Starting a new role often comes with a mix of excitement and nerves. For many people, the hope is that even in a small or part-time position, they’ll find meaningful work and a chance to contribute. But sometimes, the reality doesn’t match the expectation. Instead of feeling fulfilled, you can end up wrestling with frustration and disappointment.
One common challenge is when side work or personal projects are scrutinized. Many professionals today juggle multiple streams of income like freelance work, a second job, a small business, or a “passion project.”
Yet some workplaces still view that as a red flag, even if it doesn’t interfere with the job. It can feel disheartening to have your commitment questioned, especially if you bring years of experience and a strong work ethic to the table.
The bigger issue often isn’t side work itself — it’s inconsistency in workplace culture. In some environments, employees openly run businesses or manage second careers during work hours, with leadership fully aware. At the same time, others may feel guilty even considering taking on small freelance tasks, worried it would be seen as disloyal. That kind of double standard can wear on you, especially if you’re the type of person who wants to give 100% to your role.
Missed opportunities can add to the frustration. Maybe you suggest leveraging a big new partnership, only to have the idea brushed off without consideration. Or you propose a proven marketing strategy, but it’s acknowledged without any follow-through. Over time, those moments send a message that your expertise isn’t valued, no matter how much effort or creativity you bring.
And when you go the extra mile by sharing the mission or finding ways to spotlight the organization, yet no one seems to notice, it can feel draining. You start to wonder if your skills would be better used somewhere else, somewhere they’d be appreciated and rewarded.
Layer on the exhaustion so many of us feel in today’s world whether from family responsibilities, health issues, lack of rest, or the relentless news cycle and it becomes even harder to stay motivated. It’s not just about the job; it’s about carrying all of that while still trying to show up with energy and dedication.
And at the heart of it, the struggle comes down to a mismatch: when your work ethic doesn’t align with the culture around you.
You want to do more, contribute more, and take things to the next level, but you’re surrounded by indifference or misplaced priorities. That disconnect leaves you feeling stuck.
The truth is that many people face this tension. And while there isn’t an easy answer, one step forward might be simply acknowledging it — naming the frustration, noticing the disconnect, and giving yourself permission to ask:
What’s next for me?