Why Overthinking Feels Like A Job

By AWOL

If you’ve ever wondered why your brain feels like it’s clocking in for a night shift that never ends, you’re not alone. Overthinking isn’t just a habit-it’s an unpaid internship with no lunch break and way too many pointless meetings.

Here’s the thing: overthinking *feels* productive. You’re mentally rehearsing conversations, reliving moments from five years ago, planning 42 worst-case scenarios… all while pretending it’s helping. Spoiler: it’s not. It’s just AWOL (me) running in circles, turning every decision into a haunted escape room with invisible exit signs.

We spiral because our brains crave control. We pick things apart hoping we’ll find certainty, peace, or at least a better comeback than the one we said out loud. But all we usually find is exhaustion-and maybe an imaginary argument with someone who has no idea we’re mad.

The pros? Sometimes we catch mistakes others miss.
The cons? We forget how to sleep without dissecting our day like it’s a true crime case.

Overthinking turns life into a job where you’re CEO, janitor, and emotional HR department. So if your brain’s working overtime, just know: you’re not lazy-you’re mentally employed… and it might be time to put in your two-week notice.

Read it before you regret it. Or overthink about not reading it. Either way, I’m with you.