Midlife Burnout & The Urge to Quit Everything - How to Regain Balance Without Running Away
Remember when work used to excite you? When you had big dreams, energy, and maybe even a healthy work-life balance? Now, if your job feels more like a long, exhausting marriage, where you barely tolerate Monday mornings and fantasise about retirement (or a sudden lottery win) - you might be experiencing midlife career burnout. But don’t pack your bags just yet. Before you start researching remote villages to disappear into, let’s talk about the signs of burnout and how to find balance (without quitting everything and running off to open a beachside café)
Signs You Might Be Burned Out at Work
- Everything Feels Like Too Much Effort
Tasks that used to be easy now feel like climbing Everest - without oxygen. - You’re Unreasonably Annoyed by Emails
Even the most harmless message (“Just checking in…”) makes you want to throw your laptop out the window. - You Daydream About Early Retirement
Or about switching careers to something totally unexpected, like llama farming. - Your Work-Life Balance is… Nonexistent
The emails never stop, the pressure keeps piling up, and personal time? What’s that?
How to Escape Burnout & Reclaim Your Energy
- Set Boundaries Like You Mean It
You are not required to answer emails at midnight. Work will survive without you for a few hours. - Find Meaning Again
What made you love your work in the first place? Can you shift your focus or responsibilities to something more fulfilling? - Prioritise Self-Care
No, "self-care" isn’t just about bubble baths (though those help). It’s about sleep, movement, hobbies, and time away from screens. - Talk to Someone Who Gets It
Give Midlife Therapy a call or speak to an honest friend who can help you figure out if it’s time for a shift, or just a well-earned break. - Consider a Career Pivot (Without Panic)
If burnout is a sign of deeper dissatisfaction, explore options. Maybe it’s a new role, new field, or just a new mindset.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Burnout doesn’t mean failure - it means it’s time for a change. Whether that’s tweaking your current job, adjusting your mindset, or making a bold career move, you have options. And if all else fails, there’s always the dream of running off to a tropical island. But for now - let’s try boundaries, balance, and maybe just a little less caffeine.
If you would like support with burnout, get in touch with me to arrange a free Discovery Session.