Experiencing burnout in your career isn’t always a signal that you need to rethink your role, but pushing through might not be the answer either. If you’re in the middle of work exhaustion and wondering what your next move is, here are three clues that should grab your attention.
You’re Not Just Tired, You’re Disengaged
Feeling physically fatigued is never fun, but that type of tiredness usually goes away with rest. If you’ve taken some time away to relax and calm down but have returned to work still feeling detached and unmotivated, that may be an indicator of something deeper. If you no longer feel aligned with your work, it can masquerade as physical exhaustion, so make sure you know which one you’re truly experiencing.
Stressful Weeks Have Turned into Stressful Months
Busy seasons at work are normal and expected, but when the pressure never lifts, it may be a structural issue as opposed to a situational one. If the stressful days are gradually compounding, it may be time to ask yourself if the role you’re in is truly sustainable or if you’re just treading water.
You’re No Longer Growing Professionally
It’s not enough to just check off all of the daily responsibilities in your job – for your profession to be healthy and enjoyable long-term, it should be providing new challenges and learning opportunities. If you’ve hit an extended period of stagnation, you might need more than just a break in the action.
The next time you tell yourself that you “just need time off” from work, don’t immediately push the thought away. Coming to terms that your current job may not be right for you doesn’t have to feel scary – it can sometimes pave the way for an unexpected and exciting shift. One of the most strategic career moves can be recognizing when it’s time for something different, so give yourself permission to consider other options.
