You: I’m tired.
Your Job: You’ve been saying that since Monday.
You: Because I have been tired since Monday.
Your Job: Then why didn’t you rest?
You: I had things to do.
Your Job: You always have things to do.
It’s a strange relationship, this thing we have with work.
We depend on it. We complain about it. We promise to “figure it out soon.” And yet, every day, we show up and continue the same conversation.
Sometimes out loud. Most times in our heads.
If we were honest, this is probably how it would go.
You: I need a break.
Your Job: You say that often.
You: Because I mean it.
Your Job: No, you feel it. There’s a difference.
You: What does that even mean?
Your Job: It means you feel the need to rest, but you don’t actually take it.
There is always a reason not to pause.
Deadlines. Expectations. That one last thing you need to finish before you can “properly” rest.
So rest keeps getting postponed. Not cancelled. Just… moved.
You: I don’t even know if I like this anymore.
Your Job: That’s not new.
You: It’s not?
Your Job: You’ve felt this way before. You just keep pushing through it.
You: So what do you want me to do? Quit?
Your Job: I didn’t say that. I just think you should be honest about how you feel.
Work is not always something people love.
Sometimes it is something we tolerate. Sometimes it is something we grow into. And sometimes, it is simply what we need for now.
But pretending everything is fine when it isn’t tends to make things heavier than they need to be.
You: I’m trying my best.
Your Job: I know.
You: Then why does it never feel like enough?
Your Job: Because you keep moving the goalpost.
You: That’s not true.
Your Job: It is a little true.
There is always more to do.
Another task. Another expectation. Another version of “better” you are trying to reach.
And somewhere in the middle of all that, it becomes difficult to pause and acknowledge what you have already done.
You: I just wish things were easier.
Your Job: Easier how?
You: I don’t know. Less pressure. More balance.
Your Job: You say that like balance is something I control.
You: Don’t you?
Your Job: Not entirely. Some of it is you.
That part is harder to admit.
Because while work can be demanding, sometimes we are the ones making it heavier.
Saying yes when we should pause. Staying available when we should log off. Carrying expectations that were never clearly given.
You: So what are you saying?
Your Job: I’m saying maybe it’s not just about changing the work.
You: Then what is it about?
Your Job: Maybe it’s about changing how you show up to it.
That might mean setting boundaries.
It might mean resting before you are completely exhausted.
It might mean being honest about what is working and what isn’t.
Not dramatic changes. Just small, real ones.
You: So… what now?
Your Job: Now? You go back to what you were doing.
You: That’s it?
Your Job: Not exactly.
You: Then what’s different?
Your Job: Maybe this time, you pay attention.
A Small Thought for Workers’ Day
Work will always be part of life.
But how you experience it? That part is still yours.
So maybe today is not just about celebrating hard work.
Maybe it is also about asking yourself a simple question:
Is the way I’m working… actually working for me?
And if the answer is no, maybe that is where the real conversation should begin.
Happy Workers Day,
From Odogwu
