No, Your Email Doesn’t Find Me Well: Why Everyone in Pakistan is Tired of Work

“Hope this email finds you well.” It’s the line we see in every professional message, yet for so many of us in Pakistan, it couldn’t feel more out of touch. Between back-to-back Teams calls, the constant hum of WhatsApp groups for “urgent” updates, and bosses who think evenings and weekends are fair game, work has started to seep into every part of our lives — and it’s leaving us drained.

In a country where economic pressures push many to juggle multiple jobs or side hustles, the burnout isn’t just mental; it’s physical. The daily grind of long hours, congested commutes, frequent power outages disrupting remote work, and the unspoken expectation to always be available has taken a toll on countless professionals, from Karachi’s buzzing corporate towers to Lahore’s growing tech hubs.

This culture of always being “on” has been normalized to the point where people feel guilty for taking a break or logging off on time. We’re expected to respond instantly, even late at night, or risk being labeled uncommitted. For women in the workforce, the burden often doubles — balancing office work with household expectations, a challenge that leaves little room for rest.

Experts like Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer highlight that burnout stems not just from heavy workloads but from a lack of boundaries and authentic conversations about well-being. In Pakistan, open discussions about mental health and burnout are still seen as taboo, forcing many to suffer in silence while keeping up appearances.

So what can we do to break the cycle? Start by recognizing that constant exhaustion isn’t a badge of honor. It’s okay to say no to unrealistic deadlines, to set time boundaries, and to speak up when work starts affecting your health. Companies need to step up too, by valuing employees’ well-being as much as their productivity — offering flexible hours, respecting personal time, and fostering an environment where it’s safe to talk about stress without judgment.

The next time you receive an email starting with “Hope this finds you well,” remember: you’re not alone if it doesn’t. It’s time we shift the conversation about work in Pakistan — because no one should feel like survival mode is the only way to succeed.