Burnout: my journey of self-discovery and career renewal
Nurturing resilience, rediscovering passion, and thriving beyond burnout
Recovering from burnout is a journey. It’s a journey that requires patience, self-reflection, self-care and intentional steps towards rebuilding yourself.
As someone who has been through this challenging process, I understand the importance of taking the time to heal and regain your mental and physical well-being. I was a shell of my former self.
Everyone’s journey is going to be different, as you have to find what works for you. But I wanted to share a few things that helped me on my journey.
The art of doing nothing
During the initial phase of recovery, I learned the value of doing absolutely nothing. It sounds strange, but it’s true. I’d been burning the candle at both ends for so long that I was running on fumes. So, taking the time out to do nothing, and I mean nothing, really helped.
It felt strange, especially during the first couple of months. But my body needed time to relax, and my batteries needed to recharge. Despite feeling a twinge of guilt, I reminded myself that neglecting self-care was a primary contributor to my burnout. And so I fought every urge to do something.
I found that listening to my body and mind during this time was essential. I gradually felt my energy return, and I realised the importance of addressing my mental health and well-being before diving back into the workforce.
Creating a routine
When I was ready, and I mean ready. I started by creating a small routine that involved physical activity. This helped rebuild my sense of self and gave me purpose. At the time, I hadn’t realised that I was rebuilding myself from the ground up. I was building a stronger version of myself.
The act of going to the gym and being part of a community helps provide a new wave of energy that was once missing. It was refreshing. I soon discovered that my journey towards a new job wasn’t solely about professional growth but about personal and physical growth, too.
Rediscovering my passion
When the time came to craft my CV, I remember finding this a daunting task. I froze, and I panicked. My inner critic and self-doubt had awoken. But, with the support of friends, family and coaches, I rediscovered my passion by joyfully reflecting on past achievements and reminding myself of how far I’d come.
I am someone who loves working in product and design.
I’m someone who loves to coach.
I’m someone who shares skills and experiences with others so that we stay open-minded to new ways of thinking.
And I’m someone who loves to be part of a team to create simple and accessible user experiences, be that through content or UX design.
Braving the job market
The job market is a scary palace. It can be tough. It requires networking. And as I found putting myself out there while I was still healing from burnout scars. But I had to push through. I needed to put myself out there.
Job hunting, with its inevitable rejections, taught me the importance of being kind to myself and persevering through setbacks. Yes, I got rejected. Yes, it hurt many times. Yes, I got frustrated. But I had to step away and remind myself that the right opportunity was around the corner, and I needed to be patient. Change would happen.
Managing my expectations
As exhilarating as it is to secure a new job, I had to be mindful of not rushing into things. I had to balance my excitement about starting a new job with a commitment to protect myself from triggers that might send me back.
I carry with me my learnings from my journey. I distance myself from perfectionism and focus on demonstrating my value gradually. I do not want to rush things. But I want to make an impact in the right way.
My journey continues, but these are just some of the things that helped me. The burnout scars are still there. They are healing, and I know it will take time. But I invite you to reflect on your own experiences.
Have you faced the demanding challenge of rebuilding yourself after burnout? If so, what strategies worked for you, and what valuable lessons did you learn along the way?
I believe that sharing our stories not only fosters connection but also offers insights that can inspire and support others on similar paths. Burnout is nothing to be ashamed of, and whether you’re currently navigating the delicate balance of recovery or have successfully emerged on the other side, your perspective is invaluable.
Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or any additional tips that have helped you thrive post-burnout. Together, we can create a community that embraces resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life beyond burnout.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Remember, your story matters, and so does your well-being. So, let’s continue to support each other as we rise strong and embark on the next chapters of our lives.
