Resetting Your Career: How Walking Away from Stress Leads to New Opportunities

Work is a major part of our lives. On average, Americans spend at least 40 hours a week working, and an additional 4.5 hours commuting. While work should never replace family or personal time, it occupies a large portion of our days. At the very least, we shouldn’t dread going to work every day. While achieving your “dream” job is no easy feat, allowing job-related stress or dissatisfaction to negatively impact your personal life is a clear signal that change is necessary.

Is the Stress or Unhappiness Something You Can Change?

This first step is crucial. It requires honest self-reflection and perhaps input from a few trusted, neutral sources. Ask yourself: is this role your “dream” job, or are there certain aspects you truly enjoy, such as the location, work environment, or a supportive boss or team? Conversely, is there a specific factor—like a difficult co-worker or supervisor—that’s causing your stress or dissatisfaction?

Pinpointing the root cause of your unhappiness is essential. Once you’ve identified it, consider whether it’s something that can be mitigated or addressed, either through HR or a direct conversation with your supervisor. However, be selective about whose opinions you seek. Too many voices, especially from co-workers or pushy family members, can complicate your decision-making.

Consider seeking advice from a career counselor or therapist for an impartial perspective. Sometimes, the stress might stem from internal factors—like perfectionism or micromanaging your team—rather than external ones. By gathering objective insights before making a significant decision, you can avoid finding yourself in a similar situation down the road.

Can You Afford to Quit?

As much as some of us would love to make a quick exit from a stressful work environment, financial considerations play a key role in the decision-making process. Before handing in your resignation, ensure that you’ve either saved enough to cover your expenses for a while or secured another job. This is especially true if you’re planning to take a step back in your career path, perhaps moving from a high-stress management role to an entry-level position.

This transition might include a significant pay cut, so it’s important to prepare financially by reducing recurring expenses where possible. Making these adjustments ahead of time will provide a smoother shift and reduce the financial stress that often accompanies career changes.

The Difficulty of Letting Go

It can be tough to let go, especially when we’ve internalized the idea that “work is family.” While passion for your work is admirable, it’s crucial to remember that your employer is not your family. You may feel emotionally invested in a project or connected to colleagues, but prioritizing your mental and physical health must come first.

You may be in the middle of a major project and feel compelled to see it through, but in the long run, you will never regret putting your well-being ahead of work. Ultimately, your future self will thank you for making the decision to protect your health.

The Link Between Health and Work Stress

The connection between job stress and overall health cannot be overstated. Studies, such as those conducted by the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, highlight how our mental health is deeply influenced by job demands, workload, and the amount of autonomy we have in our roles. High stress levels at work can bleed into other areas of life, affecting your diet, sleep, mood, and more.

Ignoring these signs can lead to long-term health issues. If your job is causing you to skip meals, eat poorly, or suffer from sleep deprivation, it may be time to reassess your situation. Seeking support from a mental health professional can provide valuable insights and help you develop strategies for dealing with stress.

Gaining Clarity and Perspective

Stepping away from a stressful job offers a valuable opportunity to gain clarity. When you're constantly overwhelmed, it’s difficult to see the bigger picture or evaluate your situation objectively. Taking a break—whether temporary or permanent—can allow you to re-examine your career goals and realign your path with what truly matters to you.

Have you always dreamed of a different career, like working in the fashion industry, but feel trapped in your current 9-to-5? Walking away can give you the space to explore new possibilities. Letting go of what no longer serves you can open doors to fresh opportunities, whether it's a new job, deeper friendships, or a stronger sense of self.

In the end, quitting isn’t just about leaving a stressful job—it’s about reclaiming your life and living in alignment with your values. It’s an empowering step that can help you take control of your future, allowing you to lead a more fulfilling, balanced life.

Your Future Self Will Thank You

The decision to walk away from a stressful job is never easy, but the benefits are lasting. By prioritizing your well-being, you set the stage for long-term success—both personally and professionally. When you look back, you’ll be glad you took the brave step to choose your health and happiness over the comfort of a familiar but draining situation.

Your future self will be grateful for the courage it took to walk away, for the clarity it brought, and for the new opportunities it created. By making this choice, you’re setting yourself up for a life that aligns with your goals, values, and passions.

Sources:

Kelley School of Business. (2020, May 19). Is your job killing you? stress, lack of autonomy and ability can lead to depression and death. Indiana University News. https://news.iu.edu/live/news/26873-is-your-job-killing-you-stress-lack-of-autonomy