Feeling stuck? Deciding when to walk away from a career for your mental health & wellbeing

In a culture where our jobs often define us, letting go of a career goal or switching paths can feel incredibly daunting. It's a luxury not everyone can afford, especially those living paycheck to paycheck. However, if your job is making you miserable or your original goals no longer align with your future happiness, it's worth considering a re-evaluation. Sometimes, a bold change is exactly what you need to thrive.

Everyone deserves to earn a living without sacrificing their health. In a competitive world, choosing self-care is a courageous act and a bold step toward growth.

Signs you should walk away

We all hit bumps and detours while chasing a goal. But how do you tell a speed bump from a dead end that no longer fuels your growth and joy? Mental health professionals often suggest reflecting on how your current situation affects you both physically and mentally:

• Are you still connected to a larger sense of purpose?
• Does your work allow you to pursue things that truly matter, like family, community or fulfilling activities?
• Is your office environment supportive, or is it toxic and harmful?

If you’re still inspired by your dream but trapped in poor working conditions, you might simply be yearning for a more respectful and sustainable environment to pursue your goals (and you deserve that!). If the goals you once cherished no longer excite you, it might be time for a bold, new change.

These decisions aren’t just about logic. Psychological stress impacts every facet of our health. Those who've changed career paths for their mental wellbeing often urge you to listen to your body. If you often get ill due to stress from your work, this is a very good indicator to reconsider.

Now that you know what to look for when you’re considering walking away from a career that’s making you unhappy, let’s dive into how you can take steps to maintain your mental wellbeing during this shift.

Radical acceptance of your current state

Radical acceptance is a powerful concept rooted in mindfulness and psychological resilience. It encourages you to fully acknowledge your current circumstances without judgement or resistance. This approach is especially valuable for those feeling career dissatisfaction and contemplating a major life change for their mental health and wellbeing. By embracing radical acceptance, you give yourself the mental space to truly understand your feelings and emotions, free from the cloud of denial or frustration.

No doubt, facing the realities of your job situation can feel overwhelming. You might experience a whirlwind of emotions—disappointment, regret, anxiety, even helplessness. But remember, radical acceptance doesn't mean throwing in the towel. It means embracing these feelings as a genuine part of your journey. By acknowledging them, you can ease the mental strain of constant internal battles, clearing the path for sharper thinking and better decision-making.

Practicing radical acceptance means you stop wasting energy fighting your reality and start channeling it into constructive solutions. This might mean pinpointing the stress points in your job or exploring career paths that better align with your values and goals. The ultimate aim? To reach a state of clarity and empowerment, enabling you to make informed decisions about your career and personal wellbeing.

Ultimately, radical acceptance can be a powerful tool for cultivating self-compassion. Imagine giving yourself the permission to feel stuck without the burden of guilt or shame—it's liberating! Embracing your emotions can pave the way to a more fulfilling and balanced life, even if it means stepping away from a stable career.

Explore your values

Another crucial step in this journey is to dive deep and uncover your core values. These values are the guiding principles and beliefs that shape your life choices, representing what matters most to you. They are the bedrock of maintaining your personal and professional fulfillment.

Reflecting on your values involves asking deep, introspective questions, like:

• What are your priorities in life?
• What makes you feel fulfilled and motivated?
• Are you able to align these values with your current career?

When your job clashes with your core values, it can lead to stress, dissatisfaction, and burnout. Imagine valuing work-life balance but constantly being demanded to work overtime—such a mismatch can seriously affect your mental health.

Writing down your values and how they manifest in your daily life can bring incredible clarity. Try creating a list of your top five values and ranking them—it's a powerful exercise. Once you’ve identified them, compare these values with your job. Are there opportunities within your current role to honor these principles, or is a career change calling your name? This practice is great for helping you make informed decisions that bolster your mental health and overall wellbeing.

Don’t hesitate to also seek feedback from trusted friends, family or a career coach. They can offer fresh perspectives and help you discover any blind spots. Even more importantly, their support can be invaluable as you navigate this tough decision-making journey.

Approach the future with curiosity

When stepping away from a long-held career, it's essential to embrace the future with curiosity instead of fear. This mindset can be incredibly liberating and empowering, opening doors to new possibilities and unlocking your true potential. Curiosity fuels innovation and personal growth, encouraging you to tackle life's challenges proactively. By staying curious, you open yourself to countless opportunities, even those that aren't immediately visible.

To nurture your healthy curiosity, try viewing change as a journey rather than a destination. This shift in perspective transforms anxiety about the unknown into excitement for discovery. Keep your mind active and engaged by pursuing continuous learning through formal education, online courses, or self-directed reading. Additionally, connecting with others who have successfully transitioned careers can offer valuable insights, support, and inspiration, making the process less daunting and more invigorating.

Curiosity can spark better mental health by easing the stress of career changes. Embrace an inquisitive mindset, and you'll likely adopt a positive outlook, viewing challenges as growth opportunities. Techniques like mindfulness and meditation can further nurture a curious, open mind, helping you manage emotional wellbeing during transitions.

To wrap up, taking this balanced approach can lead to career choices that are as fulfilling as they are sustainable, giving a big boost to your mental health and wellbeing. Think of the unknown not as a void, but as a blank canvas ripe for your masterpiece. By aligning your future with both your professional goals and personal happiness, you turn uncertainty into opportunity. Keep working on your overall wellbeing and watch your future shine like a thousand-watt bulb!

If you're feeling stuck in your career and looking for a way forward, our Associate Programme offers a safe and supportive path for making a career change to one with more impact and purpose. Discover more about how it can help you make this transition here.

This blog post was co-authored by PMAC, a UK based organisation of mental health & wellbeing trainers providing psychologically-informed workplace mental health training to businesses in the UK.