Overworked, Undervalued: The Truth About Recognition at Work

When every paycheck feels like a band-aid, it’s easy to believe that survival mode is the only option. Put your head down and work harder, only to find yourself feeling the exact same way.

• You tell yourself the next raise will make things easier.

• You keep pushing through the exhaustion.

• You hope recognition will come if you just work harder.
  
  

But two weeks come and go, and nothing changes. That’s the trap: burnout disguised as progress.

The truth? More hours, more effort, and more sacrifices won’t magically change the outcome. You can’t keep expecting different results while staying in the same loop.

So, how do you break out? It all starts with clarity.

Take a moment right now: close your eyes and ask yourself—what do I really want? 

• Is it time freedom?

• The ability to be fully present with your kids?

• Financial independence without being chained to a desk?
  
  

Once you feel into that desire, notice how your energy shifts. That’s not a dream—it’s your next step calling you forward.

I want you to think deep on this, start visualizing the life that you want. What clothes are you wearing? How are you feeling? Embody this version of you. When we embody the new version of ourselves there is no choice but for her to show up. 

Everything is energy, and when you align your actions with what you actually want, you’ll start noticing opportunities that once felt invisible.

I remember the day I realized just how disposable I was in the eyes of my boss.

I got a call from my son’s daycare: his fever was 103°F, and he needed me. I told my boss I had to leave—and her response was, “Well, you’re already here.” She told me I couldn’t go.

Terrified of losing my job, I stayed. Every minute dragged on as guilt ate me alive. My son was sick and needed his mom, but I was chained to a desk.

That moment broke something in me. I realized no job title, no paycheck, and certainly no boss’s approval was worth sacrificing my child’s well-being—or my own.

It took me years to fully break out of that cycle, but eventually, I discovered another way: one where I could be financially independent and present for my kids.

I don’t want you to wait as long as I did to realize you have choices.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Big change happens through small, consistent steps. Here’s where to start:

• Reflect: Write down what you truly want—not what you’ve been told to want.

• Learn: If you haven’t read Atomic Habits by James Clear, it’s a game-changer for creating sustainable change.

• Explore Options: If you’ve ever dreamed about starting a business, start gathering ideas. (And if you don’t know where to begin, join my email list—I share daily tips for moms starting businesses without burnout.)

• Watch for Opportunities: I’ll soon be hosting a blog-based course for moms who are tired of posting endlessly on social media. If you’re craving freedom without the grind, that’s for you.
  
  

Small actions, done consistently, yield big results.

Recognition at work often comes in the form of small rewards that never balance out the sacrifice: pizza parties, token gift cards, or the occasional “good job” email.

But your worth is not defined by how replaceable you are at your job. Your worth comes from who you are, what you value, and how you choose to live your life.

Calculate your hourly value (15 minutes): Divide your annual pay by 2,080 to see what one hour of your time really costs. Knowing this makes saying “no” easier.

Boundary script to use today: “I can’t stay past 5 p.m. I have a family commitment. I can send a status update at 4:30 or finish this from home.” (Use by email or in-person.)

You don’t have to stay stuck in burnout, waiting for crumbs of recognition that never satisfy. You can choose something different.

If you’re tired of being overworked, undervalued, and stuck in survival mode, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Come join my circle of women who are rewriting the rules of motherhood, business, and freedom. Inside, I share stories, practical techniques, and inspiration to help you build a life you don’t need to escape from.

You have incredible skills the world needs—and you deserve to be recognized for more than your ability to sacrifice.

Your kids, your future, and your peace of mind are worth it.

I believe in you.