Career burnout can be defined as a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress in a job. According to an ADP Canada survey, 32% of respondents report feeling tired or overworked on the job. Because of this overexertion, some individuals have been following the trend of ‘Quiet Quitting’, which describes a state where employees put in only the minimum necessary effort required for their job. Overall, the mindset of establishing healthier work-life boundaries is a great first step in keeping yourself healthy and happy in the workplace. Whether you already have a job or are unemployed and looking for work, there are a few things you can do and think about when you are searching for work.
Find the root cause
It’s important to understand what caused you to feel burned out at work. Recognizing the patterns of what leads to your stress build up can help end the vicious cycle. Start by reflecting and writing down situations that may have led to the burnout. Talking to a family member or friend can also be a great way to gain a different perspective on your stress. When you understand the causes of your burnout, you can focus on the positive aspects from your job and what you value for your next position.
Tailor your job search to your values
By knowing what you want out of your next role, you can research companies that may align with your values. Take a dive into specific company websites and learn more on their career page. If you can’t find the answers you are looking for online, contact the company’s HR team. You could also attend job fairs or information sessions that may be offered to connect with the team directly. If you need help researching local companies and industries, check out the top 100 rated companies in BC here: https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=bc2022-magazine-v1&u=ct100.
Ask targeted questions during an interview
Once you find a company you are interested in and get to the interview stage, be prepared with questions that align with your values. This can also be a time to address questions about the job description or information that may be missing. Here are some questions you could ask:
- Do you have a wellness program within your company?
- Does your company have a flexible working environment?
- What is your company’s time off policy?
- Does your company allow volunteer time or sponsor any events?
- What are some ways the company celebrates success or goals achieved?
- What does growth look like within the role?
- Are there resources for professional development?
- What kind of team building activities do you do?
- If the company has multiple locations, how does your company communicate and share information within the organization?