Why being burnt out might not be the best time to make a career pivot

If you feel constantly tired, anxious, or depressed, feel detached and have problems concentrating it’s possible you’re suffering from burnout.

Mental Health UK defines burnout as ‘a state of physical and emotional exhaustion caused by long-term stress, often at work’. Subira Jones, a Lifestyle Strategist specialising in burnout prevention describes the difference between stress and burnout as the difference between a fire and a housefire. She advocates the need to understand your values and not put yourself under pressure chasing a myth around work-life balance if you are to create a life you don’t need to escape from.

According to Investors in People, 35% of UK employees have considered leaving their job because of stress, while 59% of employees say work has impacted their mental health at some point in their careers.

While a career pivot could potentially address the burnout if the source is primarily related to the specific field or job responsibilities, feeling burnt out can significantly impact your ability to make clear and sound decisions about your career and it might be challenging to discern whether a career pivot is the best solution while in this state.

Shelley Kendrick, Managing Director, Kendrick Rose, said: “A career pivot is a significant decision that requires careful consideration, especially when experiencing burnout. It's wise to address burnout first and then evaluate whether a career pivot is the best solution to achieve long-term satisfaction and well-being in your professional life.”

Before deciding on a career pivot while experiencing burnout, consider the following first:

Self-Care and Reflection: Prioritize self-care to address burnout symptoms. Take time off, if possible, practice mindfulness, exercise, and ensure adequate rest. Reflect on what aspects of your current role contribute to burnout.

Identify Burnout Causes: Pinpoint the factors causing burnout. Is it the workload, the environment, the lack of challenge, or a mismatch between your values and the job? Understanding the root cause helps in deciding if a career pivot would address these issues.

Seek Support: Talk to a counsellor, therapist, or mentor about your feelings of burnout. They can offer guidance and help you explore whether a career change is the right step.

Evaluate Options: Consider whether a pivot aligns with your long-term career goals, interests, and values. Assess if changing careers would address the burnout and if the new path would be more fulfilling.

Temporary Solutions: Explore temporary solutions within your current job or industry that might alleviate burnout. This could include changing roles, negotiating workload, or seeking a different team or project.

Take Small Steps: If a career pivot seems like a viable option, start by exploring the new field or acquiring new skills part-time while maintaining your current job. This can help you gauge your interest and readiness for a career change.

Read more about the signs and symptoms of burnout and tips for prevention HERE.