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Finding a New Job After Experiencing Burnout in Your Current Position

Picture of Diana Z. By  Diana Z.  ·  2 minute read

Free photo there are a lot of wires in the workplace and man is constantly tangled in them

If you're burned out 

  • Ask yourself if you're giving too much to your job. 
  • Are you taking on more than your job description? 
  • Are you having trouble saying no? 
  • Are you constantly going above and beyond? 
  • Is your lack of work/life balance because you're striving for praise/acknowledgment? 

If you answered yes to any of these, I'd do some exploration on where the need to do more comes from... what do you need to heal so that you can show up for what you signed up for -- and be at peace with doing what is self-honoring (not selfish). The more you take care of yourself, the more you can take care of others. It's not your job to carry a whole company or department. It's your job to carry yourself and do what you are hired to do well. 

if you’re burned out then, 

EVALUATE.  SELF-REFLECTION.

Free photo sale, shopping, fashion, style and people concept. elegant young man choosing clothes in mall or clothing store.

You should reconsider whether this employment is right for you. Everyone has a strategy but double-check your to-do list. Do I really want this job? You must do something about it if it has been negatively affecting your mental health. Are you developing a job addiction, or has the employer been assigning you tasks that you aren't supposed to complete? While you're still employed, take the time you need to assess everything. The finest response to questions like "should I stay or not?" can be found at the end. 

  • Ask yourself if you're giving too much to your job. 

    Free photo exhausted businessman rubs nose, takes off spectacles, suffers from eye strain and headache, has problems at work, sits in coworking space with laptop computer, blue wall with written notes.

If you are unable to do certain things because you are devoting too much time to your career, you must decide whether to quit or stay. Perhaps you should apply for a leave of absence and take some time to unwind. Don't worry about work just yet, and when you do, return to what you've been working so hard on, even if you don't have to. Learn to unpack them after returning from a lovely holiday. 

  • Are you taking on more than your job description? Are you having trouble saying no?

    doubts, yes, no, business, mistake, cartoon, correct, word, sign, concepts, thinking, voting, positive, choice, emotion, single, decisions, woman, characters, symbol, people, occupation, ideas, solution, right, asking, public speaking, human behavior, male, communication, conversation, font, sign language, orator, gentleman, businessperson, smile, white collar worker, silhouette, illustration, organization, job, brand

You don't always have to answer "YES." Others, however, have misinterpreted it, believing that they must always answer "yes" because they need a job. However, why not if your objective is to advance to a more senior position. Nevertheless, if this exhausted you, your supervisor is assigning you a lot of things that you are not supposed to accomplish. Consider the situation from the other side by asking yourself if you need assistance or if you are performing others' jobs in place of theirs. Knowing your limits when performing work is important to avoid burning out. 

  • Is your lack of work/life balance because you're striving for praise/acknowledgment? 

    Photo job burnout tired businesswoman throws crumpled papers into bin on table

Even while there isn't a perfect work-life balance, at least you know how to set limits. We only have one life, and if you work more than you normally would, it could have an adverse effect on your health because it can make you stressed and exhausted. To learn how to balance everything, including your time at home, at work, and other activities that are not work-related. The balance between work and life is still achievable if we know how to set limits and use our time effectively.  

In conclusion, finding a new job after experiencing burnout in your current position can be a challenging but rewarding journey. It's important to prioritize self-care, assess your skills and interests, and create a clear job search plan to ensure your next role is fulfilling and sustainable. Remember, taking the time to find the right job and rebuild your energy levels can lead to a brighter future and renewed sense of purpose in your career.