In the context of one's career, the sense that one's individual contributions are meaningless is known as:

The concept of alienation in the context of a career refers to a feeling of estrangement or disconnection from one's work, where individuals perceive their contributions as unrecognized or insignificant. This sense of alienation can stem from various factors such as lack of involvement in decision-making, limited recognition of accomplishments, or a disconnect between one's personal values and the demands of the job.

When individuals experience alienation, they may feel detached not only from their tasks but also from the broader goals of the organization or society. This can impact motivation and job satisfaction, as employees may struggle to find meaning in their work, making it feel futile or unimportant. In contrast to other options, such as burnout, which describes emotional exhaustion and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment, alienation specifically focuses on the disconnection and lack of significance an individual feels regarding their contributions. This distinguishes it from disengagement, which may imply a withdrawal from involvement, and overextension, which refers more to taking on too many obligations or tasks without adequate breaks or support.