In the final chapter of my burnout series, I'm sharing my recovery journey and offering ways for you to find your path to wellness. When burnout struck, I faced a pivotal decision about my career's impact on my well-being.

When I figured out that I was suffering from burnout, I knew I had some decisions to make. This was not the way I wanted to continue experiencing life. My burnout was being caused by my job. I knew this. With the decision to keep my health coaching business a passion project, I had to make a tough choice: do I stay at my current company and try to find a way to reenergize myself, or do I look for another opportunity.

Making the Leap

I will be the first to say that switching jobs is not the right decision for everyone. If you work in the corporate setting, many businesses now offer support programs to employees who are experiencing challenges, especially burnout. Using those resources may be perfect for some people, but for me, I knew I needed to find another place to continue my career.

It wasn’t just that I was burnt out that led me to this decision. I had been with my former employer for almost 15 years. For many of those years I had been incredibly happy working there. I was given the opportunity to learn from some amazing marketers and business folks, explore different job roles, and interact with people around the world. But as I grew in experience, I was missing the feeling of being connected to a mission.  

When considering what I wanted for my next role, I outlined the must have’s and the hard no’s: I no longer wanted to work in a fully remote role, I wanted in-person collaboration with the flexibility to work from my beautiful home office when I wanted, and I wanted to connect with the local Maine community – my new home.

Even though I was burned out, I was grateful that I could look for a new role while continuing to work – I had no idea how long it would take to find something that fit my requirements.

Four months later, in August, I took a leap into the unknown, leaving a familiar company to embrace something entirely different. This marked the start of my healing journey, emphasizing the importance of change for self-care.

Tips for Moving Forward

If any of this resonates with you, here are some ideas to help you move forward through burnout

• Identifying the Signs: Before taking such a monumental step, it's crucial to identify the signs of burnout and evaluate if they persist despite attempts at self-care.

• Seeking Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support during this challenging period. Sometimes, talking to someone can provide valuable perspective.

• Exploring New Opportunities: Changing jobs may involve exploring new career paths or industries. It's an opportunity to align your work with your passions and values.

• Rebuilding and Resilience: After making the transition, focus on rebuilding your life and nurturing resilience. This process can be empowering and lead to personal growth.

Prioritizing Self-Care

I don’t believe it’s possible to recover from burnout quickly. Recovery is a gradual process of reconnecting with yourself. Recovery for me includes focusing on my new role, reconnecting with loved ones, and nurturing my well-being through yoga and mindfulness. I am prioritizing my self-care.

Here are three other ways that you can focus on your mental health if you are experiencing burnout:

1.      Set Boundaries: Don't be afraid to say no. Set realistic expectations and know that it's okay to prioritize your peace over pleasing everyone else.

2.      Self-Care Rituals: Take time for yourself. Whether it's a quiet moment with a book, a brisk walk, or a cozy night in—find what rejuvenates you and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.

3.      Connect and Communicate: Share your feelings. Reach out to friends or family for support. Sometimes, a simple conversation can be the best remedy for the holiday stress.

Remember, it's okay to put yourself first.

Your Wellness Matters

Recovery takes time, but the journey is worthwhile. Whether it's burnout or languishing, know that you're not alone. By sharing my journey, I hope to shed light on these challenges and inspire positive change. In this journey, we discover that the path from burnout to rejuvenation is one that ultimately leads to a stronger, more resilient version of ourselves.

Reach Out

If you are struggling with burnout and could use the support of a health and wellness professional, please reach out to schedule a 45 minute free consultation. You don’t have to navigate burnout, or recovery, alone.