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Work is an essential part of life, it pays the bills, provides purpose, and even brings a sense of fulfilment. But what happens when your job starts to take a toll on your mental health? In a world that often glorifies hustle culture and “going the extra mile,” it’s easy to feel like prioritising yourself means falling behind.
But let’s be real—at what cost? Burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion are real consequences of pushing yourself too hard for too long. So, should you put your job before your mental health? The short answer: No. But let’s talk about why, and what you can do if you feel stuck in a job that’s impacting your well-being.
Many of us have grown up believing that hard work equals success. And while dedication and ambition are valuable, the pressure to put your job above everything else—including your mental health—can be harmful.
Here’s why so many people struggle to put themselves first when work is demanding:
It’s normal to have stressful days at work, but if your job is consistently affecting your well-being, it might be time to reassess. Here are some red flags:
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth considering whether your job is taking more from you than it’s giving.
There’s a difference between handling normal work stress and enduring a job that’s damaging your mental health. If your workplace is making you sick, miserable, or disconnected from your life, it’s time to put yourself first.
Prioritising your mental health might look like:
For some, the realisation that work isn’t everything comes after hitting a breaking point.
“I used to think that pushing through stress and exhaustion was part of being a good employee. I worked overtime, skipped breaks, and told myself I’d rest ‘when things calmed down.’ But they never did. I ended up burning out so badly that I had to take extended leave. It took that wake-up call for me to realise—my job could replace me in a heartbeat, but I couldn’t replace my health. Now, I set boundaries and remind myself that my well-being matters just as much as my work.” – Anonymous, MHM Community Member
If you’re worried about how to balance your mental health with work, here are some ways to advocate for yourself while still maintaining your professional responsibilities:
At the end of the day, no job is worth sacrificing your mental health. Burnout isn’t a badge of honour, and needing rest doesn’t mean you’re weak. If your job is making you miserable, it’s okay to take a step back, set boundaries, or even consider a change.
Remember: You are more than your productivity. Your well-being is not optional. Prioritising yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
What steps can you take today to protect your mental health at work?
Resources:
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/work/burnout
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/work
https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/mental-health-at-work/