We’re all familiar with those dreaded Sunday scaries; after a lovely weekend spent relaxing and unwinding, it’s natural to let out a moderate sigh when the thought of work the next day pops into your head. But what if this feeling is a constant one, and you find yourself dreading work more often than not? You could be experiencing career fatigue.

It might be reassuring to know, though, that if you feel this way, you are certainly not alone. In fact, research from Gallup found that employment unhappiness reached an all-time high in 2022, leading many people to seek a career change. But, let’s face it, simply packing your bags, handing in your notice and hopping into another job – let alone into another industry all together – isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially in this economic climate. Trying to navigate your feelings about your job and whether leaving it is the right thing to do – mentally, emotionally and financially – is extremely intimidating.

But knowing how to recognise signs of career fatigue, and more importantly knowing when a job is harming your mental health, is essential to establishing a healthy and happy work-life balance. Perhaps you need to renegotiate the terms of your role to play to more of your interests, or perhaps it is time for a job change. But if you are finding yourself conflicted by this all important choice, we got you. 

Stylist sought out some career experts to help you answer these tough questions, and carve out the right path for you. Here’s what they said.

Career fatigue, according to personal change life coach Deborah Southgate, can often begin with “a sense of imbalance”. In other words, a significant gap between what you’re putting into your work compared to what you feel you’re getting out of it.

Much like romantic relationships, it comes down to needs being met. Feeling disenchanted or unhappy at the thought of your career prospects can develop when these needs are not met in your work life. These needs will likely boil down to “a feeling of personal growth and development, feeling accepted in the workplace and having enjoyable social interaction [with colleagues],” Southgate says.

One of the key warning signs that you might be experiencing career fatigue is constantly feeling little to no motivation to get up and go to work, says psychotherapist Laura Greenwood. “It can be easy for career fatigue to result in clinical levels of depression, stress, and anxiety,” she says. “Our career can feel like a huge part of our identity, so falling out of love with it, if there was ever a love story there to begin with, can lead us to feel like we do not know who we are anymore.” If you are feeling this way, know this is completely valid. 

Take time to come to terms with what you are feeling

It’s essential to recognise the difference between complete career dissatisfaction and having a few bad weeks. Is work going through a busy season? A particularly stressful campaign? This could be affecting your perception of your job, and might even pass in a few days or weeks.

“Sometimes there are just phases where work is not exciting and things need to shift,” says Laura Beyer, career fulfilment coach at The Female Factor. “But if this remains over a longer period of time, then listen to your gut, feelings, and body – they’ll tell you when it’s time to change things.”

Assess what’s important to you

When you feel you’re about to enter a career crisis, it’s important to think deeply and strategically about what is working for you, and what isn’t. “Ask yourself, what do you want?” Greenwood advises. “What do you value when it comes to your career? Don’t be afraid to be bold here. No-one needs to see your list but you.”

She makes a good point – it’s no secret that when it comes to demanding more from our jobs, women often feel less confident to do so. A 2022 YouGov poll, for instance, found that 43% of men have asked for a pay rise in the past, compared to only a third of women. But it’s vital to remember that employment is a two way street: your job should satisfy you as much as your work should satisfy them.

Reclaim control

Even though it might not feel like it, remember that your job can, and should, serve you. “What keeps you going?” Greenwood encourages you to ask yourself. “Look for the diamond in there. There may be parts you do not love about your job, but there may be something, even if small, that you like, love, or value; be it a good colleague or having flexible hours to work around your other hobbies,” she says.

Remember that you have power. Beyer suggests that you ask yourself, “‘what CAN I do right now?’ Be it taking good care of yourself to preserve your energy, or looking for a new job. What IS within your control? This could mean talking to your current employer to see what options might be available. Sometimes, one conversation changes it all,” she reminds us.

Let’s face it, you might already be doing all of the above and are still feeling low about your job – that’s okay. There comes a time where you must put your mental health and happiness first. But how? Here’s some of the indicators that suggest your career fatigue is severe enough to consider making a lifestyle change, according to experts…

You’re seeing negative physical health effects

Sleep, or lack thereof, Southgate points out, is a good way to assess whether your job is affecting you to an unhealthy degree. “If your sleep is suffering – for example, waking up during the night thinking about work,” this is a sign your career is taking too much of a toll, she explains. Other physical symptoms might include feelings of “boredom, monotony, lack of purpose, drive, or creativity,” which can result in declining mood and poor mental health, says Greenwood.

Negativity begins to seep into your leisure time

Feeling down about your job during work hours is one thing, but if this low mood begins to entrench your personal, romantic and social lives, it might be time to call it a day. No job is worth sacrificing your mental wellbeing.

Symptoms of this might include “having little energy or motivation to be present in your relationships or spend time engaging in your hobbies. You may feel like all you do is work,” warns Greenwood. Southgate agrees. She adds that: “we all go through short periods of time when work can feel particularly challenging, but if feeling a constant dread about the thought of work becomes the norm for you, then it may be time to consider a change.”

Images: Getty