From Burnout to Balance: Lessons Learned in the Quest for a Fulfilling Career
In today’s fast-paced world, people often complain about the long hours they spend at work, leaving little time for other things like family or simply enjoying their own company. I was no exception to this.
I was an auditor at one of the Big 4 accounting firms, my working hours were excruciatingly long, particularly during the peak season from November to April. I used to complain incessantly about my lack of personal time. When I did have free time, I would spend it sleeping instead of hanging out with friends, and even when a project ended, I would rarely go on vacation.
However, when I eventually resigned from my job, I experienced a wave of euphoria. No more year-end audits, no more working on weekends, and no more overtime. I took a few weeks off to travel to Vietnam, Bali, and Yogyakarta, and for a while, it felt like I was living the life I’d always wanted.
But did things really change for me after I resigned?
After taking a few weeks of vacation, I started working as a digital marketer. Although my workload wasn’t as heavy as it was when I was an auditor, I found myself missing the hustle and bustle of my previous job. Whenever I had free time, I would keep myself busy writing articles, even if I wasn’t getting paid for it. As my skills as a digital marketer improved, I began taking on small-scale clients for my SEO consulting services.
Despite my initial desire for a job with shorter working hours, I found that my hours remained largely the same. I was surprised by this realization. Although I had traded in my calculator for creativity and replaced my audit suit with a marketing mindset, I remained as busy as ever. I discovered that I didn’t really enjoy relaxing, and instead, I would try to keep myself occupied with side hustles.
My reluctance to spend time hanging out with friends and family was a telling sign. Even when they invited me to socialize, I would often refuse and feel guilty when I did indulge in downtime. I realized that I genuinely enjoy working and being busy, and I don’t feel fulfilled unless I am constantly engaged in work.
As I reflect on my experience of leaving the Big 4 accounting firm and transitioning into a new career, I can’t help but wonder if my attachment to the working culture is what drives my constant need for productivity and the hustle. Or perhaps it’s just a part of who I am, someone who thrives on the rhythm of work and feels uneasy when idle.
Ultimately, it seems that the struggle to balance work and personal life is a universal challenge that many of us face, and it’s not always clear what the solution is. Perhaps it’s about finding the right job that allows us to pursue our passions while still giving us the time and space we need to recharge. Or maybe it’s about redefining what “work” means to us and finding ways to incorporate it into our personal lives. Whatever the answer may be, it’s clear that the quest for balance is ongoing and requires us to constantly evaluate our priorities and make intentional choices. In the end, it’s up to each of us to find our own ways to navigate this delicate balance and find fulfilment in both aspects of our lives.
