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Your physical body is at work, but your heart and mind are offline. The tasks you enjoyed, the support you were enthusiastically happy to provide months ago no longer suffice. You are irritable, depleted and unsure how much longer you can last.
Sadly, this was my reality at my first ‘big girl job.’ I burned out, a slow burn – unsure really what I was feeling at the time. I knew I felt guilty because I should be happy – I have a job straight out of university. But I was tired. I was saying yes to everything, working additional jobs and truthfully, I had no social life outside of work. I felt stuck.
Fortunately for me, my best friend was living in China and encouraged me to come and visit. My six-month stint turned into 7.5 years – yes, through COVID-19 – of a vibrant life I would have never have anticipated.
If you are reading this feeling stuck or unsure of your next move, consider this your reminder that you may have options. Here is what I wish someone had told me earlier:
Be honest
Take an honest look at yourself, where you are at and what makes you (un)happy. I would encourage you to use a wellness wheel template to explore additional areas of your life, see where you are feeling fulfilled and where you can add a bit more love.
Make a career self-audit
Explore what soft and hard skills you have, experiences you have built throughout your career (paid or unpaid). For me, stepping into the classroom as an English as a Second Language instructor was intimidating, but rewarding. Leaning into some of my social work skills helped me both in the classroom and also navigating my new life abroad.
Take a calculated risk, before you feel ready
Since you will never be ready, there will always be a better time or a safer moment. The question to ask yourself is: What is the worst realistic outcome and can I live with it?
What is something small you can do to work toward your goal or pivot?
Reach out
You do not have to figure this out alone. Tell people you trust and reach out to your network. You may be surprised that your next opportunity may come from an open and honest conversation. My entire China chapter started with one friend saying “just come and visit”.
Burnout is not something to minimize. It can physically and mentally deplete you and impact other areas of life, beyond just your workplace. Recognizing that you have the options to make a change is powerful – and believing in your skills, knowledge and lived experience is key – as these will always travel with you. Wherever you go next, you are not starting from zero.
