To realise I don’t care enough/that much

[smallrabbitfeet]

I work for a large organisation (finance)

I have two DDs aged 9 and 6 and a very busy home life. I’ve always worked full time and my DH has for long periods worked away. I’ve always been stressed and working hard and putting the most in that I can.

then over the past month or so (maybe 2) I’ve realised that I just don’t care anymore about the job. I still work hard but I can’t get worked up. The people I work with are VERY serious and need things done yesterday. I’ve suddenly had this epiphany that they can wait and if they’re annoyed then I just don’t give a fuck.

im 40 now and I don’t know if it’s that or I’m just completely burned out.

anyone else had this?

p.s I am still putting in the effort - I’ve just lost interest completely.

I’m 41 and starting to understand and feel the same. But. We have to work another 20 years to work people….. can’t do it snd not care at all???? We’ll just rot our brains?

also seriously considering making a concious decision just to carry on not caring, make the most of what my current role brings (flexibility, decent money and I can do it with my eyes closed) while I figure out what I want.

I took an admin job in a new industry, deep in covid times. It's school hours - DS is nearly 5. I've done some exams and stuff but I essentially have not advanced at all. I have a good degree I'm probably so-called wasting but I just can't muster any interest in more worry/managing staff. I turn up, quite enjoy the pace and the social aspect, feel productive for a bit and then go home. I'm 39!

I am pretty much there myself. Will be back soon after Mat leave with DC2 and am already considering the many ways I just don't give a fuck anymore.

I will do my job well but I'm not bending over backwards for anyone anymore except my DC!

It’s exhausting running a house, looking after children and then having to care.

my boss today was upset that a night out (meant to be fun?) hasnt been booked yet. The person booking it today was off and he asked me to do it. I was eyeball deep in work and I spent my lunch hour doing the school run while I was on the phone trying to find out why my car insurance has gone up astronomically.

it took all my strength not scream fuck off at him at 4:45 asking if I’d paid £120 to book an escape room.

OP - escape rooms are a special kind of hell.

Totally normal

Yup. 41 and have felt like this for a couple of years. It's strange because I was desperate to get back to work when I was on mat leave four years ago, but now - after two restructures - I just want to retire. There are so many things I would rather be doing. I've been in my job a long time and should leave, but it's very flexible and pays quite well so I'm staying while I have a young child.

I don't want to be promoted because I don't want to do the bullshit 'management' stuff that comes with a senior corporate job. I just don't care enough, it doesn't matter.

I got to this point in my 40s too, having previously been all about my career.

I'm in my fifties now and I want to do a good job and work hard but I will only do this in my paid work hours.
I no longer mind telling people I don't have the resource to meet their unreasonable deadlines and that when a staff member is on maternity I can't magic up the same amount of output as if I have a full team.
I think getting older and being more experienced gives you the confidence to say no to unreasonable requests.