You Don’t Hate Working, You Hate That Job

You know the feeling.  You’re burnt out in your role at work.  It’s hard to get motivated and you don’t even like what you do anymore.  You want a change, but don’t know where to start.

First, you are NOT alone.  Thousands of people go through this every single day.  This is extremely common and it’s hard.  It just seems even harder when all you’re hearing is about a poor economy, how difficult it is to get a job and dealing with imposter syndrome at the same time. 

Now is the time to take a breath.  This is not a change to be done swiftly, but rather broken down into more palatable bites.

If you’re looking for a place to start, think about what you enjoy doing.  Think about what you’re good at and how you can leverage those knowledge, skills and abilities.  Ask yourself, what are some things that I’ve done in my career that I’m proud of?  It’ll help you reframe your mindset to more positive aspects of your success.

Next, start researching different jobs that utilize those skills.  Explore.  Go down the rabbit hole online.  Talk to friends.  Research.  Talk to AI.  Let yourself follow the internet wormholes and identify things that interest you.

Once you narrow down areas of interest and start identifying titles and types you’re interested in, now it’s time to look at the requirements.  Assess what’s expected and research what you need to do and ways you can upskill yourself to better align with those types of roles. There are plenty of online resources for free and affordable courses such as Alison.com, Udemy and Coursera.  Also look into local certification courses through your local community colleges and universities that offer boot camps, resources that are often overlooked.

Now that you have identified your path and you’re almost ready to move forward, start networking and reaching out to people in the type of roles you’re looking for.  Instead of asking them for a job or connection, ask them about their story and see if they have any advice on breaking into the field.  You’d be surprised at how willing people are to share their knowledge and help you out.

Finally, make sure your resume is prepared and highlights your most transferrable skills.  You never know when that right role you want to apply for is going to pop up.  Show actionable, impactful statements that demonstrate not only your transferable skills, but how you’ve used them to bring value and positive change.  Change doesn’t happen overnight, so give yourself grace during this time period if you can.  You’ve got this.

FAQs

Q: What are the signs of burnout at work?

A: Common signs include chronic exhaustion, lack of motivation, irritability, decreased performance, and feeling disconnected from your work. If you dread Mondays every week and feel emotionally drained most days, burnout may be the cause.**

Q: How do I start a career change when I feel stuck?

A: Start by identifying your strengths, interests, and proud career moments. Research roles that align with your transferable skills, then explore upskilling options and begin networking with professionals in those fields.**

Q: What are transferable skills and why do they matter?

A: Transferable skills are abilities you can apply across different roles or industries, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and project management. Employers value them because they demonstrate adaptability and real-world impact.**

Q: How can I upskill without going back to school full-time?

A: Use online learning platforms, certification programs, boot camps, and local community college courses. Many offer affordable, flexible options that allow you to build in-demand skills without committing to a full degree.**

Q: How do I network without asking someone for a job?

A: Focus on relationship-building. Ask professionals about their career paths, lessons learned, and advice for entering the field. Most people are more willing to help when you’re seeking insight rather than a direct job request.**

Q: How should I update my resume for a career pivot?

A: Highlight measurable achievements and emphasize transferable skills relevant to your new target role. Use action-driven statements that show how you created value, solved problems, or improved outcomes.**

Brought to you by:

Stephanie Welt, MSW, MSHRM is the founder and CEO of VAST HR.  She is a former psychotherapist and HR Executive known for her comprehensive approach to resume building that helps her clients rediscover their confidence.  She can be found on social media at: LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram or at Stephanie@vasthr.com