Something strange is happening in a lot of workplaces right now.
Not panic.
Not chaos.
Not even obvious burnout.
Just a quiet, constant question running in the back of people’s minds:
Am I supposed to be doing something different right now?
Am I missing something everyone else understands?
How do I keep up with this without burning out?
AI didn’t create this pressure.
It exposed it.
Because for the first time, people are being asked to learn, adapt, rethink, and stay relevant all at the same time while still carrying their normal responsibilities.
No one says it out loud, but many people feel it:
The pressure to keep up.
The pressure to not fall behind.
The pressure to figure it out before you’re “too late.”
And the hardest part?
There is no clear playbook.
Just noise. Layoffs
Opinions.
Headlines.
And a feeling that you should be doing more… without knowing exactly what that “more” is.
This is where people start to feel off.
Not because they’re incapable.
But because they’re overloaded with invisible expectations.
I’ve been having more conversations lately with leaders, owners, and professionals who aren’t overwhelmed by work.
They’re overwhelmed by the pace of change.
And they don’t know how to think about it without feeling behind.
That’s what Taking the Cape Off is really about.
Not stepping away from responsibility.
But learning how to carry responsibility without carrying unnecessary pressure.
Because you don’t need to master every tool.
You don’t need to chase every trend.
You don’t need to feel late to a race that doesn’t even have a finish line.
You need clarity.
Clarity about what actually matters in your role.
Clarity about changes. Am I safe.
Clarity about what you’re supposed to learn and what not.
Each week, I’ll share perspective like this.
Not hype.
Not productivity advice.
Not tech tutorials.
Just honest thoughts for people navigating work, leadership, home and change without losing themselves in the process.
If this felt familiar, you’re in the right place.
Damon
Author, Taking the Cape Off