You have a job that is so stressful, you can’t take it anymore. You’re burned out and you know something has to change. But as you’re searching for a new job, you realize something. What if your new job ALSO burns you out all over again?
This new thought has added an important element to your job search: Find a new job that won’t burn you out. But how can you do that? You don’t have a crystal ball that will help you predict whether or not a new job is potentially stressful. What should you do?
Look for these red flags
The key is looking for a few things in the job description, as well as when you talk to the employer or hiring manager during the interview:
- No opportunity for rest. A job that includes the following in the description could indicate there’s a large workload and you could run into trouble taking time off when you need it:
- “Tight deadlines”
- “Multiple projects”
- “Fast-paced environment”
- “Short turn-arounds”
Also, a job that seems to combine the responsibilities of multiple positions into one could be a warning sign that it’s pretty stressful. You might also ask during the interview what the PTO policy is… are managers open to and positive about taking time to rest, or is it often viewed as a negative?
- Close and frequent contact with managers and clients. Being constantly contacted by your manager and/or clients can be exhausting. Many people appreciate manager involvement to understand their tasks and what’s expected, but then need time to do their work. Micromanagement and overly demanding clients can quickly lead to burnout.
- A previous employee abandoned the job. One important question to ask during any interview: “Why did the previous person leave the job?” If you’re interviewing for a position for which they need a quick fill-in because the previous person left without much notice, this could be an indication the job is high-stress.
- Lack of connection. For many, the knowledge that your work contributes to the overall mission and goals of the company feels good. But if you don’t feel your work makes a difference, it can be frustrating, as well as tiring. Look for a company with a good and supportive company culture, and with a mission statement, you can get behind. At the interview, ask how your work is related to the big picture to help the company reach its goals. If you get a vague answer, this could be a red flag.
- Remote work. For some, remote work is ideal. But if you’re someone who appreciates the community of an office full of coworkers, remote work can feel isolating. A position that requires you to work from home might lead to burnout after a while.
Need help finding a job that is just right for you?
HireCall can help. We work with candidates across a wide range of industries to find work that’s just right. We also specialize in light industrial and office/clerical jobs. To learn more, visit our job search page today!
