I’m very well-paid, but totally burnt out. What should I do?
Each week, Dr Kirstin Ferguson tackles questions on the workplace, career and leadership in her advice column “Got a Minute?” This week: dealing with burnout, the uncertainty around asking for a pay rise, and a pushing back on workplace ‘shutdowns’.
I am a middle-aged male and not ready for retirement. I have worked as a senior executive for a large company for almost a decade. The job is stressful – I have aggressive KPIs and supervise many staff members. I cannot do it any more. It impacts my health, but I am very well-paid. I have been offered a simpler role with a similar remuneration package, which I have accepted. My current role has burnt me out so much and I am honestly worried I am too broken for another organisation. I have even considered asking my GP for a referral to a therapist. I would appreciate any suggestions you can provide.
I am sorry to hear you have been experiencing this situation, and I am so glad you have taken steps to improve your health and wellbeing. You are certainly not alone; a recent report found 44 per cent of Australian workers are dealing with burnout, and 6 per cent report being completely burnt out.
I wonder whether you might be able to find a way to give yourself a bit more time to regroup and start to feel yourself again before starting in your new position. First, I would strongly recommend you speak to your GP and a therapist. Both will assist you in different ways as you build up your strength after such a bruising period. Second, if you can negotiate it with your new employer, a decent break before you start the new role will make an enormous difference. It sounds like your battery is well and truly depleted and the only way you will be able to find that motivation and put yourself in the best position to succeed in your new role is to get yourself back to full strength. Do take care and all the very best.
WELL, THAT’S GOOD: Study shows how liver damage from stress and aging might be reversible.
