WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH

If your workplace overwhelms you with intangible demands, it's not a reflection of your abilities — it's a failure on their part

- Somi Das

If your workplace feels like it's perpetually overwhelming, chances are it's not you—it's them. Many organisations operate in a state of disorganisation, lacking clear systems, vision, or a mission. And somehow, they still expect you to thrive in the chaos. Spoiler alert: you won't. When a workplace doesn't have the time, interest, or capacity to train you or help you grow, the inevitable result is burnout, not brilliance.

Organisations with a weak USP (Unique Selling Proposition) often rely on hiring talented individuals with the misguided hope that their brilliance will solve systemic problems. But here's the truth: no amount of talent can compensate for broken structures. Instead of addressing foundational issues, these companies exploit your personality, creativity, and hidden talents, squeezing you dry in the process. It's exhausting, it's unfair, and it's overwhelming. The truth is, they're not empowering you; they're draining you.

The trap

One of the most common red flags in such workplaces is the dreaded phrase: 'figure it out'. This seemingly innocent directive is actually shorthand for 'we don't care enough to help you succeed'. It means they're throwing you into the deep end without a life jacket, expecting you to tackle complex problems without proper preparation, guidance, or support.