Ever felt stuck between wondering if it’s time to move on from your job or if you’re simply exhausted? You’re not alone. It’s a question so many of us wrestle with, especially as we get closer to the end of the year. Our lives become busier as we try and squeeze more in before the 31st December deadline we give ourselves to have ‘everything’ done by!
In this episode, I’m unpacking the key signs to help you figure out whether your current role is still the right fit for you, OR if it’s simply time for a much-needed rest.
These questions can help you decide if you’re feeling burnt out or genuinely need a change at work:
- What specifically is it that I am feeling with regards to my job? Is what I am feeling now been persistent ALL year, or is it just in the last few weeks or months? The Feelings Wheel, the brainchild of Dr. Gloria Willcox is a great tool to help you put words to your emotions and to care for your mental health. https://www.calm.com/blog/the-feelings-wheel
- What specifically feel like the main stressors? Is it a particular project you’re on at work, a particular team member, or is the volume of seasonal tasks that are causing you stress? This will help you work out if this is an ongoing issue, and therefore may mean a review of your job or organisation versus a seasonal period, or just being tired.
- What physical and emotional signs can you see in myself? What does that look like? E.g. difficulty focussing, cynicism, always tired, even if you slept, irritability.
And here are the 5 steps I’m talking about to help you Reset, Refocus and Recharge for 2025:
- Watch Out for “Obligation Overload” and Cut the Comparison - Take stock of your commitments in every part of your life—are they essential, energising, or just empty obligations? What can go?
- Check Your Circle - Look at the people around you. Who gives you energy, and who drains it?
- Saying YES to something is a no to something else - get clear on what you are really saying NO to when you say yes.
- Do one thing for yourself each day and stick to it - it doesn't need to be costly or time consuming - a coffee at your favourite cafe on the way to work, listening to a podcast on the train you like, standing in the sun for 5 minutes; make it yours and commit.
- Pause and Process - Can you take some space over the break to breathe, reflect and recover - then perhaps make the decision in the new year about what the right next step is?
