Dear Nancy:
I’ve been feeling hopeless about my career path and I think I’ve finally reached my breaking point. I’m a 35 year old working three jobs just to pay the bills and help my mom with her medical expenses. It makes me sad because I don’t feel fulfilled in any of the jobs I have. I work at a grocery store, assist a company remotely with their social media, and volunteer as a paid coach for young kids with disabilities. My volunteer work is rewarding because I know I’m making a difference, but on top of my other two jobs, it feels like I’m giving too much of myself. I’m discouraged when I see my friends get into relationships or buy houses while I’m stuck on this hamster wheel. How can I enjoy life more and make changes to not burn out while still managing to pay the bills?
Sincerely, Constantly Exhausted
Dear Constantly Exhausted,
I can tell that your many responsibilities are weighing heavily on your shoulders. It’s even more frustrating if you believe you don’t have any options. The good news is that if you’re unhappy with the jobs you’re currently working, you are more than capable of finding a new career. Consider the skills you have developed from working at the grocery store, doing social media, and volunteering as a coach. Maybe you’ve learned to thrive in a fast-paced environment or are technologically savvy. These are the talents you can use to update your resume and stand out on job boards. You might have to set aside a whole day each week to search for new opportunities. The time and effort you put in will be worth it when you find one job that can provide the same income or even higher pay than your current positions. This would free up a lot of your time and allow you to pursue fun hobbies. I also understand how overwhelming life can feel when you are constantly moving from one responsibility to the next without a break. You have to find a way to release pent up energy if you want to avoid burning out. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities that will help you purge any negative feelings. You can go for a run or a relaxing stroll around your neighborhood to get your body moving. Or sometimes you just need a good cry and calling up a friend to have a heart-to-heart can make you feel so much lighter. I know it’s challenging to see the light at the end of the tunnel right now, but try to remember that you have the power to change your circumstances. You already impact so many people’s lives, whether it’s making someone smile at the grocery store or encouraging young kids, so be proud of how hard you work. By finding outlets to let go of any frustrations, you will feel empowered to turn your life around so you can finally enjoy it to the fullest.
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