Career Change: The 3 Times to Move On (Part 3: Burnout)

Remedying Job Burnout by Changing Careers

Copyright 2004-2010 G. A. Puleo

In the first two parts of this series on career change, we focused on downsizing and career plateaus.  In this section, we will discuss career change arising from burnout. 

Burnout is a condition of mental and physical exhaustion arising from long hours and unmet goals.  Burnout is reaching epidemic proportions in the American workforce.  Many workers may have survived numerous rounds of corporate downsizing but now have the responsibilities for work that was previously accomplished by two or more downsized workers.  As burnout increases, job performance decreases. 

If you're working in an environment experiencing downsizing, fear of future job loss may cause you to work longer hours in an a futile attempt to meet impossible deadlines.  Emotional, psychological and physical malaise in the form of burnout is the result.  To save your sanity and your health, it might be time to not only change employers but also to change careers. 

How to launch a job search when you're burned out: 

• If you are offered a 'golden parachute' to retire early or resign from the company, take advantage of it.  The financial compensation can tide you over until you find new employment and your employer may even offer outplacement to help you in your job search. 
• If you haven't been offered a golden parachute but can financially afford it, you may want to consider resigning from your position -- burnout deteriorates performance, so it's better to resign while you are still performing well rather than to risk being terminated due to poor results.  With less stress, you can be more proactive in finding suitable employment in an environment that is less stressful and more rewarding that your current situation. 
  
• If you cannot financially afford to resign from a burnout-causing position, you need to prioritize your workload in order to make time for job search activities.  Although this is easier said than done, you have an obligation to yourself to create an environment in which your goals can be accomplished and your accomplishments recognized.  This will give you a greater feeling of control over your environment and your career that can also decrease your feelings of burnout.