Most of us are taught to think about careers like ladders: step by step, rung by rung, until we reach the top. But in reality, careers don’t move in straight lines anymore. Industries shift, organizations restructure, technology disrupts, and our personal goals evolve. That’s why systems thinking, the ability to see the bigger picture and how parts connect, is such a powerful tool for career planning.

Career fatigue goes beyond everyday stress. It shows up as chronic exhaustion, loss of motivation, disengagement, and even questioning your career choices altogether. While rest and self-care matter, they don’t solve the root issue if the problem lies in the system you’re working within.