You’re doing your job. You turn up, you deliver what’s expected of you. And yet… it feels different from how it used to. You’re less enthusiastic, you feel less engaged, and you’re “just doing what you have to”.
It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it doesn’t feel right either.
What’s going on here?
More and more people find themselves in a sort of limbo. Not burnt out. No plans to resign. And no real drive left either. You could describe it as: to take a step back mentally
How do you notice this in yourself?
Sometimes it’s the little things that matter:
- You’re taking less initiative
- You’re avoiding taking on extra responsibility
- You find yourself counting down to the end of the day more often
- Things that used to give you energy leave you cold
You carry on as normal. But the spark is gone.
It’s not just down to you
We’re quick to blame ourselves. And we think, “Perhaps I need to think a bit more positively.” “Perhaps it’s down to my motivation.” Often, however, it’s much more than that.
The context in which we work has changed. Jobs are changing faster than ever, and expectations continue to rise. With so much hybrid working, a sense of connection with colleagues is becoming less of a given. And boundaries between work and private life fade away. It’s actually only natural that this wears us out.
Walking away is often a form of self-protection
What looks like indifference is often something else. It’s a form of self-preservation. Your system senses: “This is asking too much, for too long.” So you switch to a lower gear.
Not because you don’t want to. But because you have no choice.
What might help?
You don’t have to make drastic decisions straight away. Start on a smaller scale than you might think.
- Take a moment to reflect on what what provides energy and what consumes energy
- Reconnect with your colleagues on a genuine level
- Talk about what’s bothering you (even if it’s nerve-wracking)
- Ask yourself: does this still suit me?
No quick fixes. Just honest questions.
In conclusion
Mental burnout isn’t the end of the road. It’s a warning sign. Something inside you that says: “I don’t want to carry on like this.”
And perhaps that isn’t a problem to be solved quickly, but rather an invitation to pause and look at things differently.
- What do I need to feel energised again?
- Where exactly is the problem?
- What do I want to keep, and what do I want to let go of?
These are questions you can’t always sort out on your own. Sometimes it helps to look at them with someone else. Someone who helps you slow down, focus and see things from a different angle.
Career coaching can provide a safe and clear space for this. Not to make big decisions straight away, but to help you reconnect with what feels right for you.
Would you like to book a free introductory consultation?
Please contact Virginie Parent at virginie.parent@healthcube.be
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