When challenges arise at work, it’s tempting to put your head down and push harder. But if this behavior leads to burnout, something needs to change.
Sometimes it is time to change the environment, but that’s often not enough.
I learned this lesson the hard way. When I was a software engineer, pushing to meet relentless deadlines was the nature of the industry. I felt pride in my capacity to power through no matter what.
Until my body broke down – carpal tunnel, tendonitis, pinched nerves and more.
This crisis started my journey from engineer to coach. And I assumed that with a new career, things would be different.
Yet when I launched my coaching business, old habits crept in. I started working 7 days a week, making myself available to clients at all times.
Luckily, this time I caught myself before I hit full burnout.
I realized that unless I learned to set limits, the burnout would return no matter what career I had.
So while a toxic work environment may mean it’s time for a career change, it’s not always sufficient. It’s important to gain more self-awareness and set healthy boundaries.
When facing burnout, be sure to look inward as well as outward. What changes can you make in your current environment? Reframing your response to obstacles may be just what you need.
