What do you do if your career is draining you?

Feeling drained by your career is more common than you might think. It's a sign that something needs to change, but figuring out what can be overwhelming. Whether it's the nature of your job, the workplace environment, or a mismatch of values, the impact on your life can be profound. This article will explore practical steps you can take to regain control and find a path that leaves you feeling energized and fulfilled. Workforce management isn't just about managing others—it's also about managing your own career trajectory to ensure long-term satisfaction and success.

1 Recognize Signs

The first step is to acknowledge the feelings of exhaustion and dissatisfaction that can signal burnout. You might notice a persistent sense of dread about work, a decline in performance, or a lack of enthusiasm for tasks that once excited you. Paying attention to these signs is crucial because they are your body and mind's way of telling you that your current professional situation isn't sustainable. Ignoring them can lead to more severe consequences for your health and overall well-being.

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Nidhi Singh

People Manager | Avid reader
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Well in my opinion there are three things one can do to address the concern: 1. Re-evaluate the actual reason of doing what you are doing 2. Think out the desired results and how can that be achieved, if needed external help 3. If support or a skill development course and or the original reson of doing the job at the first place does not suffice for the mental health, it's time to change the work

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Javier Sánchez (BSc MCIRO)

Senior HS Train Driver Instructor | Railway Operations Specialist 20 years in the industry
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Oh well, I think I can speak here from experience. Recognizing when your career is draining you is a pivotal first step in reclaiming your well-being. It's all too easy to brush off those feelings of exhaustion or just plain boredom as just part of the job, but ignoring them only exacerbates the issue. Trust me, I've been there. The longer you push through without addressing the root cause, the deeper the burnout can set in, affecting not just your work but your entire life. So, if you're noticing those signs it's time to listen to what your mind and body are telling you. I think the pandemic has taught us a very valuable lesson in work-life balance.

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2 Evaluate Priorities

Take a step back to evaluate what's important to you in your career and life. Are you chasing a high salary at the expense of personal time? Do you value work-life balance but find yourself working long hours? Reflecting on these questions can help you understand what changes are necessary to align your job with your personal values and goals. This reflection is a critical component of workforce management, as it helps ensure that your career path supports your overall life plan.

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3 Seek Support

Don't hesitate to seek support, whether it's from friends, family, or a professional career counselor. Talking about your struggles can provide new perspectives and solutions that you might not have considered. Additionally, a mentor or coach with experience in workforce management could offer valuable advice on navigating career challenges and making strategic decisions that improve your situation.

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4 Explore Options

Exploring options within and outside your current role is essential. This could mean seeking new responsibilities at work, asking for a more flexible schedule, or even considering a career change. Remember, workforce management skills are transferable, and the ability to adapt to new roles or industries can open up opportunities that are more aligned with your aspirations and energy levels.

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Javier Sánchez (BSc MCIRO)

Senior HS Train Driver Instructor | Railway Operations Specialist 20 years in the industry
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Exploring options is always good for your mental wellbeing as well as your ego, why not saying it. Those options can be within your current job, absolutely. Keeping your brain engaged and directed towards small targets or new professional goals keeps your enthusiasm up. On the other hand, considering a career change can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. I've seen firsthand how the skills and experiences gained in one industry can be applied to another, opening up a whole new world of possibilities. So, whether it's exploring new opportunities within your current role or branching out into something completely different - it might sound cliche but... don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

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5 Set Boundaries

Learning to set boundaries is pivotal in preventing career drain. This might involve saying no to extra projects, delegating tasks, or simply ensuring you take your full lunch break away from your desk. Establishing and maintaining boundaries is a key aspect of workforce management—it helps protect your time and energy so that you can focus on what truly matters.

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Melody Mitchell, MHRM

People and Culture Executive | Talent | Leadership | Org Resilience
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If your career is draining you, it's essential to take proactive steps to address the situation and regain a sense of fulfillment and balance. I've had to do this a few times in my career, particularly during the pandemic when boundaries felt non-existent. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, relaxation techniques, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones to recharge and rejuvenate outside of work.

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6 Plan Action

Finally, create an action plan to address the issues causing your career drain. This plan should include specific, achievable steps, whether it's updating your resume, enrolling in a course to develop new skills, or setting up meetings with your manager to discuss changes in your role. An action plan provides a clear roadmap for change and can help turn feelings of helplessness into empowerment.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your career is draining you?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Recognize Signs

2 Evaluate Priorities

3 Seek Support

4 Explore Options

5 Set Boundaries

6 Plan Action

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workforce Management

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What do you do if your career is draining you?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Recognize Signs

2 Evaluate Priorities

3 Seek Support

4 Explore Options

5 Set Boundaries

6 Plan Action

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workforce Management

Rate this article

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