Can anyone relate ? Turning 40 and not able to put up with corporate bullshit anymore

8 replies

cananyonee · 27/12/2025 21:18

I turned 40 recently, two kids- 3 and 6.

I have been working in corporate sales for over a decade and I’m so fucking done with it now.

I was made redundant not long ago. The last few years have been SO tough, I’ve worked harder than ever before, but markets have been tough. Immense pressure, being picked apart constantly. Every client meeting recorded and scrutinised down to every word that comes out of my mouth. Constantly needing to prove myself and often, well, always, being the only person my age and female doing the job.

I am just fucking done.

has anyone felt this way ? I’m tempted to try and work out something to do by myself. I just can’t take it anymore.

OP posts:

Wjjayso · 27/12/2025 21:20

@cananyonee Hi OP. I left a corporate job for a similar role in a much less corporate environment. It’s been life changing! And strangely only a couple of hundred or so less income a month… totally worth it in my opinion.

I found so much of it to be utter bullshit and frankly time wasting. We don’t have any of this where I work now. All really nice people too. So… my opinion is leave :)

Addictedtohotbaths · 27/12/2025 21:21

Yes, I’m slightly older, 20 years in and I pretty much hate it but the money is very good and I have school fees to pay.

I’m working on a way to cut hours and slowly retrain with a view to getting out in the next 4-5 years.

you must have a lot of transferable skills?

Arlanymor · 27/12/2025 21:24

I totally get what you mean. I work in communications and worked for the public sector for a LONG time. In the beginning it was great, highly respected, always went the extra mile, was held up for being someone who produced really good work. Then the litigation culture kicked in and suddenly we weren't allowed to say 'sorry' in a press release anymore. And jargon was preferred over plain speak in presentations. It went from honest communications to nonsense speak and it drove me mad. I went to work abroad for four years, came back and switched to charity, which is a lot more plain speaking, but even then there are things that I know will work that are clipped because people now just err on the side of caution rather than reality - and human, honest connection. It's funny because I'm not remotely behind my time, I keep up with training, I create films that win awards (!) but things have become corporate bollocks in my sector too.

My job ends in two years and I am seriously thinking about what to transition to. I don't think I want to do template, sorry, corporate comms anymore! I am honestly thinking of going and working with dead people. I think they would appreciate me more and I wouldn't get nonsense emails from them either!!!

Puppalicious · 27/12/2025 21:52

Wjjayso · 27/12/2025 21:20

I found so much of it to be utter bullshit and frankly time wasting. We don’t have any of this where I work now. All really nice people too. So… my opinion is leave :)

Edited

What kind of environment? I’m already not in the private sector but I’m getting so tired of the politics involved in senior management. I just can’t handle it.

slowraindrop · 27/12/2025 21:58

Me! I’m so ground down by being expected to be enthused by the latest restructure or ‘’new” approach. Whilst also spending too much time on basic shit tasks, because we’ve over-complicated everything and it takes ages to jump through all the hoops.

I often wonder if everyone in this environment is just performing a role and going through the motions. But then some colleagues seem genuinely and consistently very enthusiastic, so who knows!

Hoppinggreen · 27/12/2025 22:00

I spent 18 years in Corpoate land and then 15 happily SE. Covid made me get a job again but as soon as I could I got out and am happily SE again.
I can't deal with any corporate nonsense

Original poster

cananyonee · 28/12/2025 09:04

Just need to work out a way to make money SE. These do seem to be a lot of options nowadays but as always, it’s a risk. But I just can’t do it anymore.

OP posts:

Caliat · 28/12/2025 09:20

I was about your age (but no kids) when I gave up on the corporate world. Best thing I ever did. BUT, get your ducks in a row before you do it.

I started my own business and it took years to make any money (I really didn't have a clue to start with). We had to make tough decisions round lifestyle choices and there were times it got very hairy. But we had decent savings and things worked out. It turned out I didn't need designer handbags, expensive holidays and a bigger house to be happy. It really helps to have a supportive partner too.

I'm retired now and comfortably off.

Flip