err… I didn’t mean the work is (mentally) tiring, I meant lying LYING is mentally tiring.

Why do you feel a need to be honest about this, with this guy? WHY DO YOU FEEL THE NEED TO HONEST ABOUT THIS WITH ANYONE AT YOUR JOB

lying is tiring. And I just want to clock in, do my job and leave.

glad to know I’m not alone.

I suspect you are mostly angry…

I don’t feel anger, he is however a nuisance I want to avoid.

at his testing of your carefully built mental fortress,

I didn’t have to think much to build this fortress, as you call it. You are exaggerating.

the one that insulates you from dwelling on the tedium and uninspired drudgery your future in that position offers.

let’s say you are right and my position is tedious and uninspiring (which sometimes it is). Why is that bad? it’s a job. Why are you looking for fulfillment in a job? Wouldn’t it be better to find meaning in a hobby or family? Maybe writing a book? Painting?

shouldn’t a career be more rewarding than just showing up?

no. it’s still a job. they have to literally pay you for you to be there.