When I last left you I had just started a new job. Since then, it’s been a bit of a crazy year, between the pandemic and a very demanding new role, I had to step away from the blog and social media.
I am someone that commits myself 100% to achieving my goals. As I immersed myself into my new role – all my other outlets began to fall away in this all-consuming job.
I was a vice-president at a global agency running an entire line of business. I was responsible for driving millions of dollars in revenue and managing teams across several different time zones – but I felt stuck and unfulfilled in a cycle of diminishing returns.
Addressing Career Burnout
After being in my role for a full year I took a step back to re-assess. I was serving the job, and the company, but it was not serving me. The job was asking too much – and returning very little. I was exhausted and completely burnt out.
So – I am taking a break and joining the ranks of the Great Resignation.
Taking a break to reassess
I am taking a step back to focus on myself and on the growth that will serve me. Focusing on building the key ingredients to a well-rounded life, which includes self-care, mental health, family time, and travel. I am also working to be more proactive and protective of where I am exerting my energy.
Getting back to a life that allows me to feel fulfilled in my career but also leaves me time and space for the other facets of my life. I am seeking balance and a renewed mindset that will serve me.
Is it crazy to think we should be allowed a work-life balance?
Burnout is real & serious.
A lot has happened in the past two years of this pandemic to give anyone reason enough to re-evaluate what’s truly important in their life: Roe v. Wade reversal potentially taking away women’s rights, the Russian war in Ukraine, economic upheavals, and the continuing pandemic. Yet, we are told we must act like business as usual. I will say it again, I am burnt out!
I talked to my colleagues across the industry and my experience is not unique.
I’m not alone.
Most companies preach about work-life balance, but it’s rarely something I have ever seen put into practice in my 15 years in Corporate America.
40% of US workers are more burned out this year than in 2021, according to polling by recruiter Robert Half Inc. and a study conducted in early 2021 by Ohio State University’s Office of the Chief Wellness Officer and College of Nursing found that two-thirds of working parents were experiencing parental burnout.
The good news – we are starting to see a shift in the power dynamic between employees and employers. The Atlantic covered how millennials and Generation Z are rejecting the Workism concept.
What is Workism?
It is the belief that work is not only necessary to economic production, but also the centerpiece of one’s identity and life’s purpose; and the belief that any policy to promote human welfare must always encourage more work.”
–The Atlantic
Knowledge is Power
I will be reassessing my way forward with my career and building a more purposeful journey that will fulfill me and my work life in a more sustainable way. One thing I am very passionate about is education and knowledge. I love to train and mentor and I’m similarly passionate about helping women succeed in their business and with their finances.
In that pursuit, my goal is to share my career, and financial lessons to help set you up for success in your career or business and help you get the most out of the money you are working hard to earn!
Remember, Knowledge is Power, and the more knowledgeable you are, the most valuable you are!
I will be sharing more about my journey of resetting my career mindset, finding that new balance, and the key pillars for a well-balanced life.
I have NEW content coming to the blog focused on fashion, skincare, and travel guides. I am also working on more career lessons, freebie resources, and financial advice to help you build your personal wealth!
I have a lot I am working on that I will be sharing with you all soon! Make sure to subscribe to my newsletter to not miss any NEW posts!
xo,
Hello Whitney!
This was a very interesting read! I went through the exact same thing in my previous job: feeling burnt out and working hard but not getting much in return. As much as I am career-oriented, I also value my work-life balance and I was absolutely fed up of always feeling stressed out and undervalued. So, towards the end of 2021, I quit my job. At the start of 2022, I started my current role and now I am so much happier, less stressed out and calmer. I feel as though I’ve got my work-life balance back and I feel valued and respected. What a difference a year makes! Life is so much better for me.
Life is too short to keep giving your all to a job when you’re not getting what you want or deserve in return. And work isn’t everything: there’s more to life than working yourself into the grave.
Chichi Ogwe
Chichi Writes
https://chichiwrites.com/