Is Transitioning Your Career Key to Conquering Burnout?

If you’re working in an industry you no longer find stimulating or feel as passionate about as you once did, there may be a good reason for that: Burnout. It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Those who experience burnout often feel as if they have little control over their daily tasks and lack productivity while exhibiting symptoms of long term exhaustion including work-related stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

I know that feeling very well: the tiredness that comes with being a 9–5er, tired of working for someone else, and tired of the stress that comes with trying to start your own company or side hustle. Too many of us experience burnout in our work lives. We start to feel overworked and unfulfilled, and after a while we get used to seeing everything negatively. This can be quite insidious because it creeps into your life slowly, leaving you miserable by the time you recognise the signs or try to do something about it! The world is a busy place these days. Between the job, kids, family, friends and personal development, your free time is often limited to date nights or catching up on Netflix marathons. It can be quite easy to ignore warning signs of burnout — even if those “warning signs” are sometimes nothing short of a full-on meltdown.

It took my emotional energy reserves running dry before I decided to make changes, take ownership of my career, and control of my life. Transitioning into a new career was the best thing I could have done to overcome the burnout I was feeling.

How Does Burnout Affect Your Job and Career?

Burnout’s reach has grown substantially throughout the last decade. According to the Institute for Health and Productivity Management, 65% of employees have experienced burnout in their lifetime. The same study revealed that individuals who exhibit signs of burnout tend to be more disengaged and perform lower at work. This negative impact on work performance can manifest itself in several ways: low energy levels, illness, high absenteeism, backstabbing behaviours, little interaction with coworkers, and decreased motivation.

Experiencing the negative impacts of burnout on your career and job can be truly disheartening. It’s disheartening because it not only affects your work performance but also how you perceive yourself as a dedicated worker. It’s upsetting to see your potential limited by something you are struggling with, and often feels like you’re trapped in a cycle of exhaustion and underachievement, with the constant nagging feeling that you are capable of so much more.

There is a particular sadness that comes from knowing that your passion and enthusiasm for your work are being overshadowed by overwhelming fatigue and emotional drain. Regularly feeling upset because you see yourself falling short of the high standards you once set for yourself is soul-crushing especially when you know deep down that you have the skills and talents to excel, but burnout is stifling your ability to showcase them.

I often hear people tell me how they blame themselves for not being able to cope with the demands of your job, even though burnout is often beyond your control. The constant battle with burnout can leave you questioning your self-worth and potential, robbing you of the confidence and motivation you once had. It’s a profoundly challenging experience that requires understanding, support, and self-compassion to overcome, and rediscover the path to fulfilling your true potential. From my own experiences with burnout, I can tell you that it IS possible.

How Do You Overcome Burnout and Is Transitioning Careers the Answer?

The first step in overcoming burnout is to recognise and acknowledge its presence in your life. Pay attention to the signs and symptoms, and be honest with yourself about the toll it’s taking on your well-being and career. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, colleagues, or professional help from someone who specialises in career-related burnout. They can offer valuable insights and coping strategies tailored to your specific situation. Take the time to evaluate your goals and values. Reflect on what truly motivates and inspires you in your professional life. Consider if your current career aligns with your passions and values. If not, transitioning to a new career might be the transformative step you need to reignite your sense of purpose and fulfilment

Transitioning careers can be an absolute game-changer when it comes to conquering burnout. Seriously, it’s like hitting the reset button on your entire journey, drawing a line in the sand and moving forward. When you find yourself drowning in burnout within your current job or career, that’s a great opportunity for a transformation and a fresh start. It’s a chance to re-ignite that fire within, and renew your sense of purpose.

Moving into a new career can feel like a breath of fresh air, providing a much-needed break from the stressors and challenges that contributed to burnout. It offers a chance to leave behind the draining aspects of the previous job and embrace a new, more invigorating path. I had quite a few interviews in my time where the employer was also seeking change and wanted to shake things up by hiring someone from a different industry. Career transitions are welcomed by employers and in fact a lot of companies actually seek people out who are doing this.

Why Transitioning Careers Is The Way Out Of Burnout

The people who I’ve seen change careers have often said that they are glad they did it because they got to do something different and learn something new. Burnout often dims the passion and enthusiasm that once fueled your work. Transitioning to a career that aligns with your interests and values can reignite that spark — and discovering a new sense of purpose and excitement in your professional life can be incredibly rejuvenating. When I transitioned my career to Web3, I found that I could find work fulfilling again, and that I could actually end my work day with a smile. I feel as if I’ve made a positive career change that actually allows me the potential to thrive. No more glass ceilings and old boys’ clubs. My good work was rewarded, and what I’m able to achieve isn’t restricted by years old rulebooks.

Some careers inherently offer more flexibility and work-life balance than others. Transitioning to a career that promotes a healthier work-life balance can significantly reduce stress and prevent burnout from reoccurring. Considering this type of benefit in your workplace could be a key thing for you if tailoring your work hours to suit your individual needs and preferences, allows you to accommodate family commitments, pursue personal interests, or simply maintain a better sense of well-being.

Another really great thing about transitioning careers is that it allows you to redefine what success means to you. You can set new goals and metrics that are more aligned with your values, providing you with a sense of achievement that goes beyond traditional or outdated measures. Depending on the new career you choose, you may experience increased autonomy and control over your work giving you a newfound sense of empowerment that can be liberating and contribute to a more positive work experience.

Getting Started: How To Transition Into a New Career

If you decide that transitioning into a new career is the right path for you, create a well-thought-out transition plan. Identify the specific skills you need to develop for your desired industry or role, and seek relevant training or educational opportunities. Network with professionals in the field and attend webinars or workshops to gain insights into the industry.

Upskilling with other like-minded individuals can be a transformative experience for building your network. These learning opportunities not only provide valuable knowledge and skills but also create a conducive environment to connect with peers who share your passions and ambitions.

Engaging in courses and workshops allows you to interact with professionals from diverse backgrounds and to foster meaningful connections and friendships within your (hopefully future burnout-free 😉) industry. As you embark on this new journey of growth and self-discovery, the shared learning experiences are invaluable and can create bonds that go beyond the classroom. There’s nothing more beneficial to you in the working world than a strong support system and having your very own cheerleaders who offer insights, advice, and even potential collaboration opportunities!

Final Thoughts

For me transitioning into a career in Web3 space was an incredibly fulfilling journey that played a pivotal role in overcoming burnout for me. It was like finding the missing piece of the puzzle that perfectly aligned with my passions, interests and ways of working (this became super important especially when I got a diagnosis for ADHD). Engaging in the dynamic world of Web3, where I had the opportunity to contribute to building the industry and creating innovative, new products, brought a sense of purpose and satisfaction like never before. The excitement of being at the forefront of innovation and witnessing the positive impact of my work was truly invigorating.

Embracing this transformative career change not only reignited my passion for what I do, it also improved my self worth and sense of self. I now pitch myself in the right way and don’t sell myself short when it comes to negotiating salaries or compensation. What’s more, I’m now able to help and educate others to transition careers — sharing everything that I’ve learnt along the way. Being able to now provide that sort of guidance and impact just shows me that through advocating for myself and choosing to take control over my life, I’m now able to help others do the same. Making a career transition requires courage and adaptability, qualities that can be empowering in themselves. Embracing change and stepping outside your comfort zone can be transformative, build resilience in the face of future challenges, and is definitely something I’d recommend for those struggling with burnout.