The Engineer Who Never Stops Thinking
Harold, a senior engineer in the oil and gas industry, has a habit of mentally analyzing problems long after he leaves the office. His coworkers admire how quickly he can break down complex issues and work through unexpected complications. But lately he’s been carrying the job home with him more than usual.
A recent equipment failure caused delays, and even though his team solved the problem, Harold keeps replaying what could have happened. He’s always taken pride in preventing risks, and the “what-ifs” have been loud in his mind. At dinner, his wife noticed him zoning out, and his teenage daughter rolled her eyes and joked, “Dad’s doing math again.”
Harold laughed, but it landed deeper than she knew. He realizes he doesn’t know how to switch his brain off. Last night, after finally sitting down to relax, he caught himself reading work messages again. He knows he needs balance, but the idea of not staying on top of everything makes him uneasy. It feels like letting go of control — something he rarely does.
Questions
Why might someone struggle to mentally disconnect even when nothing is going wrong?
How does responsibility shape the way we carry stress?
What role does family play in helping someone notice their own patterns?
