ANTI - WORK Why People Are Quitting 

It’s funny how a pandemic made everyone realize that no one should have to spend their entire life at a job that they don’t even like.

I applied for a job last week and got it. I brought in my availability, my preferred days off, and talked about my lengthy experience in the interview. I was hired on the spot and started work. They immediately scheduled me 9+ hour shifts with an indefinite end time (“when the work is done”), I was scheduled 10 days in a row with one day off and then was supposed to be back to work. My second shift was 10 hours and the person who was training me disappeared for 45 minutes while I finished all the dishes alone. I quit the next day. They take advantage of you, they ignore your scheduling preferences, and they think you will accept everything out of desperation. This is, in my opinion, why /everywhere/ is short staffed right now. It’s. Not. Worth it.

*I hate the fact that this movement has been called "anti-work".* At its core, it's not about people being "anti-work", they are anti corporate greed, workplace abuse, being underpaid and overworked. People just want fair pay, decent work hours and job they don't hate. I hope people start unionising for real, because if Americans who have been victims of perpetual propaganda for decades can do it, it might have ramifications for the workers in countries that corporate companies are currently exploiting. It's time to realise that you don't live in a meritocracy, you live in an oligarchy where the ruling class manipulates laws and media to keep you from unionising, by making sure you keep fighting against each other. *Good luck!*

I read that 40 hours of work in the 1950s is equivalent to 11 hours of work today. We've been sold this concept that the more technology evolves, the less we'll have to work and the more we can enjoy our lives; instead we're being worked harder than ever and pay has not risen commensurately with inflation. It's a very important topic and there is a clear generational divide in how it's being approached and discussed. I appreciate that you're bringing up this topic because it needs to be spoken about more frequently.

I like the anti-work movement because it’s slowly making companies pay their employees better and increase benefits. Not everyone wants to start their own business; I’m fine with being in a supportive role but I don’t wish to climb the stressful corporate ladder and make $500,000 a year. There are good companies out there with wonderful work-life balance. The HU$TLE culture is unsustainable! No one needs to work 80-90 hours a week and sleep is not for the weak, sleep is for the SMART. Work shouldn’t be someone’s life, it should supplement their lifestyle. Also, I’m not defined by my work title.

i’ve left a high paying job for my mental health and it was the best decision i’ve made. i’m now at a better job. although it pays just a little less and is so so worth it. i love waking up and not dreading going to my job. my co workers are nice, supportive, and respect me. i’ve learnt what type of environment i thrive in.

I had this conversation with my family at Thanksgiving. It used to be that arriving early, staying late and skipping your lunch break was what got you promoted. But now, I see my older coworkers delay taking their lunch break to start another project, stay late to work off the clock, and refuse to take their 15 every day. And they are stressed constantly. I will work hard when I'm on the clock, but if I'm not on the clock then I'm not working. My time is everything to me.

"Don't be afraid of the unknown, see it as an invitation to grow as a person." - Michelle Phan I cried when I heard this and thought all of you should read this too

My sister is an ICU nurse and her pay is insulting. And how she's treated? Couldn't pay anyone enough to endure that abuse. Yet hospital management doesn't care and keeps up abusing them while pocketing their own fat bonuses. No wonder her shifts are always short and everyone is quitting. Its so frustrating.

Is it possible for you to do more videos like these every once in a while? Just doing your makeup and talking about serious topics/advice on life. Your view and take on things are what ppl need to hear 💜✨

As a nurse i think about quitting almost daily, eventhough i LOVE the job itself. I work at a maternity ward and the work itself is so beautiful. But the circumstances in which we have to work are hell. Really. The pandemic made everything even worse and in the next years we can see people dying infront of our hospital-doors, because the majority of nurses quit and/or retire,. Its so damn sad, that jobs that used to make u happy now drain your joy. I was sitting in my car driving to work crying because i knew it was going to be an aweful day. I AM proud to do what i do, but i really want to be happy with what i do again.

“Don’t be afraid to start over again”. Hearing that is comforting, change is a good thing, helps us grow both as individuals and career wise. This feels like a sit down talk with family, thank you Michelle!

not just managers having a god complex, but also customers. In chinese culture, we have a saying "customer is god" and some customers take it literally and think it's ok to abuse minimum wage workers. we need to change that whole mindset and treat retail/ food service/ etc workers as REAL workers as well. without them, where would you get your food? where would you get things that you think you need but don't actually need? they've also been grinding and taking in unnecessary extra abuse during this pandemic.

Millenials and zoomers are making one thing clear, they are not putting up with what their parents and grandparents had to. Good for us. Employers can keep their suprised Pikachu faces about it.

I love the evolution and transformation of Michelle throughout the years. Her early videos were focused on the fun experimental side of makeup. Now that she's older and wiser, she's sharing her life knowledge and experience with us as she does her makeup. Her recent videos are more meaningful but she still manages to keep it light and not too serious.

Exactly! I’m so sick of hearing that people aren’t going back to work because they are lazy. I had a job that was mentally draining. I was being told off by customers all day long for issues I had nothing to do with and on top of that my employers treated us like slaves. I worked my butt off for that company and when Covid hit they fired us like nothing. I started my own small business and I’ve been doing that since. I’m tired of being treated like crap by businesses that don’t care about their employees! I’ve had enough of it.

It's not that people are just afraid to fail, the majority of people cannot afford to leave their jobs due to their socio-economic status. People say that they need to pull themselves up from the bootstraps but they don't have bootstraps to begin with. Question the systems around us that perpetuate these working conditions and environments. The structures around us value capital over life so that's what you're going to get. The best form of resistance is taking care of yourself because one thing this system does is not take care of you. We wait for the revolution but the revolution starts with our every day. None of this is a coincidence, this is all design.

As a disabled employee, companies don't want to provide accommodations. These are treated as "special treatment", when these are necessities for me to be able to do my job. Not to mention how we have to constantly pick between having a life and a job. And they don't even compensate you for all the work you do do.

My boyfriend recently had a 60 hour week working on a big project and it left him exhausted. He mentioned it while at dinner with his wealthy conservative parents, and they responded with “60 hours, that’s a normal week for us.” And it took everything in me not to snap at them. They were minimalizing and invalidating his exhaustion acting like working yourself to death is the norm. Conservatives especially wear the suffering like a badge of honor. Working to the point of exhaustion shouldn’t be praised.

I work in fast food and I’m telling you it’s amazing how many people actually say “ thank you for working “ or “ I’m glad you’re here “ . This is a good topic for discussion. Thank you, Michelle .

My mom has worked at a company for 20 years, but it wasn't until after they were bought out by another company she began to hate her job. The people she worked for were awful and demeaning and completely destroyed her confidence in that field. She couldn't leave though, because she was basically the only source of money in our household. Between that and the broken marriage going on between her and my father she wasn't eating, sleeping, constantly threw up if she did try to eat, and was just always stressed and unhappy. What I consider to be a blessing in disguise is that she eventually got so sick she ended up in the hospital and was bedridden at home for a few months. She was eventually laid off too (not fired) so she had her salary for a full year. That year was the happiest I had ever seen her, and my brother and I really got a chance to build stronger relationships with her because she actually had free time. Thank you, Michelle for bringing up this message. As someone who is in college at the moment, it is very difficult to want to work for a company especially after what happened to my mom, and seeing how miserable so many others are in their fields. Idk what I want to do, but I'm going to take my time to figure out what I want for long term.

My testimony: It was 2019 and I had enough of a toxic enviroment in my 6 years job. I found a new one that seemed promising in January 2020. I made the change and started my new job with positive mode. Then, everything went down the second month. I discovered the horrible abuses that I dont want to recall here and I was about to leave when Covid happened. I stayed the entire rest of the year until June 2021 which my contract ended. My horrible boss was so sure I was going to sign again with them but no. I quit and told them all the bad things that they did during Covid to me (they even steal money from my salary and denied it through and through). It was so satisfying to do. NEVER in my poor life quit a job without having a secure next. But this time It was now or never. I was sick. In mind and body. And the next month, thank God I found a new one. Im still working there and It was the best decision ever. My hair is growing again, my nails and starting to gain all the weight that I lost due to stress. No more eye bags and even have time to go gym and therapy. Yep..I ended up so traumatized that I felt the need to go to therapy xD Now I feel in peace. My advice: Do it while you can.

One of the biggest read flags that I look for when I was applying for jobs was “work hard, play hard” mentality of company. I’ve found that all that means is, staying past working hours in the office, bringing home work, and working weekends. The only people the end up “playing hard” are the executives and managing directors up top. I instead look for jobs that value work life balance, mentorship, and teamwork.

I worked many jobs during my college years and most of them were in the customer service / food industry. And something that gets absolutely overlooked by managers/owners/corporate is the fact that employees are not only expected to do their jobs, but they are also expected to put up with customers who might yell at you, throw you sh*t, call you names, and basically disrespect you in many ways... daily. Most companies want their employees to be proud of their employer and hence give 110%, but without a shift in mentality from "the customer is always right" to "help customers by supporting your employees", the shortage in the service industry is only going to grow. The only job I decided to keep for almost 2 years in spite of making minimum wage was the one where my manager treated me like a person, recognized (and sometimes rewarded $) my success and didn't allow the customers to treat me like crap.

Corporations also treat employees so horribly. As do customers. And people just don’t even get paid enough to live 😕

This video really spoke to me. I recently quit my job where I had no time off, no benefits, worked more than full time but was only paid for 40 hours a week, my manager was bullying me and to say the least I was miserable. Now I'm going to therapy, and I'm reevaluating my career path. When I went to college, I didn't really know what I wanted to do so I just picked something. I can barely find jobs with the degree I have and all of the jobs I have found don't pay well. I've always wanted to go to cosmetology school to become a hairdresser (my family was against this for some reason which is why I never pursued it), so I think I'm going to use my savings to invest in myself/my future. It's going to be tough financially, but it's worth it for my happiness. No one should EVER have to feel traumatized or have workplace PTSD. It is seriously horrible.

I dropped out of college back in April of this year , I was an Intern as a medical assistant . First semester was fine but the second really took a bad turn , not only I had mental issues but health issues were coming in, I’m talking about high blood pressure, insomnia, not wanting to eat. It was so bad and keep in mind I’m 21 years old. The clinics I had interships in lacked empathy , lacked respect. They treat you like you can do all the work by yourself and they just watch you fail. Treated me like I had no right to be absent , to make a mistake. And even if I graduated the wage was no near 13$ And on top of that my teachers sucked, they didn’t understand what I was going through . The last day I decided to quit was the last time I talked to my teacher and all I remember her saying to me is “ well you have to deal with it, and since we are health care workers we have to put patients first”. I was furious because how can I help people when I’m not even okay my self ?? HOW? I dropped out not caring what anybody had to say, it was hard. I cried so much that day bc I thought I was failure, to myself, to my parents, to my future. But then that day it was like I could breathe again. Moral of the story never be afraid to begin again. I’m trying to get a job to study to be a MUA now , because it’s truly my passion. But it’s never too late, to find yourself again and don’t be afraid to let people down , because at the end of the day you’re letting yourself down if you continue. Keep you’re head up all of you that are commenting, I hope y’all find yourselves and be truly happy soon. ❤️

I actually like working. I was out of a job for a while during a time in my life where I didn’t know where I was going, and let me tell you not doing anything amplified my depression dramatically. Working keeps me busy and my mind off toxic thoughts BUT there is a limit. I thoroughly believe we need 3 days off instead of 2.

Hey Mish it’s so funny you mention this. I’m an HR Manager and I have noticed that the last 2 years the rate of recruitment (IMO) has decreased immensely. We can’t find enough people to fill open positions and I’ve been doing a bunch of my own research and I learned that in this day and age people are wanting to work for themselves; take their ideas and make something of them. And I can’t knock them.

I'm so glad you talked about this. Everyone always seems to associate people who don't wanna work with being lazy. But there's SO much more to the story. This needs to be talked about more often. PS You look so good! Loved the video and the makeup :')

It's nice seeing people understanding the anti-work movement and someone that has discovered that subreddit. I think it is so toxic to base people's value according to their income.

The thing I hate the most is feeling like such a burden when you try to ask for a day off even when your sick they force you to come in, if your kid is sick they’ll tell you “so what? You’re not sick”…

damn, i quit working because i was miserable and my mental health has been at rock bottom for the past few months. it’s been difficult for nearly a decade for me but it has NEVER been as bad as this latter half of the year. corporations are disgusting and my spirit is repelled by the thought of working a minimum wage job again. i’m taking time to heal, go to therapy and rebuild my mental health and confidence. definitely gonna start working from home too

I'm a university student in debt recently fired from a dishwashing job. And even though that job was helping me with my expenses, a part of me felt relieved after I was fired. During that time, my mental and physical health was bad, I did not get my periods and had severe leg pain from standing for hours at a go. After this experience, I don't wanna work at such an environment, but it's the only option I have to help out with my expenses.

I was a teacher for 12 years and I finally quit in 2020 when administration and parents expected us to do the impossible all while trying to keep sane at home and comfort my own children and family. To be honest, I would've stayed because I loved my students if only my administration APPRECIATED what we were doing and going through. But they just demanded more and more and never cared about us as individuals. We were going into the unknown, never being properly trained how to teach from home, yet were expected to be perfect and to have all the answers. It was all a mind game too because they would SAY, we care and know this is tough, but they would not ACT that way. I'm now trying to see what I want to be when I grow up:)

I got really bad depression as soon as i got my first corporate job. That was in 2013 and i still feel the same. My body rejected everything about it…. The ppl, politics, environment, the routine, traffic, Tupperware food …..

I’m 17 and a half and I put in my 2 weeks notice last Friday (I’m a tutor at a very well known place). Yesterday, my boss pulled me aside and asked me to stay until February 2022. “I cannot find a replacement to train you in this short time.” I made it clear that I will not continue to work. This video is the perfect timing lol

yea ive been contemplating of leaving my job bc the environment is too toxic for me and i dont love what i do and i wake up everyday feeling anxious, miserable and inadequate. ive applied in 5 other companies for a position that is up my alley and i really hope i can score an interview bc idk what to do anymore 😭😭😭 i really needed this mish, thank u!

I get why people are quitting. But what I don’t get is how they are still affording to pay rent, but food, and even go out for drinks like several i have met. I’ve tried selling online and can’t get any recognition.

This video radiates so much nostalgia. Michelle at home, doing her makeup 🥲🥲 this is how it all started

Hello Mish. I wish you would have a podcast for all these important topics. Its sad that we live in a world where these organizations forget the important of balance and maintain happiness for their employees. It’s not an easy task but many of us employees would be able to continue working for possibly 20+ years. Working a top hospital in my state, I assumed that would be the case but I’ve found myself in this situation where my anxiety is over the roof and although I’ve had meetings with leadership, nothing has been changed. The lack of empathy is unfortunate. Many of us would then have to make the decision of leaving. Wasting so much time in which I could be with my son can never come back. What to do now?

This is so relevant. When I was a child, all I wanted was to grow up fast, having my own money and working what I thought I was passionate about. Then I graduated, worked in the helping field, and stopped because it was taking a toll in my mental health. I know I need to go back to work soon to pay my bills, but this ‘break’ from work made me realise a lot of things. I revisited my old love and passion for video making and finally had the courage to start my channel. Still learning lots but I’ve never felt so motivated than what I feel now when I create videos

your voice is literal asmr. thank you so much for this video, Michelle! I've been perusing the r/antiwork subreddit for a few months now and i'm so glad we've been sharing the same sentiment. i feel so inspired to optimize my own happiness for once and not give into corporate giants

I LOVE working BUT my job is like we are walking on thin ice everyday. One hick-up and they can end your entire life, and I think jobs know that and they abuse that knowledge into bullying their workers to feel that they have to stay.

I find my work meaningless and I've been there for over 13 years. I work to support my family and since the pandemic I find myself wasting my life away slaving at this place for the last 13 years. This pandemic has gave me a new perspective

This video made me feel so much less alone, thank you for this. Sometimes when you’re going through this feels like you’re the only one in the world. I’ve been working all through Covid as a server while going to school and trying to save money. Asking for one day off in the week shouldn’t equate to you being fired. I don’t even want to be rich I just want a simple life with the people I love. I thank God everyday for getting me through the days.

You addressed this issue in such a comforting, non-judgemental manner. I can feel your kindness and empathy through the screen!

The lack of empathy is definitely something I experience at work. As people quit at my job I’m constantly taking on more workload until they hire someone new, so much to the point when I asked to have time off after my grandma passed they made a big deal about it and shamed me for being gone. I was called “lazy” and apparently showed no commitment to the job all because I needed time for myself and to be with my family. The work environment and the way management and administration treat workers in America is absolutely disgusting.

wow this is amazing, I have been struggling with these kind of thoughts and opinions for years. I never understood the fact that we as people have just accepted spending almost all our lives working, not getting paid enough, just to have a couple of weeks vacation a year and being depressed. freedom is one of the most important things to have and we have been robbed of that.., i have a really hard time accepting that and it’s taking a toll on me

I’m going back into retail on Monday, and it’ll help pay the bills but it’s not worth the abuse. Minors get yelled at by grown adults and I snapped at one point. I think work would be a better environment, in that specific situation, if employees could stick up for themselves and receive help from your managers / supervisors. I can’t survive in a studio app for $900 (that is the lowest price here) and min wage is $8. It’s not going up either. This isn’t even a SURVIVAL wage.

You literally spoke the truth ! 👏🏻 I work at Amazon it feels like hell . I can truly relate to EVERYTHING you said; I have even said these same words . It’s hard dealing with jobs like amazon , usps , etc . It is a shame to even wonder why people lack empathy nowadays . If working is not benefiting/ helping people, then what is our why???!! The world has grown so cold . Management acts like they are on top too high of a pedestal to listen to the mass. They make a few cents more and a change of a title and suddenly they believe they are gods . We are ALL human beings ! Why not treat everyone the same no matter the color , job title , status.... God save this world 🌎

This literally feels like I'm a little sister that has been watching her bigger sisters transformation throughout the years, learning any sort of skills or advice she could give me. And yet, here I am nearing 30 , and you STILL make me feel like that teenager watching you like you're a bigger sister. Except now I'm educating myself in ways beyond makeup that you have been providing through your life experiences. Genuinely from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making these videos 🥺💙

I remember listening to your Sailor Moon tutorial while doing homework in college. And now I’m listening to you while I make handmade Sailor Moon pieces on my days off from work. So glad that you’re back on RU-vid Michelle. It’s like a breath of fresh air. ✨

Quality of life for the employee should be a priority.

Seriously such a great video for your followers. It’s lonely out here sometimes with all the ups and downs and sharp left turns happening everywhere in the world. Thank you for making this video. It is sooo needed right now

I've been loving videos like these and learning about this movement. Being a self-learner is also so important especially in this digital age where information is so readily available. Thank you for speaking about this Michelle!! 💛✨🙌

This topic is so important to me, and I have felt these feelings of disdain and sadness for the order of this world and how things are ran by the few on the top of the pyramid for a long, long time now. It is so upsetting to me that the majority of the world is expected to sell their soul just to exist (keep a roof, clean water, food..you know, basic survival needs). Me not wanting to give my life away to a job I don’t give a shit about and that takes advantage of me and my energy doesn’t make me ‘lazy’, it makes me human.

I really hated when people always asked me "what do you want to do when your grow up/graduate". there was a study done a few years ago and it said that about 30% of adults kept the same job they started out with. I work at a university and this percentage also applies to the change of program rates. So many students change program (which is competly fine - great to find out later than never that the program that you go into isn't the one for you). That also being said, sometimes school isn't for everyone (and school isn't really necessary for a lot of careers). Everytime i have a student come to me asking what program they should go into (with no idea what their interest in nor career path they might want to go into), I would ask them why. I feel like society often makes you feel like you NEED to go to school or you need to complete a degree in order to get a job. Sometimes you just need to put yourself out there and gain some experience in everything to figure out what the next step is. Also like what Michelle said, older/mature people get scared sometimes in changing their career cause it's "too late". But when i talk to these prospective students, sometimes they really just need to take that big leap out and just give new careers a try (and not think school is the first step). it's better to challenge yourself to to do something your happy in than stick to something for the rest of your life that your not happy in. I think a part of why people do this is because of their retirement plan and benefits...i say this cause my parents have this idea that you need to stick to 1 job or have a stable job for a really long time to help you with retirement. I get why they would try and stick that to my head growing up, but what if I was happier doing a variety of jobs than 1. Also, it's just too much to think/plan that far out into the future. Although i am someone who over thinks and likes to plan ahead, I'm happier to just focus on the present.

I love these non-makeup videos that you're doing!! It's so important to be opening up the floor to discuss these topics because as I'm getting older I'm learning that there is no "conventional" path to success, whether that be a 9-5 or multiple side hustles. If you made a podcast I would definitely be one of your top listeners. I've been watching your videos since I was in middle school and I'm graduating college this semester - thank you for being an online older sister figure to me throughout the years!

This video is everything I needed to hear . Thank you Michelle , I’ve been watching your videos for about 13 years now , I’m now 26 and you continue to inspire me and help me grow. You are the reason I even do my makeup now ! Much love ❤️❤️❤️

I had to quit working in retail because of the amounts of stress it was bringing me and all of the Karens at my old job were making me miserable especially their kids who just wouldn't behave. The environment was so dry every day and all the time I constantly needed water and lip balm, and it would get so bad that I started to develop stress acne. But for the most part, the biggest reasons why many people quit is just what you said, shitty managers, low pay, long hours. We just want to be able to eat, sleep, drive, and live without worrying if we're going to eat. The biggest step to improving work? Give us higher wages first. We're worth more than poverty wages. If people were paid fairly every day and all the time, think about how much lives would improve.

Hi Michelle! I freaking love these videos where you just talk super candidly to the camera. It’s so personal, informative, and relaxing. You are such an inspiration and I’m so grateful you’re active on here! LOTS of love from your fans!

I absolutely LOVED this. You are so calming 💚✨

Such a great inspiration for all of us. Open to conversation, that’s what I keep begging for. Michelle you are so wise beyond your years 💕

I admire you looking into this movement and making a video like this (I also love this format). You're right; the main issues (and this the core motivations of the anti-work movement) is that many jobs and employers are demanding passion and devotion from employees who in turn, aren't necessarily passionate about working retail, customer service, etc. There's a difference between expecting good work ethic and expecting a mechanical slave to perform the duties you need. They want people to put their heart and souls into a company that doesn't pay even them a livable wage in return? Workers have been feeling burnt out and dehumanized.

I quit my job once covid started because of my manager. I decided to focus on my last year of uni. I graduated this year and still haven’t gotten a job. I feel useless sometimes and feel judged for still not working. I’ve been trying to get a job in the beauty industry but it’s competitive and not easy! I definitely want to work but I also want to work somewhere I’m passionate about.

lately having a very hard time, this video really comfort me. I am so thankful that I could grow up with you and learn so much, like from a bigger sister/mentor. ethics, humanity, stay strong but not toxic, learn from the past and grow, search not for happiness but peace/balance. thank you so much for your influence, till now!

This video spoke volumes to me. Thank you so much for using your platform to be such a beautiful soul and believe in us. I’ve been watching you since the early 2000’s you’re amazing Michelle 🥺❤️ love you!

Honestly didn't expect this kind of video/content from Michelle, and it's super refreshing! The pandemic really helped highlight to a lot of us that there is more to life than just working and money, but you can't just 'walk away' from all that even if you're conscious of it. People are getting burnt out and tired and fed up (leaving it there before I go full ramble mode). Would really love to see you do these sort of videos every now and then.

This kind of videos you are creating lately are the icing of the cake. Thank you for your work!!! Tons of love and, of course, good luck!💖✨

Oh dear I'm so appreciate that you really mentioned this topic and just gave us a full glam without any filters. It feels real as a human being, with all the matters and imperfection

I'm so happy you're talking about this! So important to spread this conversation and get people talking/organising, and it's a great way to use your platform :)

I agree with the stance the No Work Movement is trying to make. But kids kinda still have to be fed and people still need a place to live. It's a cycle that needs mending, but most people can not choose to just not work.

I sensed the way people are feeling from my first day at a new job and I had to quit that job immediately. I'm not sure where that will take me but I do know I want to make my own projects without having someone hovering over my shoulder.

QUEEN!!!!! I still think about the time when you responded to my comment on Instagram circa 2013, I was 14 and I actually still think about that moment and that one comment, I’m 23 now, you said you’d be here until I’m 80 and you were very sweet to me. You were the 1st RU-vidr I became enthralled with when I was 11 and words cannot express how thankful I am to see you today, almost in 2022, austere as ever…I love you so much Michelle

I’m so glad that we are talking about this topic! I usually don’t post comments, but I felt like I had to because this video spoke to me. The stress of work was so bad that even watching a movie that has an office setting would make me feel anxious and make my chest feel tight. It was worst when I was throwing up from the stress and anxiety from my job. I knew the job wasn’t for me anymore when I threw up cause that NEVER happened to me. I’m currently am job hunting and I have an interview next week so wish me luck!

This happened to me this past year. After working myself ragged, going to school full time, and having a lot of family issues, my brain just could not handle it. I had to seek therapy, stop working, and take school slower just to rediscover who I was again after years of just being told to work. Now, I think that people are just trying to be more conscious of work and how either miserable it can be or how it can be tailored to be more fulfilling without being absolutely awful. I think it’s a good thing, because since being children, we are told to find careers, but never find what we enjoy. Good video. Good topic. Luv ya Michelle.

There's been a lot of talk about the Great Resignation and I sure as hell felt that. At 15:47, my dad taught me the same as well, but growing up I began to think otherwise. We got into many arguements about this bc he also thinks nowadays nobody likes to work when that's not really the truth. Mind you, we're Mexican immigrants & my dad had worked his whole life since the age of 5/6 years old. I can't blame him for the way he thinks, but it can be difficult for him to understand whenever I'm trying to explain why I'm so burned out and frustrated. Going back to work in retail during COVID was a nightmare becuase I felt that sense of hopelessness & uncertainity. It wasn't worth it becuase of how selfish people have become. I worked at Bed Bath Beyond (a lot shit went down with the My Pillow guy UGH) and the store ended up closing. I was transferred to a different BBB but left after 3 months since managment was horrible. I ended up finding another retail job, but even then I still struggled. I became more depressed bc I graduated in Animation a year before COVID happened & I've yet to start my career. I recently quit my last retail job & found a late night assembler job & I'm not entirely sure how long that will last. I'm hoping to save enough to move out while paying off my student loans, while ALSO putting more focus into my portfolio. While I am still feeling uncertain, I'm doing the best I can to not give up. People desrve better, desrve better work, better pay, and I hope something will be done. Rant over, the end, thank you for coming to my TED Talk

My comfort was watching your videos after school growing up, almost 12 years later, I still find comfort in your content

This week I've been thinking so much about the 4 days work week, a 2 days weekend is not fair, and also 6 hours work day. Also, about working for consumerism for more money, especially for companies that are already disgustingly rich and give little in comparison, instead of working the amount we actually need.

I completely agree with everything you said! Thank you so much for bringing up this topic I think it’s so important. As a full-time RVer w 4 kids for the last 2 1/2 years the one question I always get is how do I work on the road. I think people are just ready to stop excepting mediocre. They want to get out there and start living. I would tell anyone I care about to just get out there and do it. Find what makes you happy! Start that business, that new RU-vid channel or whatever it is that can help you make a living while doing what you. The hardest part is just committing. Once you do it, it is so life-changing. If you’re reading this I wish you all the best. Sending so much positive energy and love your way!!

i’ve actually havent seen anyone talk about this topic before but i seriously appreciate you bringing it to awareness . i’m having issues with my manager right now so it was nice to be reminded that i’m not the only one who goes through this and also to feel just relaxed watching you do your makeup . makeup makes me happy so i think i will once again do my makeup to calm myself from all the noise of life 🤧

I’ve been on this journey of self development and learning, not telling those around me I’m on this mini mission, so at times I’d feel very lonely and almost pretentious. Hearing you go into topics like this is very reassuring that I’m somewhat on the right path. You’re like the older sister I’ve always wanted to have guide me in this journey of life. Thank you so much for opening the door to this real world to so many people, I’d like to personally say it truely helps. Keep on♥️

This hits very close to home. I’ve been contemplating leaving my job and just taking a year off to enjoy time with my baby. I’m a Certified Surgical Technologist and really love what I do. But most recently I’ve been feeling unappreciated at work, I worked all through out Covid while pregnant and feel like my hospital only cares about making money. Management always says they understand us but then say we the employees should come up with the solution. Getting time off is nearly impossible. It’s sad that we are losing so many good employees because management can’t make the hospital a less toxic workplace.

I am following your online journey since 2010 when I was 18 and I find myself growing up with you to a 28yo woman and you hit every spot in every video. I quit my "big" job that everyone was so scared to leave few months ago, and I quit again the job I found after because I have to VALUE myself, others will never do it for me. I find it very sad that working in my country is only covering a month of basic needs, I always dream of traveling, having a home, being an ethereal being with your make up and many others,i hope one day I will make it. You are such an inspiration,keep on spreading the magic to the world, we need it now more than ever🧚‍♀️

i hope u understand how happy i am that ur posting again :) feels so relieving

Michelle thank you for this. You are so tranquil and peaceful and such a vibe, and this was honestly so much of what I needed in this moment.

I love that you’re back and talking about whatever is important/interesting/bothering you at the moment

Thanks M for giving a voice to this. So many people now are monetizing their own ideas- I'm one of those. Especially in these times.

I no longer want to be a manager at my job. I’m good where I’m at. My boss wears her burnout as a badge of honor, boasting about working until midnight and still not getting anything done. I don’t understand it. How can you be so inefficient that you have to work like that every day? And I’m thinking - 40 hours a week seems like a lot to get my job done because I can get it done in 20 but I should feel guilty about being that efficient. I’m over it. I like working. I don’t want it to be the only thing in my life.

I missed watching your videos. Brings back memories to your first few videos that I’ve watched. Thank you Michelle ❤️

I’ve been learning about mental care and reshaping my self concept I’ve learned so much and changed for the better it’s definitely life altering .

I hated my old job, I was overworked and severely underpaid compared to other salaries at market value. I got a new job and feel way better because it’s less work and I don’t feel like crying at my desk, like I did at my old job lol. My new job isn’t the love of my life and it doesn’t have to be. It pays my bills without draining my soul. I believe everyone deserves to give their time where it’s respected and valued.

The timing of this video is divine intervention! Thank you so much for making this and speaking on this topic.

This is so important. Thank you for opening up the floor for conversation and contemplation. More large platforms need to open up the space for this topic and bring it to the front of everyone's thoughts.

I am overwhelmed with happiness to see you making videos, and using your voice to share about such important topics. You’re so beautiful and brave! Watching your growth over the past 10+ years has seriously been the best part…I’m always inspired by you. On topic, I graduated hs and started college in 2007 (remember that 2008 horror?)…I didn’t know what I wanted to study or what career I wanted after school. With every course & semester I grew unhappier and more lost because I was realizing that all jobs are the same at their core. Too much work, too little pay, shit environment, no family values because that’s the society we live in here (USA). I craved entrepreneurship but felt like a lone weirdo with no guidance…Now I’m 33 and thankfully after a few junk jobs have landed in a career I never thought of and I’m on a team and in a company that provides more freedom, compensation, fun!! and opportunity than I could’ve imagined finding in a corporate position…I have time and energy to spend with my loved ones and pursue my other interests. All this to say…I really support this movement, it’s been a long time coming. And to anyone struggling with panic attacks before every work shift etc…your mental health is the priority. Take care and don’t give up.

I’ve been watching you forever Michelle. I’m glad to see you’re growing and I want to thank you for helping me grow too. Keep on doing you

Thank you so much Michelle for your video🙏 I feel less alone. I wish everyone the best

Your view and take on things have always helped me Michelle. I appreciate videos like this one too. Now that is the holiday season it makes it all the more special to me because I’m no longer in a soul sucking job. The older I get, the more I value joy and happiness they’re a top priority. ❤️

Love this kind of content Please do more, Michelle So casual yet informative