Transition May Prevent Burnout

Is It Time to Make a Career Change?

There have been several moments in my life when I considered making a career move. And in most of those moments, I convinced myself to stay.

Sometimes it was easier to stick it out. Sometimes it felt like the responsible choice—to try to make things better from within. And in fairness, I’m happy where I am now. But looking back, I can see there were times I should’ve made the leap sooner. In fact, had I moved sooner, I may have prevented burnout.

Recently, I passed the anniversary of leaving a job with a company I had spent much of my professional life with. It stirred up a lot of reflection—on what held me back, and what finally helped me move forward.

What Held Me Back from Making a Change

1. Fear of the Unknown: Like many people, I thrive on comfort—even if not always on routine. There were aspects of my job that felt familiar and safe. The idea of letting that go felt overwhelming. This did unfortunately mean I probably allowed tasks to build up that contributed to my burnout.

2. Life Logistics: I also had very real concerns about needing to take a leave of absence. This looked differently at different times. We were growing our family. My mother was ill. My in-laws had health challenges. I knew I might need FMLA, and I didn’t want to risk losing that safety net in a transition.

3. Timing with My Partner’s Career: My husband’s work has at times been deeply tied to political cycles, which can be unpredictable. I personally felt better knowing that at least one of us had stability in their role. Even though he always supported me 100%, I carried that internal pressure.

4. Lack of Energy or Clarity to Job SearchHonestly?: I didn’t have the bandwidth. Job searching requires effort—updating resumes, writing cover letters, reevaluating what you want. And then there’s the vulnerability of it: putting yourself out there and facing potential rejection. When I did apply for something I really wanted and didn’t get it—it hurt.

Why I Finally Needed a Change

Eventually, I began to feel something deeper than just restlessness. I started to feel like I was no longer making a difference. The work that used to light me up started to feel disconnected. The structure of the organization had shifted, and my own role changed more than I expected. Responsibilities that once felt aligned no longer did, and I struggled to find a sense of purpose in what I was doing day to day.

Even more importantly, I realized there were no longer opportunities for me to grow and develop—and I knew I still needed that. I wasn't done evolving, but I had hit a ceiling.

That realization became the turning point. Once I acknowledged that I needed something different, I returned to what I know best: purpose and priorities. Unfortunately, I had let this focus falter every time I decided to not look for a new role. I walked myself through the same process I now guide coaching clients through. And by doing that, I was able to expand my view of what a new role could look like. I stopped focusing on replicating what I had, and started asking what I actually wanted and needed.

What Finally Helped Me Move Forward

Eventually, I reached a point where staying was no longer sustainable. That urgency helped push me through the discomfort of change. But in hindsight, I wish I had started that process earlier—before things got so heavy.

What shifted was this: I stopped telling myself that happiness was impossible elsewhere. I started asking—really asking—what I needed to feel aligned, fulfilled, and well.

And for the first time, I gave myself permission to think outside the box.

How I Got Clear on What I Needed

One of the most powerful tools I used was creating a personal mission statement. I thought about my purpose—what I wanted my work and life to stand for—and paired that with a clear-eyed look at my priorities.

I asked myself:

• What matters most to me in this season?

• Is it flexibility? Commute? Compensation? Working with people I like and trust?

• Is it the ability to show up fully for my family?

• Am I honoring my values in the way I’m living and working?

I didn’t have to justify my answers to anyone else. But I did have to be honest with myself.

When you are at crossroads, start with your purpose and priorities

Your Turn: Purpose, Priorities, and Possibility

This season—graduation, transition, a new academic year—is a natural time to reflect. Maybe you’re starting something new, or maybe you’re just wondering if it’s time.

If you haven’t done it recently, I encourage you to ask:

• What is my purpose?

• What are my priorities?

• And are my career and life decisions aligned with those truths?

If you’re not sure where to start, I created a free workbook to guide you through these exact questions. Check out my Purpose and Priorities Workbook now.

And if you’re ready for deeper support, this is something I work through with clients in 1:1 coaching. Apply for 1:1 coaching here.

You don’t have to wait until you’re burned out or broken to make a change.Start now—with clarity, courage, and support.