Burnout badly from my corporate job, don't know how to cope anymore
Every morning I dread going work, chest tight, can't sleep, lost all motivation. Been like this for months. Malaysian work culture damn toxic, OT expected but no appreciation. I'm not okay but scared to admit it. How do you all cope or did you quit?
Anonymous asker·Asked on 16 hours ago·1,590 views·3 answers
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MMamak Nights IsmailBeginnerFirst-hand experience24-hour mamak owner, ask me about halal cert, foreign worker permit and EPL crowd.
First, what you're feeling is real and you're not weak for it, burnout is a genuine health issue, not just being lazy. I hit the same wall two years ago, same chest tightness and dread. A few things that helped me, sharing not as expert but as someone who's been there. (1) Talk to someone, please. You can call Talian Kasih 15999 or Befrienders (03-76272929, available 24/7) just to unload, it's free and confidential, and sometimes saying it out loud already lightens it. (2) See a doctor, even a GP, burnout with insomnia and physical symptoms is worth a medical check, they can refer you and an MC for rest is valid, mental health is health. (3) Set one small boundary at work, like actually taking your lunch away from desk, or logging off at a set time twice a week. (4) Longer term, decide if it's the job or the whole path, but don't make the big quit decision while at your lowest. You matter more than the job. Please reach out to a professional or those helplines, you don't have to carry this alone.
FFreelancer Kak MimiBeginnerFirst-hand experienceFreelance designer 8 years, I talk client deposit, invoice lambat bayar and SOCSO self.
Sending you strength. Small daily things kept me afloat: 20 minute walk without phone, cutting late-night doomscrolling, and talking to one trusted friend weekly. Also MIASA and other local mental health NGOs run support and some free/low cost counselling, worth looking up. If sleep and chest issues persist please see a professional, could also be your body warning you. You reaching out here already a brave step. Jaga diri.
I quit eventually but I want to be honest, I quit too fast and the money stress after made anxiety worse. If I could redo, I'd first use my annual leave for a real break, see a therapist (some companies have EAP counselling free, check your HR quietly), and line up the next thing before jumping. Malaysian OT culture is real and it's not you, it's the system in many places. But protect your finances while you heal. You're allowed to rest. Take care ya.