Finding Balance: A Control Engineer's Journey to Career Detox

Summary: In the fast-paced world of control engineering, burnout can sneak up on even the most dedicated professionals. Crystal, a seasoned control engineer, shares her experience recognizing the need for a career detox—not just burnout—and the steps she took to reclaim her passion, along with tips for others in similar situations.

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest and relax.” — Mark Black

Meet Crystal: Change is gonna come

As a control engineer, Crystal spent years fine-tuning systems, troubleshooting complex problems, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. However, one fateful project left her feeling drained and disillusioned. A demanding deadline, coupled with unforeseen technical challenges, pushed her to her limits. Exhausted, she realized that the passion she once felt for her work had been replaced by a sense of dread.

Understanding Burnout vs. Career Detox

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork. Symptoms include fatigue, cynicism, and a feeling of inefficacy. It’s often marked by an inability to engage with work meaningfully, resulting in a decline in productivity and a negative outlook.

In contrast, the need for a career detox is about stepping back from the daily grind to reassess your relationship with your job. It involves recognizing that your work may have become overly consuming, even if you’re not experiencing full-blown burnout. It’s about reclaiming your sense of purpose and passion before reaching the point of no return.

The Moment of Recognition

Crystal’s turning point came during a late-night project meeting. Surrounded by her team, she realized she was zoning out, her mind a whirlpool of stress and exhaustion. As colleagues animatedly discussed their ideas, she felt like an outsider in her own career. That night, she came home, looked in the mirror, and asked herself, “Is this what I want my career to look like?” The answer was a resounding no. She understood that she needed a detox before burnout took hold.

The Path to Renewal

Recognizing the need for change was just the first step. Crystal embarked on a journey to detox from the high-pressure environment of her job. Inspired by a coaching practice she had encountered, she implemented a three-step approach that anyone can follow:

1. Reflect: Crystal began by asking herself a series of introspective questions, like, “How am I doing?” and “What has occupied my thinking this quarter?” She dedicated time to evaluate her feelings, energy levels, and overall job satisfaction, noting patterns that indicated whether her emotional state was positive or negative.
2. Reassess: Next, she revisited her core values. Crystal asked herself what mattered most to her in her career. Was it collaboration, innovation, or work-life balance? By aligning her values with her daily responsibilities, she gained clarity on what aspects of her job needed adjustment.
3. Detox: Finally, armed with insights from her reflections and reassessment, Crystal identified what she could add or subtract from her work life. She decided to delegate certain tasks that drained her energy and sought opportunities that aligned with her newfound focus on creativity and teamwork.

Tips for Fellow Engineers

If you find yourself in a similar situation, consider these practical steps:

• Check In Regularly: Just as seasons change, so do our needs and values. Take time at least once a quarter to assess your satisfaction and emotional state at work.
• Ask Reflective Questions: Set aside time to answer questions like: "Reflecting on the past six months, what specific moments or tasks at work have made me feel fulfilled, and which have left me feeling drained or dissatisfied? What patterns do I notice, and how can I adjust my responsibilities to enhance my overall job satisfaction?"
• Document Your Insights: Keep a journal or mood board to track your feelings and reflections. This can help you notice patterns over time.
• Reassess Your Values: Periodically evaluate what is most important to you. Consider how your values may have evolved and whether they align with your current job.
• Make Changes: Use the insights you gain to determine what you can subtract, add, or keep in your work life. Be proactive in advocating for your needs and aligning your responsibilities with what energizes you.

“Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.” — Buddha

Crystal's journey to a career detox transformed her perspective and reignited her passion for engineering. By prioritizing her well-being, she not only improved her work-life balance but also enhanced her performance at work. Remember, it’s never too late to take a step back and reassess what truly matters in your career.

Reader Question: Have you ever felt burned out in your career? What steps did you take to find balance again?

Suggested Hashtags for Sharing: #CareerDetox #ControlEngineering #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #ProfessionalGrowth

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My Recent Interview on "Engineering Success" (Click)

Marc LeVine is a Syracuse (NY) University graduate with a degree in Industrial Psychology; Marc is currently a Talent Acquisitions Manager at Thermo Systems. He received the Excellence in Talent Acquisitions Award from HR Awards in 2021.

Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ; Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ; InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge, NJ and Plainsboro, NJ; and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ; a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune, and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey-based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm, for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his Freehold Borough, NJ hometown.

Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ; Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ; InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge, NJ and Plainsboro, NJ; and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ; a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune, and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey-based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm, for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his Freehold Borough, NJ hometown.

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