Burnout or Betrayal? The Hidden Cost of Being 'The Only One' at Work

Glennae Davis, RN, Workforce Care Specialist™
May 19
2 min read

Burnout or Betrayal? The Hidden Cost of Being 'The Only One' at Work

Imagine walking into a boardroom where you are the only Black woman in the room. The only one whose voice, style, and perspective don’t quite fit the mold of the dominant culture. On the surface, it may appear that you’ve made it – a symbol of diversity in a workplace that prides itself on inclusion. But behind closed doors, the reality is far more complicated.

The experience of being 'the only one' can feel less like a badge of honor and more like a constant, exhausting performance. This duality can be mentally and emotionally draining. Rather than feeling supported, many Black women in predominantly white workplaces report feeling tokenized, isolated, and betrayed by employers who tout diversity while failing to foster genuine inclusion.

Tokenism vs. Inclusion: A Costly Misconception

Tokenism is the practice of making only a superficial effort to be inclusive, often by hiring or promoting a small number of marginalized individuals without addressing the underlying culture. For Black women, being the token can feel like being placed on display rather than being truly valued. Instead of feeling celebrated for their expertise, they may feel scrutinized, expected to overperform, or pressured to represent their entire race.

The Emotional Toll of Isolation

Isolation in the workplace doesn’t just mean sitting alone in the lunchroom – it’s the sense that your voice is disregarded, your contributions minimized, or your concerns dismissed. This sense of invisibility can lead to chronic stress, self-doubt, and even depression. It’s a cycle of burnout that can feel like betrayal, especially in organizations that claim to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.

🌱 Why Nurses and Black Career Women Should Seek the Least Invasive Treatment for Workplace Stress First 🌱

Too often, nurses and Black career women are directed to the same doctors who treat severe clinical illnesses and psychiatric disorders – but what if your symptoms are rooted in a toxic work environment instead of a mental illness?

Before accepting a diagnosis that doesn’t align with your reality, consider these steps:

Seek Specialized Support: Connect with a nurse or professional who understands the unique stressors you’re facing. You don’t have to be clinically ill to feel overwhelmed.
Build a Network Outside of Work: Find allies and mentors who can provide perspective and support without workplace bias.
Set Firm Boundaries: Protect your time, energy, and mental space – even if it means saying no.
Prioritize Therapy or Coaching: Work with a therapist who specializes in workplace trauma and systemic stress, not just clinical disorders.
Challenge the Status Quo: If you want better for yourself, you must do differently. The system wasn’t built for you – but that doesn’t mean you can’t thrive within it.