Three unusual signs you are experiencing job burnout and need a mini-retirement
/A mini-retirement is an intentional career break lasting between two and twelve months. It’s a beautiful way to rest and reset. I gifted myself a six-month mini in 2021 because I realized I needed space to recharge.
One of the defining moments of my mini was during one of my long bike rides in Colorado. I was surrounded by golden aspens and despite the arduous exercise, I felt at peace. My ride was on a weekday and a feeling of freedom rushed through my body. When most folks were laboring over work, my days were designed around leisure, movement, and exploring the lakes and mountainous views around me. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be in touch with my body without feeling the pressure to hustle back to my laptop.
A rise in job burnout
The rise in job burnout is a glaring sign that folks are in desperate need of reprieve from the hustle and grind of life.
Research by Deloitte and Workplace Intelligence across four countries found workers were dealing with the impacts of burnout. Some of the stats revealed that:
43% of workers reported being exhausted always or often
42% were stressed
35% were overwhelmed
And 23% reported they were depressed
Additionally, a new study by Asana, looked at over 10,000 knowledge workers across seven countries and found approximately 70% of people experienced burnout in the last year. Unfortunately, 40% of workers believe burnout is an inevitable part of success.
I believe a mini-retirement is an antidote to job burnout. It is a time to rest, and the time away from your career is also an opportunity to rediscover what truly motivates you.
In some instances, job burnout can be challenging to identify. Below are three unusual signs you are suffering from job burnout and need a mini-retirement.
Three unusual signs you may need a mini-retirement
Me during my 2021 mini-retirement.
You love your job, but lack the motivation to complete tasks
Typical job burnout may be an indicator that it’s time to explore a different position within the company or find a new employer. However, if you know that you love your job and you mostly enjoy your work environment, then your job burnout may be a sign that you simply need a break to rest and reset. A mini-retirement could be just the break you need.
You can’t remember what you like to do for fun
If the moments of joy and sparks of inspiration are few and far between then you may need time for rejuvenation. The time you need is likely more than a quick weekend trip or a two-week vacation. You need a longer-term period where you can indulge in the sweetness of inspiration, remember what feels pleasurable to you, and reconnect to your inner joy.
You start side hustles or “passion projects”, but lack follow through
If you consistently have bursts of creativity and ideas, but lack follow-through, it’s not your fault. It could be a result of a lack of inner fire. In Ayurveda, your internal fire is known as agni. Agni is our source of vitality. Your vitality is the fuel you need to get projects over the finish line in a way that does not compromise your health. A lack of vitality can be addressed with a shift in nutrition and intentional movement. However, if those shifts don’t restore your agni then it may be a time to design an intentional break from your career responsibilities.
Takeaways from this article
In closing, sometimes the above signs may be an indication to make a holistic shift in your life. A mini-retirement can be an opportunity to explore lifestyle adjustments to create more joy, peace, and fulfillment in your everyday life.
