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Career change burnout

So, you’re going through a career change.

You’re on it. You’re updating your cv, applying for jobs, contacting people, asking for advice. You’re full of energy, full of enthusiasm, full of motivation, you’re going to do it. You feel amazing.

But then, out of nowhere, a sort of burnout hits you.

You just cannot look at another job spec. You can’t bear to look at your cv again. You’re done with looking at the computer screen.

You feel dejected. You’ve put so much into it and yet you haven’t had any positive responses to job applications. Not one. And suddenly these dream jobs that seemed so close and so perfect for you now seem impossible.

The motivation has drained out of you, you’re feeling negative, defeated, and the self-doubt is kicking in. It all just seems so hard, so much work.

I think of this as a sort of career change burnout. You put all your energy and thinking into your career change, and it really does take a huge amount of energy and motivation. You have to psyche yourself up, big yourself up, do things that are a bit scary or make you uncomfortable, such as talking about how great you are. The adrenalin is pumping. And then when you don’t get the results you want, after all your efforts, it just blows up in your face. It’s the comedown.

My advise is, step away for a while. Stop checking job alerts, stop randomly scrolling. Just leave it for a while. Instead read some inspiring career change stories, or listen to a podcast or talk with someone who loves their job. Seek out tips and advice. Search out new ideas. Get yourself inspired again. Then when you’re ready for it, launch into it again with renewed enthusiasm.

Don’t try and push through career change burnout. It’s emotionally draining and it takes a lot out of you. Look after yourself. Keep taking action, but some days you need big action, other days small action.

The aim is to make the process as enjoyable as possible, not drive yourself to despair.

If you’d like help with career change coaching, you can book a 1-hour session here: calendly.com/joannaopokulifecoaching. Or get in touch if you’d like to learn more. Find me on LinkedIn or email at joaopoku@gmail.com.

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Ask for help

It can be really daunting looking for a new job or trying to change career. Don’t be scared to ask for help – chances are you’ll have so many people around you who will be keen to help.

Take writing your cv for example. At the time it seems a monumental task. Put all your skills, experience, education, qualifications, interests, volunteering, into one document, two pages or shorter? Also making sure that each word you write is entirely relevant to the job you want to apply for? Only including the skills the that appear on the job spec, and that the recruiter wants to see?

You don’t have to include everything little thing you’ve ever done – but miss out something which could be important, at your peril.

Most of us would rather do anything but.

Here’s where learning to ask for help comes into its own. Chances are you have someone within your network who is a whizz at cvs, who has the eye of an eagle, who is skilled at synthesising what a job spec is asking for and what you can offer. And they can help you out.

Maybe it’s a friend, a family member, a trusted colleague? An ex-colleague? A university or school friend? Someone you do sports with, or a class with?

It’s a breeze

Most people are busy and have their own things to be getting on with. But – when people are good at something, they usually jump at the chance to do what they excel at. For them it’s a breeze, fun even. And won’t take too long.

And it is massively helpful. Another pair of eyes, another perspective, someone who can see the whole picture and isn’t dismissing your achievements as inconsequential or lame – is a great asset. They even help you to look at your experience afresh, and realise how much you have achieved. That not everyone can do what you can do, you’re just so used to it it seems boring, but for others it’s a great skill.

They may also be a bit more up to date with the world of job applications, and be able to give you some tips on how to format the cv, and make it all a bit more readable and appealing.

Go for someone you trust, who knows a thing or two about cvs, or the industry you are interested in.

And if you really don’t have someone you feel you can ask, there are a ton of online support articles to help you out. Just find the one with the right tone of voice for you, that will make you feel buoyed up rather than depressed.

If you’d like help with career change coaching, you can book a 1-hour session here: calendly.com/joannaopokulifecoaching. Or get in touch if you’d like to learn more. Find me on LinkedIn or email at joaopoku@gmail.com.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

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The daunting prospect of contacting a coach

Contacting a coach for the first time – I know how it feels. You’re putting yourself out there. You are not hiding away, as you may secretly want to do. Therefore it can be daunting. Contacting a coach can seem like a really big deal, you’re admitting that you need help, that perhaps you have a problem.

You feel you are putting yourself up for scrutiny.

You’re going to have to think hard, answer lots of questions, be honest, maybe admit some hard truths.

You’ll have to face the facts and the reality of your situation.

You’ll have to do some work – and you may wonder if you’re ready for it.

Are you ready to share your secrets and dreams with a total stranger?

The thing is, there can be such a relief and release in talking to a stranger. You can be honest. It’s a non-judgemental environment.

You can really let it out and talk about what you want. Maybe you want to make more money, you want to be valued for your skills. You know you could do better and have more.

There’s nothing like getting it all out there and then with the help of your coach, unpicking it, working out what to focus on and what to let go of.

Coaching is about taking action , moving forwards.

The coach’s sole goal is to help you and make things easier for you. You’ll be challenged, you’ll have to do some work – but with support and empathy and cheerleading from the sidelines.

If you’d like to sign up to career change coaching with me you can do so here: calendly.com/joannaopokulifecoaching. Or get in touch if you’d like to learn more. Find me on LinkedIn or email at joaopoku@gmail.com.

Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash