Here are 18 common thoughts of professionals in their 20s & 30s.
You’re not alone for thinking them too.
- Is my role important or just convenient for others?
- I keep being told I’m ‘doing great’ but nothing actually changes.
- Am I respected, or just reliable?
- I’m scared to take leave because everything might run fine without me.
- People like me, but do they actually value me?
- They praise my work but won’t back it up with action.
- I’m doing more than ever, but feeling less seen.
- I’ve made myself indispensable to the wrong people.
- Asking for what I’m worth feels like a risk.
- I’m not sure if they see me as a future leader or a safe pair of hands.
- If I stopped working overtime, would they still rate me?
- My best work never makes it into my performance review.
- Why do I need to justify my salary more than others justify their budgets?
- The harder I work, the less visible I feel.
- I don’t want to be valued more, just fairly.
- I’ve outgrown this role. I just don’t know how to say it.
- “We couldn’t do this without you” feels empty without follow through.
- I feel it’s easier to advocate for others than myself.
If you keep having any of these thoughts, it’s probably time for a conversation.
Or better yet.
Action.