Do you feel a lack of job security? If so, what are your reasons? Getting subordinates to follow you isn't easy either. Sun Ling, 38, Deputy Manager at a company. A sense of career crisis—I think most modern people have it to some extent. After all, we're no longer in the era of the "big pot meal." Especially for female white-collar workers juggling both family and career, it brings a unique set of challenges.Take me, for instance. When I joined the company, I had only an associate degree. That qualification might seem modest by today's standards, but it was respectable back then. Combined with my youth, willingness to work hard, and single-minded dedication to my job, I earned my boss's admiration. Within six months, I was promoted from a regular employee to supervisor, and two years later, I reached my current position as deputy manager.Yet even with such smooth progress, my professional anxiety never ceased: early on, I worried about business matters—fearing I couldn't meet deadlines or be outpaced by peers; after marriage, I dreaded how children might disrupt my career, anxious that my hard-won position might be usurped; now, after all these years, my seat should be secure, yet new concerns have emerged.First, my educational background increasingly feels inadequate as time passes. Seeing fresh graduates join annually—all holding at least bachelor's degrees, with master's and PhDs commonplace—brimming with confidence and energy, makes me realize I must elevate myself to command their respect. Second, age—a particularly sensitive issue for women. Though my role isn't youth-dependent, interacting with younger colleagues and subordinates sometimes feels awkward.I recall once losing my temper over a business matter during a meeting. Later, during lunch break, as I passed the company restroom, I faintly heard whispers inside mocking words like "menopause." Though not entirely clear, it was obviously directed at me. The pain in my heart was indescribable, yet I had to put on a calm face and return to work. It was truly humiliating.So now, despite holding a key position and being swamped with work, I'm squeezing in time to attend advanced training courses. I'm pursuing a certification to compensate for my educational shortcomings and prove I'm still young and energetic enough.The cost, however, is that I spend less and less time at home. Sometimes I can't even have a proper conversation with my husband and son for an entire week. I feel terribly guilty, but there's nothing I can do. I can only hope this busy phase passes quickly so I can spend quality time with them during the New Year holidays before diving back into the next "battle."
The Burden I Chose for Myself
Zhang Zhongming, 32, Department Manager After graduating, things progressed smoothly for me. Within two or three years, I was promoted to department manager. Logically, I should have been riding high, but I constantly felt underlying pressure and crisis. When I first joined the company, I worked in human resources and office administration. Feeling my strengths weren't being utilized, I proactively requested a transfer to the business department.Finally, my wish came true. I took charge of market development and external coordination. This was a huge challenge for me. My background had nothing to do with this field. I often felt the distrustful looks from my colleagues and heard some gossip. What could I do? I just gritted my teeth and persevered. After all, I was the one who requested the transfer. If I didn't do well, my colleagues would laugh at me, my boss would criticize me, or I might simply be replaced.For a while, to catch up quickly, I read until 2 a.m. every night. During the day, I worked relentlessly while putting on a smile—it was unbearably tough. Another thing: as a PhD, my advanced degree brought me some prestige but also caused me real harm. Tasks meant for two or three people fell solely on my shoulders. And I couldn’t afford to mess up, or I’d be accused, "For a PhD, you can’t even handle this?"Though many envy my current status and income, I know I could be shown the door any day. Several management masters at our company are rising stars—perhaps they’re my "backup." A reporter’s note: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Another heavy topic. I know I’ll soon grasp the true meaning of "loneliness at the top."Hearing these "behind-the-scenes stories," I can't help but feel sympathy for these so-called successful people. Behind the glamour lies endless bitterness. They face immense pressure, their minds perpetually on edge—whether due to fierce competition, complex interpersonal dynamics, or the need to maintain their image. Every family has its own set of problems. In a way, this is actually a good thing.The very existence of so many crises prevents us from stagnating, driving us forward amid heavy burdens. Yet everything has its limits. The word "frustration" echoes constantly, almost deserving an award for overuse—hardly a healthy sign. Much of our psychological torment stems from excessive inner desires, burdening ourselves with both personal and external demands.While we cannot be as carefree as children nor as leisurely as mythical immortals, we can still learn a thing or two from Laozi and Zhuangzi. As ordinary people, we should cultivate an ordinary mindset. Find a suitable place for yourself, and you'll find peace and contentment. What's wrong with a little self-deprecating humor or a touch of Ah Q spirit? Just do your best.
${FDPageBreak}I Have Something to Say After nearly two decades of hard work and perseverance, I finally realized my dream of becoming an IT Director a few years ago. Yet professional advancement and higher positions brought endless troubles. During every corporate restructuring and downsizing, the IT department, being a support function, was almost always targeted.To control and reduce internal human resource costs, the CIO position is perpetually precarious. Sometimes I seriously consider suggesting to management that they downgrade my role to IT Department Manager—perhaps that would let me sleep more soundly at night. —Sun Jian, CIO of a Group Company Why not embrace a bit of "Ah Q" in the workplace? For everything, look on the bright side. For instance, if you've taken on more tasks than others, consider that through doing the work, you've gained more skills than they have.Or if someone else gets more recognition from leadership, tell yourself they must possess skills beyond your own. — Chen Qi Competition is fierce these days, with new talent constantly emerging. One misstep, and someone else will take your spot. Approaching thirty, I dare not have children. And precisely because I don't have children, changing jobs becomes problematic—new employers always worry that at my age, having kids might interfere with work.I've been torn: having a child would surely cost me my position, forcing me to start over. — Zhang Li Even working for a state-owned enterprise, I lack security, constantly fearing unemployment. Employees care less about performance than about pleasing their superiors. Every day at work, I'm on edge, afraid to let my guard down. ——He Zuhong Nowadays, competition is fierce. No matter your field or position, crises loom. The only solution is to keep learning and exploring new areas to stay relevant. —Xiao Xin As long as you have a steady job, career anxiety is inevitable. So I went freelance—jumping from gig to gig. It’s liberating, right? —Xiaoyao I work in IT and live with constant uncertainty.Knowledge renewal is our survival guarantee. Otherwise, brutal competition will eliminate you. —Li Xin Career anxiety—I think everyone feels it. But nowadays, people seem accustomed to it. Look at how many constantly jump from job to job. It's a result of competition, especially among young people. Sometimes we shrug it off because we have the energy and time. "If it doesn't work out, we move on" is our motto. —Chen Qi