Growing numb to routine is one of the riskiest spirals a person can fall into. A life lived on autopilot and constant discomfort paves a path toward burnout and, for many, a lingering dip into depression. A business coach and serial entrepreneur, Natalia Maksimova, shared with socialbites.ca how to recognize the signal that it may be time to change jobs.
According to Maksimova, the human spirit is remarkably adaptable. It bends easily to fit new surroundings and tasks. That adaptability serves people well when facing sudden changes, like moving cities or stepping up to a tougher project. Yet problems arise when the environment forces someone to tolerate a toxic leadership style or to shoulder a colleague’s sudden absence, draining energy and crossing personal boundaries in the process. In such cases, a person can become a vessel for others’ negativity, absorbing it rather than managing it.
In these moments, it is easy to forget that this pattern is not normal. A single delay at work or lending a hand to a co-worker is reasonable and often acceptable. But if the pattern repeats every month and a person starts hearing subtle, disapproving comments from a boss when reaching home on time again — that is a red flag that the routine is no longer sustainable. The risk is not just exhaustion; it is a steady decline in self-belief as opportunities slip by and the cycle becomes accepted as routine.
It is essential to remember that a job description defines a boundary of responsibilities. If tasks fall outside that boundary, the person should not be expected to take them on unless the role explicitly requires it. When management imposes extra duties or raises their voice, Maksimova advises establishing clear limits right away.
There is also a contrasting scenario: someone loves the job, the team is supportive, the position is pleasant, yet the employee has lingered in the same role for years and begins to feel a gradual fading of purpose or visibility. This tension often signals the need to reassess career direction rather than simply coast along. In such cases, development becomes a core value that can boost motivation again, while clinging to comfort can prove damaging in the long run.
For individuals who prize growth, these situations demand decisive action. A strong-willed move might include pursuing a promotion at a current workplace, seeking additional training, or launching a personal project on the side. Alternatively, it can mean transferring to a more prestigious or dynamic company that aligns with evolving skills and ambitions.
Sometimes the signal comes even when the driver behind the decision is not entirely personal. If someone feels pushed into a path by family expectations or social pressures, the need for independence becomes louder. Real change begins with recognizing that life should reflect one’s own decisions and aspirations, not just the choices others push onto you. It is about reclaiming agency and steering a course that reflects a true sense of self, rather than fitting into someone else’s blueprint. The message here is simple: if a person has drifted into a life scripted by others, it may be time to rewrite the narrative and pursue a path that feels authentic and self-directed.
As for the broader trend, more than half of workers in the region report feeling indispensable at work, yet many still struggle to translate that sense of value into satisfying and sustainable career trajectories. This mismatch underscores the importance of regular self-assessment, setting boundaries, and knowing when to pivot to preserve energy, purpose, and long-term fulfillment. [citation: Maksimova interview, socialbites.ca]