Noticed that my job has been causing me brain fog due to high workload.

I have had brain fog on and off since early 20s, currently I am close to 40. Recently I have received several treatments such as starting lamotrigine two years ago and getting an iron infusion this year due to anemia. I also quit drinking coffee and lowered my caffeine consumption. I also started to consistently take vitamin D, even in the summer, and occasionally B12.

These changes have reduced my brain fog significantly. I have had many days without any brain fog at all.

I have been having an increasing workload and I noticed that the more emails, messages, and meetings I have in a day, the more likely I will experience brain fog. I have a senior position and a pretty good salary, no complaints. Unfortunately I will have to look for another job because feeling well is more important to me.

I’m glad that as I am now older, I have a much easier time accepting that I can’t handle a certain job. When I was younger I would have felt very ashamed that I couldn’t handle the workload. And I used to believe that life had to progress linearly. From undergrad you had to get your masters. That wasn’t enough though, so I went for a PhD.

Now I am much more nihilistic in a positive way. We have to accept that sometimes a specific job or educational program is too stressful, even if other people can handle it. Turns out that personally I don’t tolerate high workload and especially constant emails and messages from co-workers / managers asking me whether XYZ has been completed.

Now I have a much easier time accepting this, that it’s just my neurobiology, and I can’t change it. Time to look for another job, and that’s ok. Health is more important.