The holidays are in full swing, the air is crisp, shoppers are buzzing around town searching for last-minute gifts. Through the drone of traditional seasonal music and festive parties, the inevitable closing of another year is upon us. There is something powerful that takes place between Christmas and New Year. This is the transformation zone where we begin to reflect and assess what we want next year to look like. There is a sense of wiping the slate clean, a future chock-full of opportunities, resets and hope for a renewed spirit. We look back at the year behind us, remembering the ups and downs of the pandemic, children returning to school, successes at work and all the missteps along the way.
Anyone who is plugged into current events (or has waited in line for service at… well, pretty much anywhere right now) knows that the Great Resignation is here. People are taking stock of their priorities and where they want to go in life, and many Americans have opted to make the courageous choice to leave their jobs in the hopes of a new start.
If you find yourself this holiday season in a place of burnout, uncertainty or frustration in your career, you’re not alone. Research from The Hartford shows that 68% of US female workers and 52% of US male workers are experiencing high levels of burnout. Workers are assessing their values and career paths to determine how to realign to live a more fulfilling life. But it is not always easy to make a big change.
The desire to pivot can trigger many fears, allowing self-doubt to crowd the airwaves. You may ask yourself if you’re experienced enough. You may be worried that the next career move will leave you as frustrated and broken as your current situation. You may even worry that in order to move forward, you will have to take a step back.
Each of these concerns is normal. Expansion out of your comfort zone is uncomfortable but always worth it in the end. Leaving the comfort of your discomfort is where the magic happens. As you reflect on your career and listen to what that quiet voice inside of you is whispering, be kind to yourself as you become aware of your fears around making a change. It is OK to not be OK.
There are some actions you can take immediately to begin building the confidence to take the leap and escape the job that is burning you out. Whether we are ready or not, 2022 is coming. If you spend time dreaming about what it would be like to make an exodus, here are some things you can do to start getting your mindset prepared.
1. Get it out. Write down your concerns about leaving the job (or staying) to get all your fears outside of your head. Amazing shifts begin to happen when you allow your thoughts to escape the prison of your mind. These thoughts bounce around your brain and keep you paralyzed. The act of getting these thoughts out of your head is a powerful part of the process.
2. What would you tell a friend? Review this fresh list of concerns as if you were someone else. Pretend that a dear friend or close colleague was coming to you for advice. If this person came to you with these worries, what would you tell them?
3. Build your “BadA$$ list” – Compile a list of as many professional and personal accomplishments you have achieved. There are no rules to this list. No accomplishment too big or small. No accomplishment too old or recent. If you are proud of it, write it down. Not only does this list give you some wind in your sails, but it gives you some great material for a resume refresh! (Tip: Keep this list visible in your workspace as a reminder of how amazing you are!)
4. What would life be like if nothing ever changed? Ask yourself what you imagine life would be like if you stayed in this job and remained feeling this way. If the conditions around you never changed, what would be the cost? For many, the price is too expensive. This cost comes in the form of mental health issues, physical illness, suicidal thoughts, damaged personal relationships, etc.
5. What would life be like if I could have it all? Lastly, allow yourself to explore the feelings you begin to channel when you think about having everything you desire. If you were able to secure a fulfilling job with excellent pay, benefits, flexibility, autonomy, career development – what would your outlook on life be?
Leaving a job, even if it is killing you, can be scary and overwhelming. Most women will stay stuck in a job they hate years longer than they need to. If you are ready to stop putting off leaving and desire to get a clear road map for what is next, I invite you to attend my FREE masterclass. On December 14, 2021 at 6pm Central, I will be hosting an event called “Boss Up Your Career: Kick-A$$ Confidence Masterclass For Burned Out Women.” In this masterclass, you will receive validation that what you are going through is real and the courage to take the next steps toward a fulfilling career. Registration can be found on my website: www.rebeccasimmonscoaching.com.
-by Rebecca Simmons
About the Author: Rebecca is a Women Empowerment Coach supporting professionals experiencing career burnout and working in toxic work environments. Her career background is in Human Resources and her passion for helping women find their voice and confidence to pursue careers that light them up is what makes her tick. Rebecca lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky with her husband, son and dog. Follow Rebecca on TikTok @rebeccasimmonscoaching.
