or neurodivergence isn’t just tiring, it’s harmful. It slowly chips away at your confidence, creativity, and wellbeing. Over time, it can lead to burnout, disengagement, and a shrinking sense of possibility.
This kind of workplace disillusionment isn’t a personal failing. It’s a sign that something needs to shift.
You Deserve Work That Works for You
You don’t need to ‘suck it up’ or power through. You deserve to do meaningful work that supports your wellbeing not work that comes at its expense.
It can be hard to figure out what’s next when you’re exhausted or questioning everything. But I can help. We can explore where you are, what’s possible, and develop a realistic plan that honours your needs without adding another “should” to your to-do list.
Let’s explore what alignment looks like for you.
