it looks like it might be time for my next transition, i’ve never experienced anything like the past 6 months. Burn Out. i thought it was just a space where people get tired of what they’re doing as a career … it is so much more. if you haven’t had the pleasure of this journey, i honestly can’t say if you’re lucky or to look forward to it. not that it is easy, but the process is life altering for sure.
i remember a few years ago when it became clear that i would never have another J-O-B, it was harder than it may look from the outside to accept and announce. most people will hit you with a million questions about everything from retirement plans to paying your bills … how on earth are you going to make it? i was astounded, did they really have that little faith in me?
then i came realize that it didn’t matter if they had faith in me or not, all that mattered is if i did. i knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was as much a part of me as my smile, or my laugh and going after that next impressive job title would not make me happy more than a couple weeks … it would only make the majority relate to me easier. are you relating to any of this?
even though i began to see that i wanted to change the direction in my current career it wasn’t clear where to go, instead of taking the time off to search for the answer i kept digging in and taking on more of the same type of work that went against my natural grain. you see, i’m a sprinter not the long distance runner. vision is where my greatest asset resides, where is it for you? it’s an important question that very few entrepreneurs can answer or even bother to find, they get caught up in the task of being in business.
once you are clear on your gifts and your passion the answer of where to go next becomes easier, and you can rest easy knowing the answer is obtainable.
Emily, I have a lot of experience with burnout, and I’ve developed a theory that burnout is a bit like love–it comes in many forms and degrees of severity. Sometimes burnout is just a sign that you’ve been working or playing too hard. Or, if you’re like me, maybe you’re just doing it (working or playing) wrong. Sometimes I just need a break or a hug from someone or a good hard whack up the side of the head. Sometime you have to step back and realize that you’re just not the right person for this particular task/project/job (as Clint said, “…a man’s got to know his limitations…”. And, sometime, but only sometime, burnout means you need to change careers. I know what I’m talking about here, since I’ve had at least 5 careers, so far, and that’s not counting child, student, parent or goof-off, all of which I think should count as careers, judging by the amount of time and effort I spent on them.
Anyway, I don’t know how this translates into advice for you, except maybe that you should not despair and keep an open mind about what this burnout means for you and your future. I bet it will be a good thing, ultimately, but then I am a hardcore Pollyanna.
Hang in there (or not!), Babe!
Thanks for putting a verbal “finger” on an itch that’s hard to scratch … because, like many of my itches, it keeps moving just when you think you’ve found it.
At least that’s what exploring for a next chapter or phase or interest-worth-pursuing feels like over here. And one of the things that hangs over the head is a persistent feeling of time fleeing while I bang away with steel and flint searching for something that a spark “just has to” latch on to … or sometimes (often) just sitting there looking at the darned steel and flint hoping that it will somehow spark itself and “show some way”.
Love to hear how yours is turning/turns out. All best wishes!
Ironic because you have been a great source of inspiration for me. I am still implementing the techniques that I learned from you over the last couple of years and benefiting from it every day. Personally you have motivated me to deal with my health and you make me laugh reading your Facebook posts. You inspire me more than you will ever know and have faith that you will persevere.
Oh my goodness, you’re right Eric I had no idea I inspired you and what an amazing gift to read this comment from you. I enjoy watching and hearing of your growth in business and have seen you open up to share your success, keep it up because you are inspiring me too!
your welcome Tom, you’re right this concept is a kind of an itch that’s hard to scratch for so many. I’ve been amazed at how many people I meet that tell me they thought they were all alone and just felt inadequate in their own skin … helping people see we are a vibrant and amazing group of individuals will help the world as a whole.