Advice for Lost and Burnt Out.
I'm officially burnt out and have keeping an eye out for a new job. I had an interview to then realize that I don't know if I want to pursue a Product Owner position. Then, I realized I really don't know what I actually want to do with my career. All I do know is that I want a more supportive team/leadership and lower stress than what I do now working in Healthcare IT. Any advice on how to figure what I want to be when I grow up? Thanks ahead of time!
Anonymous
12/20/22 at 6:25PM UTC
I went through something similar about a year ago. This post is mostly just to share my experience so you know you’re not the only one and you can do it if you allow yourself the time for self reflection and stick to your goal once you find it!
I was so burnt from my toxic workplace that I decided it was in my best interest to take time off. I decided at least 2 months (end of Jan to Mar) I would do nothing job related. I lived unemployed, finally fixed up odds and ends of my house, tried to exercise weekly or more, and visit family and friends I’ve been too busy to see while working. It was nice but eventually you do actually get bored.
March came and I thought about if I was ready to job search… nope. I felt sick at the thought. I had been doing some yard work and preparing the garden. I loved being able to spend a few hours every day outdoors. I realized I’d love to volunteer for something to do with the environment. I’ve always been very pro-earth so I did a little research and reached out to 2 local nonprofits. They were happy to have me for various volunteer activities and I was happy to feel useful, appreciated, and usually learning more about nature.
As of May or June (I can’t remember when) I said I wanted to work in conservation but I have no background or education. Again I went online and found Conservation Careers bootcamp which literally helps people start or transition their skills to a conservation role. This program was a few hundred dollars, has constant online support from staff and fellow students, provides job, intern, and grant opportunities, and resources. Anyway, I don’t regret signing up for the bootcamp because it has broken down how to self reflect and then interpret your reflection. I think a bootcamp (once researched) can be very beneficial for people who are lost and have valuable skills. Before entering I didn’t really think I had good enough skills but now I know thats not true!
Aug to current I’ve been working as a part-time gardener to help pay the bills, keep busy, and learn about plants. It’s been nice but not enough of a challenge so I’m actively completing my bootcamp and applying to roles I finally feel qualified for.
I wish you the utmost best and know that you are capable of working in any industry or role that you want, regardless of current education or background. Don’t let anything limit you. There’s always a way forward!
Erin Thomas, Career + Leadership Coach 
Get your career into focus!
579
12/19/22 at 4:33PM UTC
I feel your pain! Check out my Career Upgrade Bootcamp, which is designed to get you CLEAR on what you want to do next and how to get there.
https://www.careerupgradecoaching.com/career-upgrade-bootcamp
Mystery Mystery
129
12/15/22 at 2:13PM UTC
Healthcare Jobs of any sort =stress, it's even in the name healthCARE. The care part, means stress on you. IT jobs are plentiful start looking at it jobs in other fields. You cannot control having a more supportive team, you can only control you.
Anonymous
12/14/22 at 8:14PM UTC
You aren't lost, you're exactly where you need to be! This is a good thing, even though it feels uncomfy right now. The most important thing is you know you want to do something different than what you currently know or have done in the past and that's a start.
Outside of the recommendations below, have you taken a career personality quiz? (this includes taking a Myers Briggs personality quiz) In the past, I've found a few free ones floating around the internet but it could help you see where your strengths and interests are. You'd be surprised what might come up. Another good option is take a few free workshops or listen to a few podcast on being a career changer. There are tons of free resources you can read up on to get some encouragement and support on how to move forward.
The last thing that helps me too is spending some time exploring courses online (free ones of course, but if you have a budget for paid ones, look to those for inspiration). Sometimes, looking through online course content could spark an interest on a new skill you'd like to develop or discover something new you'd always want to learn! Who knows, depending what catches your eye, it could be the key to get you moving in a different career direction.
As you start to formulate what your new career move is, continue to connect in digital and in-person spaces to network and learn where the opportunities lie. Lots of folks are moving around right now, so it's a good time to join that movement and see where things land.
You've got this! It's a little uncomfy now but it won't be forever. You new gig/career is on the way. Good luck!
Kathryn MontbriandFounder: Lived & Loved and writer
725
12/14/22 at 7:12PM UTC
hi there - I have a coach friend who specializes in helping women who are experiencing burnout. She offers complimentary consultations - please drop me a note if you would like an intro or more info!
Anonymous
12/14/22 at 2:43PM UTC
There are some articles that can move you forward.
There is one that focuses on Purpose (align with culture), People (checking how top performers work/study), and Pace ( training/education advancement ) https://hbr.org/2021/12/how-to-figure-out-what-you-want-next-in-your-career
The second site has a review of your (Identity, Interest, Values, Personality, and Skills). It is a starting point to review yourself https://www.wellesley.edu/careereducation/resources/assess-yourself-what-are-you-bringing-your-career-journey%3F
The last one I will post is a quick read to align your career to future goals. https://www.hiregy.com/new-year-new-you-9-tips-for-evaluating-your-career-to-fit-your-future-goals/
