Level Up - Burnout Edition

Lately I've been thinking of a few different but related topics revolving around #burnout , professional development, career advancement and #growth in general. In part because in my own work I seem to constantly look for (glass) ceilings to break and through a few comments and requests I've received in my posts here on LinkedIn .

One of these comments was coming from a seasoned architect and quite frankly was disturbingly dire - he seemed to be saying something like why would someone pursue a career in such a field that is so unrewarding and on the other side of the spectrum; way, way other side was somebody entering the field looking for advice on how to build a portfolio and get to the next level in their burgeoning career. Could these two extremes be tackled with the same response? Let's break it down... So on one hand we have someone who is perhaps experiencing both mental fatigue and on the other someone who is eager to expand their knowledge and enter the field.

Let's face it, we've all experienced burnout in our personal and professional lives. That just seems to be a part of it. As architects, but this also applies to other professionals across the board, it's essential to continuously strive for growth and development in our careers. However, the pressure to constantly push ourselves to the next level can lead to burnout if we're not careful.

It's important to recognize that growth doesn't always mean moving up the ladder to a higher position or salary. It can also mean gaining new skills, taking on challenging projects, and expanding our knowledge.

At every stage of our careers, it's vital to seek out mentors and colleagues who can offer guidance and support. They can help us identify areas for improvement and push us to reach our full potential. But it's equally critical to practice self-care to prevent burnout. Taking breaks, disconnecting from work after hours, and prioritizing our mental and physical well-being are essential to sustaining long-term career growth.

Whether we're just starting out in our careers or are seasoned professionals, there's always room for growth and improvement. With a growth mindset and a focus on self-care, we can continue to level up and reach new heights in our architectural careers. And the good news is that sometimes burnout is a sign that we are on the brink of an achievement we've been working hard toward.

Here are some tips on avoiding burnout and leveling up your career as an architect (but hey if you are a contractor it works too!)

1. Set realistic goals and prioritize your workload: It's easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer number of tasks and projects that come your way. Make sure to set realistic goals and prioritize the most important tasks first. This will help you avoid burnout and manage your workload more effectively. I haven't always been very good at this but time has taught me to take a step back and maybe take more time and results will follow.
2. Take time for yourself: It's important to take breaks and recharge your batteries. Make sure to take time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax, whether it's exercising, reading or spending time with friends and family. Treat yourself as if you would your child and employee. I've always put tremendous pressure on myself and pushed myself really hard on occasion and have only started practicing this in more recent years. When we give ourselves time to rest and play, we give our minds the breadth to come up with better solutions and be more creative. This is super important!
3. Expand your knowledge and skills: Don't just rely on what you already know. Keep developing your skills and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve. Attend industry events and conferences, or take courses to learn new techniques and technologies. I teach several courses here on LinkedIn on process, projects and practice but there are many more. Light that spark of knowledge seeking and sharing. This one is just as true later in our careers as it is when we first start. Remember, fatigue can come from boredom too. Don't be lazy!
4. Seek out mentorship and collaboration opportunities or be a mentor: Look for opportunities to learn from others in your field or collaborate with colleagues on projects. This can help you grow your skills and develop new perspectives, while also building valuable professional relationships. On the other hand, giving back to our profession can be just as rewarding. There are so many young architects and professionals that can learn from you. Pay it forward!
5. Take an active role in shaping your career: Don't wait for opportunities to come your way. Take an active role in shaping your career by setting clear goals and seeking out opportunities to advance your skills and knowledge. Be proactive and assertive. We all have so much we can offer the world so get up and start moving (and shaking!). Write that resume, change your employer if you need to, talk to people. Be open, be wired, be excited and opportunities will come your way!

While the demands of a career in architecture may sometimes seem overwhelming, with the right approach, it's possible to avoid burnout and take your career to the next level. By setting realistic goals, taking breaks, expanding your knowledge and seeking mentorship and collaboration opportunities, you can stay engaged and motivated while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career in architecture.

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