Mental health Archives

New Job Stress: Why It Feels Like a Mess and How to Fix It

Starting your first or a new job can feel like stepping into a dense forest. You expect a peaceful, structured environment, but instead, you find workplace stress creeping in from all directions. The unpredictability, lack of clear tasks, and constant pressure to perform can quickly turn into work-related stress. Instead of step-by-step guidance, you’re handed vague instructions and overloaded with expectations—making stress at work feel inevitable.

Without proper training or clear direction, the pressure builds up, leading to workplace burnout. You try to keep up, but when expectations aren’t aligned with reality, dealing with stress at work becomes a daily struggle. So, why does this happen? More importantly, what are the best strategies for managing stress in the workplace when you feel lost?

The Reality of Unstructured Workplaces

Most companies don’t have a clear process for onboarding fresh graduates. They assume you’ll “figure it out” because, in their minds, the job is already running. Managers are busy handling their own responsibilities and don’t always have the time (or patience) to train you properly. Instead of structured learning, you get bits and pieces of information and are expected to connect the dots yourself.

Why Companies Expect You to ‘Figure It Out’

There’s an assumption in many workplaces that learning happens by doing. Instead of training, they give you tasks and expect you to learn as you go. This can work for some, but without a clear foundation, it often leads to mistakes, frustration, and imposter syndrome. If a company lacks a structured marketing strategy or defined workflows, you’re not just learning your role—you’re building it from scratch.

Turning Workplace Disorder into a Learning Opportunity

A messy workplace can be seen as a hell in a cell or a free MBA—you decide. It’s a common question: how are you dealing with burnout at work? My simple answer is: when things are chaotic, start by documenting everything. No marketing assets? Make a shared drive and collect what you can. No clear strategy? Observe patterns, take notes, and connect the dots yourself. If no one’s giving you answers, become the person who finds them. That’s how you gain control in an uncontrollable system.

When a company lacks structure, it’s secretly an invitation to experiment. If no one is following a process, create one. If goals are vague, suggest a clear direction. If the workplace environment is causing stress and burnout in the workplace, set healthy boundaries. No one will stop you. Why? Because most people are too busy to fix things. If you take initiative, they’ll assume you know what you’re doing—and before you know it, you actually will.

Strategic Thinking: Creating Value in a Messy Environment

Most workplaces don’t need more effort; they need better thinking. Instead of just coping with stress at work or complaining about the lack of direction, ask: What’s the real problem here? Are campaigns failing because there’s no targeting? Are leads bad because sales and marketing aren’t aligned? Find the root cause, not just the symptoms. Strategy is just structured common sense.

Also, document your findings. When you spot inefficiencies, don’t just talk about them—write them down, suggest solutions, and track improvements. The moment you start thinking like a problem-solver, people stop treating you like a clueless newbie. And once you bring structure into chaos, you become valuable. That’s how you win in a disorganised workplace.

Staying or Leaving: A Decision Based on Rational Analysis

Quitting feels tempting, but before you make a dramatic exit, ask: Am I learning something useful? If the job is chaotic but teaches you resourcefulness, problem-solving, or industry insights, it’s worth staying a little longer. Not all bad jobs are useless—some are just tough teachers.

But if you’re stuck in a loop of confusion, doing work that doesn’t build your skills, then yes, start job hunting. Make a practical transition plan: update your resume, apply quietly, and leave on your terms, not out of frustration. Jumping ship without a plan isn’t brave—it’s reckless.

Making an Impact While Preparing for What’s Next

Even if you’re planning to leave, don’t check out mentally. Every task is a chance to build skills, improve your resume, or create something that proves your value. Find small wins. Organise the marketing mess, create a simple campaign report, or optimise a process. Future employers love tangible impact, not just “I worked there” on your CV.

Also, start networking yesterday. Talk to people in your field, join industry groups, and engage on LinkedIn. Jobs don’t magically appear; they come from people. If you quietly build skills and connections while stuck in a messy job, you won’t just escape—you’ll upgrade.

The Hidden Truth: It’s Not Just You

Many companies, especially small or midsized ones, are still figuring out their own marketing approach. They don’t have well-defined goals, target audiences, or structured campaigns. This means even senior employees are improvising. You’re not failing—the system itself is messy.

How to Spot a True Leader or Mentor for Your Team?

The key is recognising this early. Instead of waiting for clarity, start documenting what’s missing. What information do you need to do your job well? What patterns do you see in the confusion? If you can map out the gaps, you’ll be in a better position to either fix them or use them as leverage when discussing your role.

Keep saying: Live.Love.Learn.Liberate

For more insights and reading, check here:

Written by

Akhil Pillai

Everything Happens for a Reason: Karmic Interconnectedness

Have you ever wondered about those moments when you wish for something—a sea breeze, perhaps—and suddenly, your friend calls for a beach walk? It feels like there’s an unseen force listening to your thoughts, understanding your wishes, and weaving them into reality. I call it as hidden blessings, some says it’s the Atma of your dearest ones, maybe your grandma, maybe your childhood friend who died in an accident. Whatever it might be, I strongly believe there is a mysterious or hidden aura around us, that quietly orchestrates the events for us. It’s listening you, and seeking you.

interconnectedness in our daily life — Ghostly reflection experiment

Madampu Kunjukuttan

Recently, I came across a memoir by Madampu Kunjukuttan that reminded me of this thought. Those who don’t know Madampu should try the biographical novel Bhrashtu. It’s the real life story of an 18th century Namboodiri woman excommunicated for adultery — during the court hearing, she shocked the presiding court by naming a score of society notables whom she encountered, it’s a revenge-bound story which exfoliate the hypocratic patriarchal community of 18th century Kerala.

Madampu Kunjukuttan used to frequently visit Mookambika temple between Kollur and Kodachadri during his early writing days. Those trips helped him to introspect and infuse a spiritual enlightenment in Madampu, both as a writer and a spiritual seeker.

Those who have read Aaryavartham or Bhrashtu can connect with my words. From Adikula nathan’s disintegration, Aryavartam is the story of the Adigotras, who emerge as four clans. The sub-plots in an extended narrative style are enough to understand the depth of Madampu’s thought processes.

A Yogi, Madampu & Their Karmic Interconnectedness

During one such Mookambika visit, he encountered a young yogi deeply immersed in meditation at Sarvagnya Peetha. Intrigued by the yogi’s serene demeanour, Madampu approached him and kept three coins there as a Bhiksha (noble donation). Madampu turned back and took a few steps, but suddenly the yogi opened his eyes and called him back.

Kodachadri Hills: Interconnectedness moment between Yogi and Madampu — Kodachadri Hills

With polished British English, the yogi calmly asked, ‘What brings you here with these coins?’

‘I do not know; it just felt right,’ Madampu replied with a smile.

‘Will it always feel right?’ The yogi chuckled, prompting Madampu to respond in his own way, ‘Probably not.’

The yogi grasped Madampu’s hand. ‘Brother, today I thought of this: someone donating 3 coins. In a week’s time, I will go to the valley and buy three handfuls of rice with three coins. That’s enough for me for a week. This money you brought here will fulfil my needs for the week. The grace of my guru.’

The yogi then shared his story. He spoke of spiritual journeys and learnings—of Himalayan expeditions, encounters with Shankaracharya’s teachings, and seeking the essence of Devi worship. He recounted his time studying Sanskrit under Jnanananda Saraswati in Rishikesh.

Then, with those sparkling eyes, Yogi asked, Have you ever heard about my guru, Jnanananda Saraswati?

This question from Yogi, who was a foreigner in Kodachadri, took Madamb back to his childhood. A period even before Madambu’s Upanayana.

Once, during a monsoon afternoon, Madampu and his brothers saw someone at the doorstep. The man was conversing with elders, and Madampu discovered that he was a man from the south, well-versed in Puranas and Sanskrit. Madampu asked his uncle, ‘Who is this?’ ‘Parameshwaran,’ came the reply.

That was the first time he met that genius.

‘I need to eat,’ Parameswaran said. ‘Clean yourself at the pool, and the food will be ready,’ Madampu’s uncle replied. The family gave him food and shelter. That’s how Parameshwaran lived in Madampu’s Mana for five years! He also taught Sanskrit to Madampu and his siblings.

Parameswaran Unnithan started teaching sanskrit to many children in his area, and finally he married the sibling of one of his disciples. His children went abroad, received a good education, and began a successful career there.

Parameshwaran Unnithan, who had travelled from Kerala to the Himalayas, influenced by Adi Shankara and Brahmasutrabhasya, in search of knowledge, reached Rishikesh, then obtained Deeksha and became Jnanananda Saraswati. The same Parameswaran Unnithan who taught Madampu Sanskrit is the one who taught that young yogi Sanskrit.

“Do you know Malayali Gnananda Saraswathi?”

Young Yogi asked again.

Yogi’s question awakened Madambu from his past. A misty breeze that came from beyond the mountains in Kodachadri caressed both of them.

“I know. He has also taught me Sanskrit. He stayed with us for four to five years. We got his blessings.”

Young Yogi’s eyes were filled with tears after listening to this.

“Everything happens for a reason, “Yogi said.

Madampu remembered Yogi’s words. When he got three rupees, the young British yogi said that it was the blessing of the Guru. The sky stood red above Sarvagnya Peetha; it made them feel like Mookambika Devi was showering Vermillion with her blessings.

Philosophies Around Interconnectedness

This interconnectedness and hidden auras which are working for us, can be seen in many philosphies. In Eastern philosphies, it’s called Karma and Dharma. It suggest that our actions and thoughts have ripple effects beyond what we perceive. In Buddhism, for example, posits that all beings are interconnected, and actions (karma) influence future outcomes in a complex web of cause and effect.

Modern philosphies describe it as Butterfly effect. This chaos theory illustrates how small changes can lead to significant consequences over time. It suggests that even tiny, seemingly insignificant actions or events can have far-reaching effects in complex systems.

The most modern word is manifestation; it refers to the belief that through focused thoughts, intentions, and actions, individuals can attract or create desired outcomes in their lives. Recently, in an interview, actor Vijay Sethupathy said he manifested his acting career. I believe the aura around him might have listened and worked for him.

Imagine this: hidden energies or unseen and mysterious Atmas, surrounding us ceaselessly, attentive to our every whisper and thought. They are like silent guardians, fulfilling the commands of our subconscious minds.

When our intentions are noble, these energies conspire to nurture and elevate us, crafting pathways to our desires. When our thoughts are evil headed, their influence can be ominous, steering us towards destruction.

What do you think? Are we mere vessels, or do we wield unseen powers that shape our destinies? Do you believe in this interconnectedness? Have you ever experienced these mysterious aura around you working for your wishes. Share in comments.

Why Only One Pandava Reached Heaven? Read more here.

How to Deal With Uncertainities:Cognitive Survival Kit

Picture yourself driving along your daily route to your nearest theatre. You know every turn, every stoplight, and have become accustomed to the rhythm of this familiar journey. You are confident that you will reach the theatre before the show begins.

Suddenly, you encounter an unexpected detour sign in the middle of your path – the road you’ve always taken is temporarily closed for construction. Now, you must navigate a new route to reach your destination.

This unforeseen obstacle not only disrupts your routine but also challenges you to adapt to the change and find a new way forward.

A symbolic representation on How to Deal With Uncertainities — Image credits: Canva

Such is the course of our lives. We are often moving along familiar paths when unexpected obstacles or anomalies arise, throwing us off our well-planned routes. This post is trying to decode our human responses to these unexpected shifts and explore how they can shape our journey through life.

Navigating the Unforeseen: Our Brain’s Role

Humans are naturally inclined to seek stability and predictability in their environment. This inclination is rooted in our evolutionary history, where predictability equaled survival. We build our lives around familiar routines and predictable patterns, creating a cognitive map of our world that allows us to anticipate future events and plan accordingly.

However, when an unexpected obstacle appears, it not only halts our progress towards our goals but also presents us with a profound question: this obstacle wasn’t supposed to exist, so why does it?

Now, our brains must engage in a process of ‘cognitive updating,’ where they reconcile the new information with our existing worldview. This involves substantial mental work as our neural networks reconfigure to incorporate the unexpected data. Sounds challenging, right? That’s the idea!

Cognitive Dissonance: The Psychological Clash

When we meet the unexpected, it triggers a psychological clash. This clash, called cognitive dissonance, happens when we juggle opposing beliefs or ideas.

On one hand, we have our idea of how things should be, built from our routines and predictions. On the other hand, we face the real-life hurdle that stands in our path. To deal with this dissonance, we often change our beliefs and attitudes. In some cases, we might need to rethink our whole view of the world.

So, facing the unexpected isn’t just about breaking routine. It’s a major cognitive and psychological event that demands that we reshape our understanding of the world.

Unpacking Grandpa’s Survival Kit: The Modern-Day Predicament

Losing a job unexpectedly is similar to encountering a ferocious predator on our regular way home. 1000 years ago, that predator was an uncertainty for our forefathers; now it might be a layoff.

It is a disruption that throws off the steady rhythm of your life, bringing in its wake uncertainty, financial stress, and an understandable level of anxiety. To tackle this change effectively, cognitive flexibility – akin to what our ancestors exercised in the face of predators – becomes a crucial tool in our survival kit.

1. Embracing the Hard Truth

Start by acknowledging reality. You’ve lost your job. It’s a tough fact to digest, especially due to our innate ‘confirmation bias‘. We have a tendency to favour information that aligns with our pre-existing beliefs or situations, and it is cognitively more comfortable to deny or downplay the shift. But to make any progress, accepting the truth is vital.

2. Shifting Perspectives through Cognitive Reframing

Next, reframe the situation. In cognitive psychology, reframing is a technique used to help create a different way of looking at a situation, person, or relationship by changing its meaning.

It involves actively constructing a new perspective. Instead of viewing the job loss as a disaster, see it as an opportunity for growth, a chance to explore new career paths, or a chance to gain new skills.

3. Divergent Thinking – Fostering Creative Solutions

Once you have reframed the situation, brainstorm potential solutions. In this phase, it’s crucial to exercise ‘divergent thinking,’ a thought process used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. Consider different career options, alternative income sources, or even acquiring new skills or education. Consider any solution, no matter how outlandish it may seem initially.

This is where the decision-making and prioritisation tools that can be useful.

For example, the Eisenhower Matrix, one of my favourites. The matrix consists of four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Read more about it here.

4. Implementing Change Step by Step

Finally, it’s time to act. Implementation can feel daunting, especially after a job loss. However, it’s important to remember that progress often happens incrementally. Break down your chosen solution into manageable steps and tackle them one at a time. This approach, called ‘action planning’, can make a big task seem more approachable, and it has been scientifically proven to enhance goal achievement.

Throughout this process, it’s essential to maintain a self-compassionate perspective. Job loss can lead to feelings of self-doubt or criticism. However, research has shown that treating yourself with kindness in times of failure or difficulty can foster resilience and well-being.

Final Thoughts: Tackling Life’s Crises with Evolutionary Tactics

As we journey through life, navigating unexpected obstacles and tackling life’s crises, it’s fascinating to consider the neurological systems at play. Just as our ancestors used specific neurological systems to detect and react to physical threats – like a lurking predator – we use these same systems to perceive and manage the abstract threats and issues we face in modern life.

Abstract problems – like losing a job or facing a break-up – become the ‘predators’ of our lives, lurking just outside the safety of our known world. When these problems arise, they activate the same neurological platform used by our ancestors, proving how our evolutionary history still influences our reactions to contemporary challenges.

So, dealing with the unexpected isn’t just about updating our cognitive map of the world, it’s also about confronting these abstract ‘predators’, managing life’s crises, and leveraging our inherent neurological capabilities. As we better understand and harness these capabilities, we can become more adept at navigating the uncertainties of life.

Good Thinking Begins with Clear Thinking, read more on how to think clealry using Marcus Aurelius Approach.