The difference, then, is that those servants made it so that they didn’t have to work—not so that they could work more.
– Anne Helen Peterson, Can’t Even
In her book Can’t Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation, Anne Helen Petersen explores a crisis deeply embedded in modern work culture: burnout.
Millennials, often labeled as entitled or lazy, are in fact among the most overworked, underpaid, and emotionally drained generations in recent history.
Their experience in corporate jobs reflects a broader systemic issue—one that has normalized overwork, blurred work-life boundaries, and romanticized the so-called hustle culture.
Understanding Millennial Burnout
Burnout is not simply exhaustion. As Petersen describes, it is a chronic state of physical, emotional, and mental depletion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.
What differentiates millennial burnout from previous generations is its pervasiveness.
Many millennials feel as though they are always working, whether by answering late-night emails, networking on LinkedIn, or engaging in unpaid “side hustles” to remain competitive.
The capitalist ideal of productivity has reshaped not just how millennials work, but how they perceive their worth.
A career is no longer just a means of financial stability—it has become an identity, a measure of personal success, and a source of self-worth. The result? An entire generation struggling with anxiety, fatigue, and disillusionment, yet unable to slow down.
Factors Driving Burnout
Hustle Culture and the Always-On Mentality
Corporate work environments increasingly demand constant availability. Millennials grew up with the internet and social media, which blurred the line between personal and professional time.
A simple Slack message at midnight or a weekend email is often expected to be answered immediately.
Financial Insecurity and the Cost of Living Crisis
Unlike their predecessors, millennials entered the workforce during or after the 2008 financial crisis. Stagnant wages, student debt, and skyrocketing living costs make financial stability elusive.
Many feel they must work beyond standard hours just to survive, leading to overcommitment and eventual burnout.
The Expectation of Passion-Driven Work
Millennials have been conditioned to believe that work should be their passion. This belief, though seemingly positive, is a trap—it creates a mindset where stepping back feels like failure. Employers exploit this, expecting employees to overextend themselves “for the love of the job.”
Lack of Work-Life Boundaries
The traditional 9-to-5 job has evolved into a 24/7 commitment. With remote work and digital connectivity, corporate culture often pressures employees to be available at all times, erasing boundaries that previous generations enjoyed.
The Psychological Toll
Petersen highlights that burnout manifests in different ways: persistent exhaustion, inability to concentrate, cynicism towards work, and a sense of inefficacy.
Many millennials experience “errand paralysis,” where even small tasks like replying to emails or scheduling a doctor’s appointment feel overwhelming. Instead of seeking help, they continue to push through, convinced that they should be able to handle it all.
Breaking the Cycle
Redefining Productivity
Millennials need to unlearn the idea that productivity equals self-worth. Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and engaging in leisure should be seen as essential, not indulgent.
Corporate Responsibility
Organizations must recognize the dangers of burnout and actively work to change their culture. This means encouraging time off, respecting boundaries, and promoting realistic workloads instead of glorifying overwork.
Therapy and Mental Health Awareness
Normalizing conversations about mental health can help individuals recognize burnout and seek help before it escalates. Therapy, mindfulness, and work-life balance initiatives can be crucial in recovery.
Millennial burnout is not an individual failure; it is a systemic issue driven by corporate expectations, economic instability, and the glorification of overwork.
Can’t Even serves as a wake-up call—one that challenges both individuals and corporations to reassess their approach to work.
If change does not happen, the burnout crisis will only deepen, affecting not just work performance but overall well-being and societal progress.