Feeling lost and burnt out? You're not alone. A shocking 90% of UK workers are unhappy at work or at least lack enthusiasm, according to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2023 report.
From the moment we enter the education system at age five, we're told what's right, what's wrong, and what we need to learn. Once that chapter closes, the pressure shifts to finding a job – a stable, secure path that pays the bills.
Sure, some young adults are encouraged to chase their dreams, but for many, the message is clear: get a job.
This creates immense pressure on young people to not only know what they want out of life but also what path to take in education and their career – all before their adult brains have developed and they've had a chance to discover who they truly are.
Is it any surprise then, that when a sense of self finally starts to emerge around age twenty five, adults in their late twenties and beyond find themselves feeling lost, unfulfilled, and burnt out?
Work-Life Balance: A Different Perspective
Let's take a step back and consider how we spend our time. We often assume work takes up the biggest chunk. But with a little math, we can see it's the other 84 hours a week that hold immense power.
Here's the breakdown:
Global work week average - 35 hours per week
Work might feel like the biggest time suck because of how the traditional workweek is structured. But the reality is, it's how you spend those remaining 84 hours that can make the biggest difference.
The question this begs is:
If you're feeling lost and burnt out, is it truly your job that's draining you, or is it how you're utilizing those other 84 hours?
Think about it. If you spend that free time glued to the couch, mindlessly scrolling social media trying to get a dopamine hit, binging on Netflix and never seeing daylight, chances are you won't feel very fulfilled.
Reframing Your Career
No one should stay in a job they despise. If your current role or company is sucking the life out of you, it's time to find a new one. You deserve a job that excites you, challenges you to grow, and ideally, provides a supportive and encouraging environment.
However, the truth is, not everyone will find their 'dream job'. Not everyone will love every aspect of their work every single day, I know I don't, and that's okay!! Because, ultimately, work shouldn't be your primary focus.
Your primary focus should be living your best life and doing things that light you up. Your career's purpose is to help you achieve that, not be the sole source of your happiness.
So, how might your perception of work change if you viewed it through a different lens? A lens that acknowledges the 35 hours you invest each week at work, is what enables you to enrich and cherish the remaining 84 hours a week you have?
Finding Your Path
Happiness / purpose / alignment - It’s not an end goal you're trying to reach. It’s a path you choose to walk. Finding your north star and what lights you up can take years to discover, but the journey to get there is half the fun. Making the most of your 84 hours a week comes down to 3 simple questions:
What do you want to spend it doing? (Learning, growing, exploring, physical activities, spiritual practices)
Who do you want to spend it with? (Friends, partners, family, communities)
How do you want to feel during that time? (Excited, challenged, motivated, inspired)
By taking the time to answer these questions and experiment with different activities, you can start to craft a life that feels fulfilling, no matter what your job title may be.