Why changing jobs when you're burning out is a bad idea
Feeling overwhelmed and burned out in your current job is becoming an increasingly common experience in today's fast-paced world. As work demands grow and life becomes more hectic, the prevalence of burnout is on the rise, leaving many with the initial response, "I'm exhausted, I've gotta get out of here, time to look for a new job." In this article, I'll be addressing that immediate "flight" response and explaining why making a career move while you're burning out might not be the best solution. Instead, discover better ways to deal with burnout and find a path to a more fulfilling work life.
Understanding Burnout
Burnout is an experience that goes beyond feeling overwhelmed; it encompasses emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion triggered by prolonged stress and overwhelming responsibilities. The consequences of burnout can include a decline in motivation, reduced job performance, and strained personal relationships. It's crucial to dispel the common misconception that burnout solely results from workplace overload. Professor Gordon Parker, an Australian psychiatrist and the author of "Burnout: a guide to identifying burnout and pathways to recovery," emphasizes that multiple factors contribute to burnout, both within and outside of the workplace.
False promise of a fresh start
While feeling burned out, the allure of a new job may seem like a refreshing escape, but it's essential to recognise that changing jobs doesn't guarantee a solution to burnout. In fact, it might lead to similar challenges in your new workplace. Burnout is often rooted in factors beyond the job itself, such as personal coping mechanisms, work-life balance, or unrealistic expectations. This means that if you decide to leave your current job in an attempt to escape burnout, it is likely to persist unless effectively addressed. Understanding the multifaceted nature of burnout is vital for finding sustainable solutions.
Addressing Burnout in Your Current Role
Reflect and Evaluate: Take some time to contemplate the specific reasons contributing to your burnout. Assess various aspects of your job, workplace environment, work relationships, personal life, and even how your own personality traits that might be contributing to your feelings of exhaustion. For example:
Identify specific tasks or projects that consistently drain your energy.
Reflect on whether you're neglecting self-care activities outside of work.
Evaluate how valued and recognised you feel in your role
Communicate with Your Employer: Engage in an open and honest conversation with your employer about your burnout. They might be receptive to making accommodations or providing support to help you better manage your role. It's normal to feel a sense of apathy in this situation ("what's the point; they won't listen anyway"). But remember, apathy is a common part of burnout, and unless you speak up, you won't know if there are potential solutions. Consider starting the conversation with statements like:
"I've been facing challenges with the high workload, especially with the new project we're working on. I'm feeling overwhelmed, and I believe it could be beneficial to reevaluate the project timeline and resource allocation."
"I've been reflecting on my work-life balance, and I think making some adjustments could improve my well-being and productivity. I'd appreciate discussing how we can create a more sustainable balance together."
"I've noticed that collaboration between teams has become disjointed lately. It would be helpful to explore ways to streamline communication and ensure everyone is on the same page."
Set Boundaries: Optimising your work-life balance is essential for maintaining your wellbeing and overall productivity. To recharge and focus on life outside of work, establishing clear boundaries is crucial. Here are some effective boundary-setting examples to help you strike a healthy balance between your professional and personal life:
Negotiating flexible work hours that align with your most productive and energized times of the day.
Communicating your preferred response time for non-urgent emails to avoid feeling pressured to reply immediately during off-hours.
Implementing boundaries on work-related interruptions, such as using a "do not disturb" sign or setting specific hours for open-door policies.
Triaging your workload and communicating to your team or manager if you’re not going to get to some tasks and explain why
Explore Career Coaching: Consider the benefits of working with a career coach to effectively tackle burnout-related challenges and attain a healthier work-life balance. A career coach can help you delve into the various factors influencing your mental wellbeing at work and provide guidance for making informed and strategic career decisions. Rather than making impulsive job changes that could lead to similar issues, a career coach offers the necessary support and direction to cultivate a more rewarding and balanced work environment. Whether you opt to continue in your current position or explore new opportunities, a career coach will be there to assist you throughout the process, ensuring you discover the ideal fit for your professional growth and personal wellbeing.
While the allure of a new job might seem appealing when you're burning out, it's crucial to consider whether it's the best solution for addressing burnout effectively first. Instead of jumping into a hasty career change, take the time to reflect, communicate, and seek support. By addressing burnout in your current role, you can create a healthier and more fulfilling work environment that fosters personal growth and wellbeing. Remember, finding a sense of balance and purpose is attainable with the right strategies and support network.
Sparked your interest and want to learn more about Burnout? Consider this free course by the Black Dog Insitute https://burnout.blackdoginstitute.org.au/#/
