Emotional labor refers to the process of managing feelings and expressions to fulfill the emotional requirements of a job. This often occurs in professions like nursing, teaching, or customer service, where workers must display certain emotions, such as empathy or cheerfulness, even if they don't genuinely feel that way. This effort can be exhausting and may lead to emotional burnout over time. Workers engaging in emotional labor often have to suppress their true feelings to maintain a positive atmosphere for others. For instance, a flight attendant might need to remain calm and friendly during a stressful situation, prioritizing the passengers' comfort over their own emotions.