Getting A Job After Burnout:
In a worst-case scenario, you might end up leaving your job after struggling with work burnout. Consequently, this could have been a result from leadership or management, to much pressure, bullying, even unfair expectations. So what are the keys to getting a job after burnout? We’ll explore this today!
It is unfortunate, but many office jobs and other work positions are not what we think they’ll be. In fact, many people around the world report feeling unsatisfied and frustrated with their work life.
One survey conducted in 2015 of 1000 full-time US professionals, found that 77% say they’ve experienced burnout. The worst part about it is, over 50% said they’ve experienced it more then once.
Keep in mind this is a small sample size, but that’s a big percentage, right! Depending on where you take these surveys, will it be more or less in certain demographics or professions?
With longer work hours and stagnating wages, it’s not difficult to see why so many people get burned out from their job. Many workers feel underappreciated, or don’t have the chance to move up in their company. Furthermore (the survey mentioned above) found that even passion was not always able to prevent workplace stress, and that nearly half of the millennials in the survey stated they had left a job due to burnout.
Psychology today states, that signs of burnout include;
- emotional exhaustion,
- reduced accomplishment
- and depersonalization.
So, if you’re going through work burnout and have considered getting a new job, you have come to the right place. We’ll discuss some tips for how you can get a job after work burnout. It’s not easy finding a new work environment that is the right fit. Hopefully with the following tips, it will be easier to get the job you both want and need!
Top Tips For Getting A Job After Burnout:
Work burnout can lead to serious mental and physical consequences. So, if you’re seriously burned out by your employer, don’t be afraid to move on. Use these tips to find a job that is better suited to you! Obviously, this does not have to equate to a new career path. Oftentimes, a change in “scenery” is all you need. Nonetheless, their is potential if at the right time in your life, to reinvent your career path.
Figure Out Why You Were Unhappy At Your Last Job:
To find a satisfying job going forward, it’s important to reflect on the past. Oftentimes, this is simply referred to as self-reflection. What made you so unhappy at your last job? Were the hours too long? Was the pay not good enough? Did you work in an unsupportive environment? Or, were you simply not passionate about the work you were doing?
Knowing why you did not like your job, may help you understand why you got to the “burnout” stage in the first place. Thus, deterring you from a similar situation gong forward. Furthermore, this knowledge alone can help you prevent work burnout in your next environment.
Consider all possible factors for your unhappiness within the realm of your previous employer. Then, spend time brainstorming about what kind of workplace would better suit your emotional, physical and psychological needs. Similarly, be realistic with yourself. Most would attest, no job is perfect.
Ask yourself, is there something I could have done differently? Could I have asked for an assistant for tasks? Could I have tried to align myself with a different group of people within the organization? Maybe I could have talked with a professional about problems, to see where improvements could have been made?
Spend Time Doing Job Research:
Once you know what caused your burnout, and what kind of work environment you prefer, start doing some research. If you know what kind of career you want to move into next, then start looking for job offers. See which areas of your country are offering positions in your desired field. In addition, do research on any company you plan on joining.
Believe it or not, more then ever before there are reviews about companies from not only customers, but prior employee’s. Try to really delve into whatever company you could potentially see yourself working.
If you don’t know what your next career move is, then look into alternative career choices. There is a ton of information online about potential job fields you might enter. You want to make sure that you’re going to do something you enjoy.
However, if you’re in a career field you love, that’s perfectly fine as well. In short, a little bit of research will go a long way. It can help you discover new job opportunities and better work environments!
Pursue a Job You Are Actually Excited About
Along with researching your next career or job, you want to ensure that you are pursuing a path that you are excited about. Furthermore, something you can truly see yourself engaged in. You may not find your ultimate passion right away. However, at the very least you want to interview for jobs that get you excited to work.
Importantly, take note of several factors. Not just something that intrigues you now and is financially stable, but look long term. Can you see yourself doing this job down the road? What is the expected growth of the job or outlook? Do you believe this job can keep your interest going forward in the future. Is there time to experiment with share time with someone in the field?
If You Can’t Find Your Passion, Experiment?
Finding your calling in life is tough, for some. You might still not know what you want to do as your life’s work. It’s okay, do not panic.
Is panicking going to get you where you need to go faster, or just be another stressful hurdle to overcome?
Your circumstance could be used to your advantage. In fact, many people mistakenly think that they have to have a passion to leave their job. This is not the case at all. If you’re willing to take chances and experiment, then this is enough. Work burnout is never worth the cost. If you’re unhappy with your job and want to have a more fulfilling life, start trying to move in that direction.
On the other hand, maybe you already know what you want to do and the former job just didn’t match for other reasons. Think about job diversity. Can you take your current set of skills and work in another type of environment with those skills. Alternatively, do you just need a more stable workplace in general? Maybe you need a better fit in a multitude of aspects.
Talk to Friends and Family Members:
Another way you can find a job after work burnout is by talking to friends. The people closest to you might have the right career advice for you. Especially if they know you well. They may be able to help you explore your creative side or even have a potential job opportunity in mind.
Sometimes, your passions and strengths are more obvious to the people in your social group. When you talk to close friends and family they can help you see your own strengths. Talking to people around you, also acts as a form of emotional and social support, thus making it easier to switch careers or jobs.
Change Your Mindset:
In addition to having conversations with friends and family, you want to have a conversation with yourself. Think about what you are willing to risk for your happiness and fulfillment in life. Many people see a career or job change as an unnecessary financial risk. However, you might want to change the way you think.
Surely at times, it is risky to change jobs. However, if you’re getting severely burnt out in a current role, you are still paying a price. Work burnout leads to unhappiness and health issues, and this is a real risk! If you can reframe your mindset, and change your definition of success and risk, then your life can change. This only happens when you are willing to change the way you view your work life.
Take Some Time Away From Work:
This final tip might seem counterproductive, but is actually extremely helpful to get some distance from work-related stress. Don’t go overboard, but try to take some time away from work and career-related thoughts.
Of course, you want to plan your future and get a new job that is fulfilling and also is able to support you financially. But, if you keep pushing yourself, and don’t take a break, your burnout will only get worse. Try using your vacation days, that’s what they’re for, to get aware from the everyday hustle and bustle and put work on the back burner for just a bit.
Focus on you!
This doesn’t mean that you should sit around and do nothing, during your time off. Instead, do activities that you love and are passionate about. This time spent away from your career should help reinvigorate you and replenish your energy reserves.
Start working out, reading books, yoga, meditate, get yourself a massage (or 2) or even take the time to indulge in your favorite hobbies. Doing things that excite and nurture you, will help you on your journey to finding a new job!
Final Thoughts!
Work burnout is hard! Take your time in choosing your next employment, whether it’s similar in skills or you decide to go another route. It’s easier said then done, of course, considering not many people have a lot of time to go without a job. However, this is the time to really take a step back, even if it’s for the short term and consider some of these tips.
Please be sure to share how you or someone you know has dealt not only with work burnout, but figuring out where to go next, in our comments section of our blog.
