Coffee – then adulting.

I recently saw a post on Threads that made me wonder about adulthood and careers. The person who posted said that now that they’re in their 40s, they don’t care for advancement or promotion anymore. They don’t want to lead a team, or “spearhead an initiative” to put it bluntly.

And I thought – NOW that is one honest and brave comment.

I wasn’t prepared for such a change of mindset about job growth communicated in a just 10 sentences.

It seems lazy to say you’re just “coasting.” I’m not sure if “coasting” is the best term. However, if you’re getting by, earning a paycheck, supporting your family, and fulfilling your job duties, isn’t that enough?

Now, I am totally aware that people start out at different levels and change jobs/careers, so advancement may be something that is natural, or something they are striving for after starting a new position.

But I also don’t think employers should look down on people who feel fine in their current role, while building upon their current skills.

There is a lot of energy spent outside of work, on family, daily life, and social activities. The same person on Threads mentioned they manage their “home,” and that should be enough. It’s tough to share your energy when you’re just ONE person balancing TWO full-time jobs, trying to succeed at both yet often feeling behind or not meeting expectations. Each day presents a new set of challenges, from tackling household chores to attending your kids’ events, leaving little room for personal time or relaxation.

When you turn 40, it seems like your energy fades a little more each day while responsibilities pile up. My mind sometimes feels as slow as my body, struggling to keep up with what’s expected. This constant balancing act can lead to overwhelming tiredness, making me wonder how much I can really give before hitting my limits. Managing these parts of life is a careful act, needing both stamina and resilience, and it’s a journey many people understand as they handle their own challenges with work and personal life.