Are you tired of the daily grind? Do you find yourself searching for a job that pays well but won’t cause you overwhelming stress? If you said yes, you’re not alone. Many professionals experience burnout. Burnout is that feeling of physical and emotional exhaustion. This feeling can leave you wanting to look for a well-paying but less stressful job.

High-stress but high-paying job: Is it worth sticking it out

You may dream of landing the perfect high-paying job. This high-paying job will lead you to a life of wealth and happiness. However, life doesn’t always happen that way. That well-paying job can come with a high level of stress and pressure. High-stress career fields can include:

●      Finance

●      Law

●      Healthcare

●      Technology

People in these fields can be more prone to burnout. This is because their job demands long hours, tight deadlines, and the need for excellence or perfection.

What are the signs of burnout?

If you have a high-stress job, it is important you know the signs of burnout. Knowing the signs can help you get out of a burnout funk or help you avoid it. Signs of burnout may include:

●      Lingering exhaustion — One of the most common signs of burnout is feeling tired — physically, emotionally and mentally.  For many, getting out of bed is a challenge, and going to work incites a sense of dread.

●      Drop in performance — Are you struggling to focus, making more mistakes than normal, or struggling with task completion? Did you say yes? This drop in work performance could be because of burnout.

●      Emotionally distant — Are you pushing others away? Are you emotionally detaching yourself from your work? Feeling indifferent toward your job, colleagues, or clients can be a sign of burnout.

●      Physical symptoms — Burnout can have physical symptoms. Physical symptoms of burnout may include headaches and stomachaches. In severe cases, you may even experience severe health issues.

●      Social isolation — Have you withdrawn from your social circle? When you are feeling burnout, you may distance yourself from your friends and family. This can be due to feeling too drained for social interaction.

●      Higher irritability levels — Do minor frustrations now cause you major irritation? That could be a burnout sign.

●      Loss of passion — Have you lost your enthusiasm for your job? It could be a direct result of burnout.

Why burnout can be bad

Why is it so important to get out of an episode of burnout? Reasons to find relief from burnout can include:

●      Your health — Burnoutoftenimpacts your mental and physical health. Trading your high-stress job for a lower-stress job may be better for your overall health and well-being, especially in the long run.

●      Work-life balance — High-stress jobs often require long hours. These long hours can take you away from your family, friends, andother important personal life matters. A less stressful job may provide a better sense of work-life balance.

●      Respark passions — If burnout has cost you your passions, turning to a low(er)-stress position may give you the time to rediscover your passions and interests.

●      Mental well-being — People often have a hard time walking away from a high paying position. But burnout is an opportunity to consider your values. Giving up your high-pressure job for a low-stress job can help you protect your mental health and mental well-being.

How do you find the right balance?

Seeking a low-stress, high-paying job may not be a realistic option for you. That perfect job may not exist. Or, you might already be in that perfect job. You just have to learn how to deal with the stress level of your job more effectively. Your personal expectations, perfectionism, and lack of self-care can contribute to burnout. Strategies that can help you find the right balance can include:

●      Talk to your employer — Having a chat with your supervisor may lead to workload adjustments or better support. This can help your burnout.

●      Seek professional help — Seeking help isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength. Working with a therapist can help you learn healthy coping strategies to better manage your stress. This can help you get out of a burnout funk or prevent future burnout.

●      Set boundaries — Learn to say “no.” You don’t have to be a superhero who always does it all. Make clear boundaries in your work and personal life.

●      Self-care — Take time for you. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

●      Explore career changes — If you do decide to leave your job, take your time to look for a job that can better align with your passions and values.

Searching for “low-stress, high-paying jobs” can be a red flag that you’re experiencing burnout. Your current high-pressure role doesn’t have to keep you physically and emotionally exhausted. Considering a career change is a valid option. However, addressing the root cause of your burnout and learning healthy coping strategies is important. Finding the right work-life balance is the key to a fulfilling and sustainable professional life.

Halcyon Therapy Group can help you kick burnout to the curb so you don’t have to search for a “low-stress, high-paying job”

Life is complicated and messy. When it comes to mental health, we believe there’s no one-size-fits-all. At Halcyon Therapy Group, we understand just how important you and your unique situation and perspectives are. That’s why we offer a suite of services tailored specifically to you and your needs. You deserve better, and we are here to help. Book your complimentary consultation today and start living the life you always dreamed of.