Am I crazy to do this?

Anonymous

October 18,2022 at 12:50AM UTC

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Am I crazy to do this?

I burnt out at my prior firm and joined a new firm (smaller firm, same industry). I'm in finance / investing so it's not a strict 8-5. I decided to "give the industry a second chance" as well as myself by trying a similar role in a new firm. I plan to set strict (relatively ofc) boundaries. I DO NOT want to burn out again because I got sick from it and ended up in the hospital for a week... I'm trying another go at it and really want to set boundaries from the start and decided that if they don't like it then so be it I will switch industries completely. Is this crazy?

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AnonymousOctober 18,2022 at 1:52AM UTC
You could work for any govt agency in finance for better work life balance. Plenty of pto and holiday leave and in most cases you can flex your 8hrs between 6am to 6pm. Some jobs are remote and most non operational allows ees to telework 4x per week.
AnonymousOctober 18,2022 at 2:12PM UTC
salary Is very different though :/ but I understand the trade off
AnonymousOctober 18,2022 at 11:24PM UTC
Yes. And if it gets to a point to where health compromises a persons ability to work at all, it’s a good time to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that puts health first. There are plenty of folks that plan ahead by spending 15 to 20 yrs in the private sector, save money and pay off their homes or student loans and then spend the remaining 20 in the govt sector. Or even consulting in their niche. Good luck whatever you decide and take care of yourself.
AnonymousOctober 19,2022 at 11:40AM UTC
Thank you! I’m only 25 so ways to go. No student loans or mortgages so hopefully can find that balance sooner than later
Jackie GhedineOctober 18,2022 at 12:02PM UTC
You are absolutely not crazy. You are confidently stepping into a new situation and setting the rules for yourself and with the organization, is confidence. Knowing you don't have to stay if it doesn't work for you, is confidence.
Working in high-pressure industries like finance, law and start-ups, there is often a culture precedent that can be difficult to break.
You are on the right path, setting boundaries from the start and sticking to them will allow you to craft the career harmony you need for your mental and physical health.
JenniferOctober 18,2022 at 9:59PM UTC
Good luck. As silly as it sounds, try not to overly stress yourself about the execution/perception of the boundary piece.
E.g. Am I being being firm enough? Too firm? If I do this one thing, does it mean they’re going to walk all over me now? Was everyone judging me when I left at 5? Nine out of 12 people were still at their desks… etc.
You don’t need the added anxiety of constant boundary assessment. Just be honest with yourself on your limits, while being professionally flexible (both in what you give and what you receive). People who are close to us often notice changes within us before we do, so check in with the people in your life to see if they’ve picked up changes in your mood/demeanor.
You got this. Congrats on the new role!