[Netherlands] What’s the worst part of working in HR (that no one else talks about)?

Hey everyone, I’ve been in HR for nearly a decade now and been lurking in this sub for a while. One thing I’ve noticed: we talk a lot about strategy, DEI, engagement -

But we barely touch on the quiet frustrations that wear us down day to day.

So I’m curious:

• Is it the emotional whiplash of having to fire someone right after celebrating a colleague’s promotion?
• Or the blurred lines between HR and “therapy” when employees expect you to solve everything (I actually studied to be a clinical psychologist, so I don't personally struggle with this as much)
• Maybe it’s trying to get leadership buy-in for real policy changes… and hitting the same wall every time?
• Could it be sitting through long, chaotic meetings and later trying to remember who said what and what you’re actually supposed to do next? (tools like granola.com or notigo.ai can help out a bit here, in my experience)
• Or the feeling that no matter how much you do behind the scenes, people still think you “just handle hiring”?

We love to say HR is all about people—but let’s be honest, that’s also what makes it hard. Your stories might help someone else feel seen—or spark better systems that actually support HR pros.

So tell me: what really drags you down in the quiet moments of HR life?