How to Find the Right Role After Burnout

(Part 2 of a 2-Part series)

Introduction

Burnout can be an incredibly difficult experience, making finding the right job after burnout a daunting process. It can be especially challenging when you have gone through a period of complete burnout with your last job. It’s important to take a step back and make sure that you are taking into consideration all your options, and evaluating your needs and interests, ensuring that the job you choose is the right fit for you, in this season of your life.

In part one of this two-part series, we looked at five warning signs that may suggest a job has a burnout culture. You can check out that blog here Job Hunting? Spot Burnout Culture Workplaces

In this blog post, we’ll look at three key tips to help you find the right job fit and avoid burnout in the future.

#1 What do you need?

Burnout in your last job may be a sign that it wasn’t the right fit. Take time to assess what you need going forward. This includes considering if you should take a job in a different industry, or one with a slower pace or more flexibility. It’s also important to consider a phased approach to returning to work, as this can help you transition into a job fit without pushing yourself too far.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• What kind of work do I want to be doing?
• What type of environment do I want to work in?
• How many hours do I want to work per week?
• What kind of salary do I need?
• What benefits are important to me?
• What does work-life balance mean to me in this season of my life?

Remember, taking the time to find the right job fit can help you break the cycle of burnout in your next job.

#2 Do your research and get specific about what you want

Before jumping into the job hunt, spend some time carefully researching different industries and job titles that match your skill set. This is a perfect time to explore your untapped talents and skills. When I completed this exercise, I found Gallup’s strength finder a great tool for discovering more of the skills, I didn’t even know I had. You can check it out here CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment.

Get creative in your search and be open to new ideas and opportunities. Look up job descriptions, talk to people in the industry and read reviews about the company. Determine if the job offers what you need in terms of culture, salary, benefits, and career advancement opportunities. Make sure that the role is aligned with your goals and values. Taking the time to do this research can help you narrow down the options and make an informed decision.

#3 Don’t settle

Once you have determined what qualities are important to you in a job, don’t settle for anything less. You deserve a job that meets your needs and will help you avoid burnout in the future. It may be a good idea to already have an ideal checklist – where the job ticks all the boxes and a minimum tenable role checklist – which reflects the minimum standard you are willing to accept right now.

Though this would not be your ideal situation, the list may become necessary for practical reasons, such as accepting a temporary position while you transition into another industry or keeping your finances intact. Having both lists should keep you on track to finding the right job fit, but not going below the bar you have set for yourself, out of panic to get into another job.

Bonus tip – Take care of yourself

Even if you have found the perfect job, which aligns with your values, matches your skills, and provides a thriving environment, it is still up to you to ensure that you do not slip into practices that will lead to burnout. Pay attention to the signals your body and mind give you, and make sure you take time to rest and relax. If you find yourself slipping into the same patterns that led to burnout in your last job, take a step back and refocus on what’s important to you and why you wanted to pursue this new job fit.

Conclusion

Finding the right job after a complete burnout from your last one is not an easy task. It requires you to take a deep look at yourself and determine what you need, and to be very specific in your research about what kind of job you want, to avoid settling for a job you know is not right for you.

Don’t forget that taking care of yourself is the most important step in this process. Prioritize self-care and give yourself the time and space to find the job that works best for you. With patience, self-awareness, and determination, you can find a job that fits your needs and reduces the chances of future burnout.

To learn more about how to break your burnout cycle, check out “Break Your Burnout Cycle” for a more detailed guide.

Kai-Nneka Townsend, is an author, and a Career Burnout Recovery and Prevention Coach for women.