Break or Breakup? How to Decide if it's Time to Move On

Today, we're addressing a dilemma many high-achieving women in the corporate world face: Should you take a break or break up with your job? 

We delve into the signs of burnout, from emotional exhaustion to physical symptoms, and explore whether a temporary break can rejuvenate you or if it's time for a more permanent change. Learn how to prioritize your happiness and well-being while making career decisions that align with your values.

Bithiah shares personal experiences of navigating toxic work environments and the clarity gained from taking breaks. Discover essential questions to ask yourself to determine your next steps and remember that no job is worth sacrificing your health and joy.

Join us for this insightful discussion and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Your well-being is your greatest asset!

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Hey there, and welcome back to another episode of the Be Well Club.
It's your host, Pithia, and today we're tackling something that so many of us
high-achieving women in the corporate world grapple with.
You know, when you're juggling the demands of work and life,
how do you know when it is time to take a step back, to recharge,

(00:22):
or maybe even make a bigger change?
That's right, we're talking about the big question here. Should you take a break
or should you break up with your job?
Let's dive right in. So first things first, let's talk about burnout.
We all have those days where we feel tired or a bit overwhelmed.

(00:46):
But burnout, honestly, that is a whole different ballgame.
It's that deep exhaustion emotionally, physically, mentally that comes from
dealing with stress for way too long.
And let's be real, many women, especially those of us in leadership roles,
know this feeling all too well.

(01:08):
So if you're feeling constantly drained, you've lost that spark of motivation,
or you're even noticing physical symptoms like headaches or trouble sleeping.
It might be a sign that burnout is knocking at your door.
The tricky part is figuring out if
a little time off will do the

(01:30):
trick or if it's time for a more drastic change and let's not forget the importance
of happiness in all of this we can achieve amazing things in our careers but
if it comes at the cost of our joy and well-being is it really worth it,
Remember, no corner office or impressive title can truly replace a feeling of

(01:53):
genuine happiness and fulfillment.
And it is essential for us to prioritize our emotional health and make choices
that align with our values and brings us joy, right?
All right, so how do we decide, break or break up? Well, here are a few questions to get you thinking.
First up, why are you feeling this way? Is it something temporary,

(02:17):
like a crazy project at work?
Or has this feeling been building up for a while?
If it's the latter a break
just might not cut it next think
about what you really want out of your career does your current job still fit
into that bigger picture a break can definitely help you gain some clarity but

(02:41):
if your goals have shifted it might be time to explore new horizons also Also,
how is your work affecting your life outside of the office?
Are you missing out on quality time with loved ones? Or maybe feeling like work
is taking over everything?
For us high achieving women, you know how important it is to find that balance.

(03:07):
And finally, ask yourself, have you lost that passion?
If that excitement you once had for your work is gone and you just can't see
it coming back, well, that could be a sign that it is time to explore new opportunities.
Remember, your career should contribute to your happiness, not detract from it.

(03:29):
And if you're constantly feeling stressed, unfulfilled, or like you're sacrificing
your well-being, it's definitely time to take a serious look at whether your
current job is truly serving you.
Now, if you're leaning towards taking a break, let's make sure you do it right. Right.
I've been there myself, not once, but twice.

(03:51):
There were times when I felt like I desperately needed a breather.
The first time, it was a combination of a toxic work environment and feeling
like I had hit a ceiling in terms of career growth.
I'm someone who thrives on challenges and the job just wasn't mentally stimulating anymore.
And then the second time, it was another incredibly toxic workplace coupled

(04:15):
with some personal challenges.
And I wasn't sure if quitting was the right answer, so I decided to take a break first.
I took time for myself, reconnected with my boyfriend, and it was truly relaxing when I took that break.
And you know what? Because I was able to step back and de-stress,
I gained so much clarity.

(04:37):
I could finally think rationally about my situation.
Sometimes though, even after a break, the realization hits that it is not just
temporary fatigue, it is a fundamental mismatch.
And you know what? That's what happened to me.
After my second break, I tried to make things work. I attempted to change what

(05:00):
I could within my control.
But the toxicity was just too pervasive. It was affecting my health.
I have asthma and the stress was triggering attacks.
I was honestly neglecting my personal life, my relationship, everything.
And that's when I finally understood that no job is worth sacrificing your health and happiness.

(05:23):
It was honestly time to say goodbye for me.
And so if you find yourself in a similar situation, whether even after a break,
you're You're still deeply, where even after a break, you're still deeply unhappy.
There is no room for growth.
The environment is toxic or your values no longer align with the company's.

(05:49):
It might be time to consider a breakout. Because remember, you deserve to feel
valued, respected, and fulfilled in your work.
And if your current job isn't providing that, don't be afraid to walk away and
create space for something that will.
So yeah, there you have it. Deciding whether to take a break or break up with

(06:12):
your job is a big deal. No kidding.
Especially for those of us in high pressure roles, right?
But by taking the time to reflect and ask yourself the right questions,
you can make the choice that is best for you. And hey, as a wellness coach, I'm here to support you.
If you need some personalized guidance, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram.

(06:36):
DM me. I'm happy to help you out.
I've been through those tough decisions myself and I know how overwhelming it can feel.
But trust me, really, no, trust me, prioritizing your well-being is never the wrong choice.
Alrighty, thanks for tuning in to the Be Well Club podcast and if you enjoyed

(07:00):
this episode don't forget to subscribe and leave a review,
Remember and always remember your well-being is your greatest asset and until
next time, I'm Bithya and this has been the Be Well Club Bye!