In the corporate world, many professionals face the challenge of mid-career burnout. It’s a phase where corporate job satisfaction plummets, and the determination for career development and growth seems to diminish. In this article, you will find insights on identifying, understanding, and effectively handling this common yet often overlooked issue. Explore strategies to reignite your passion, maintain a successful career, and ensure a balanced work-life.
You will learn about the causes of mid-career burnout, practical steps to address it, and preventive measures to ensure a fulfilling and sustainable career. Mid-career burnout is something common, but you can address it successfully.
Table of Contents
What is Mid-Career Burnout?
Mid-career burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and dissatisfaction in the current position.
Mid-career burnout is hitting a rough patch in your work life, especially around the age of 40. You might feel tired, less interested in your job, and not as happy about it as you used to be. Mid-career burnout is often characterized by a decline in enthusiasm and energy towards work. You may feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands, leading to a decline in job performance and satisfaction.
What makes it different is that it’s a time when you start questioning if your job is really what you want to do in the long run. It’s like a checkpoint in your career where you might feel stuck or want a change. Taking a step back, rethinking your goals, and making some career adjustments can help you find more happiness and purpose in what you do.
Keep in mind that mid-career burnout often sneaks in when routine and monotony dominate. This is why it is important to check in with yourself to find out what is important for you at that moment in your career. Your goals and motivations change over time and you need to be in tune with yourself when it comes to your career goals and plans.
What to Do About Mid-Career Burnout?
Addressing mid-career burnout requires an approach that looks both at personal and professional life. The two influence each other, and it’s good to pause to reflect on what’s important to you. These are some strategies you can use:
Re-evaluate your career goals and plans
Take some time off
Take better care of yourself
Consider a change in your job or career
Let’s analyze them one by one and see how they can help you recover from burnout.
Re-Evaluate Your Career Goals and Plans
When facing mid-career burnout, take a pause to re-evaluate and reflect on your career goals and plans. Ensure that they align with your evolving aspirations, consider skill updates, and don’t hesitate to pivot if needed. This introspective process can rejuvenate your professional journey and rekindle your passion for your chosen career.
Take Some Time Off
Taking a break from the current company environment can provide the needed perspective to evaluate your career and life. Use this time to focus on urgent things, engage in other activities, and spend time with family and friends. This break can offer clarity, renew your energy, and prepare you for the next steps in your career.
Take Better Care of Yourself
Addressing mid-career burnout also involves focusing on your health and well-being. Incorporate exercise into your week, focus on balanced nutrition, and ensure adequate rest. Seek support from a team of friends or professionals to navigate through this phase.
Change Your Job or Career
One effective way to combat mid-career burnout is to consider a career change. Assess the company culture and your current position. If they do not align with your mental and emotional well-being or values, it might be time for a fresh start. Evaluate your skills and interests, and explore careers or positions that align with your passions and strengths. In the long run, staying stuck somewhere where you’re not challenged to grow or your work is not appreciated is not beneficial for you or your career development.
Start Dealing with Burnout Today
If you’re a professional who’s feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, we have a solution for you. Our class for beating burnout is designed with actionable strategies to navigate through this challenging phase. This course isn’t just theoretical; it’s a practical guide infused with real-life experiences and proven methods. Transform your approach to work and life, identify early warning signs of burnout, and equip yourself with tools to rebuild and rejuvenate. Join us to turn your mid-career crisis into an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Combat Mid-Career Burnout Using the 6% Methodology
Beating burnout is within reach when you have the know-how and tools. The most actionable tools for beating burnout can be found in The 6% Club, a groundbreaking, easy to apply methodology for achieving any goal, that was developed and designed by Dr. Michelle Rozen, aka, the Change Doctor. This strategy was developed based on Dr. Rozen’s extensive research and fieldwork on making real changes that stick and transforming businesses and lives. The name of this methodology is based on Dr. Rozen’s jaw dropping research finding that only 6% of people stick to their goals and reach their goals while the remaining 94% quickly give up. This methodology breaks down what those 6% do differently that gets them to the results and fulfilled dreams that they want for themselves. In this article you can read more about the research. Also, you have more information about The 6% Club on the homepage.
Here’s how to use it against burnout.
Initially, pause and take time for check in with yourself. The main problem with being burned out is being so burned out that you don’t even check in with yourself and realize it. All you focus on is just getting through the day.
Then, focus on setting specific and granular goals for doing things differently in order to feel less burned out. Setting a broad goal like “I want less stress at work” isn’t effective. Dr. Rozen’s research shows that specific goals, such as “I will not take on more tasks until I complete current ones,” have a higher success rate.
The 6% Methodology is versatile, not only for overcoming burnout but also for building confidence, enhancing relationships, achieving goals, and making strategic decisions that change businesses and lives.
Remember, you are on a journey to feel better, do better and live better. The more tools you have, the more successful your journey will be. You got this!
Careers With a High Burnout Rate
Certain careers, like those in the tech and healthcare sectors, are notorious for high burnout rates. Careers with the highest burnout often involve long hours and high amounts of stress. Similarly, project manager burnout is common due to the intense pressure and demands of the role.
FAQ
Focus on identifying the root causes of the burnout. It could be workload, company culture, lack of support, or a change in values or plans. Communicate your feelings with your employer or department, seek professional advice, and consider re-evaluating your career and life priorities.
Career burnout often appears around this age due to accumulated years of work stress, increased responsibilities both at work and home, and the realization of unmet career or life goals. Individual experiences may vary. Some people may face burnout at a slightly younger age due to various factors such as intense work demands, high-pressure environments, or personal circumstances. It’s crucial to recognize signs of burnout early on, regardless of age, and take proactive steps to address stressors, seek support, and make necessary adjustments to prevent long-term negative impacts on well-being and career satisfaction.