#103. Burnout or Bad Fit? The Question That Could Change Your Career
If you’ve ever fantasized about walking into work and quitting on the spot, you’re not alone. Many SLPs, OTs, and PTs have been there — stuck in a swirl of exhaustion, resentment, and second-guessing. But before you throw in the towel, ask yourself: Is this true burnout… or is my job just not aligned with my needs anymore?
In this post, we're diving into how to tell the difference — and why it matters more than you think.
First, Let’s Define Burnout (Clinically)
We toss around the word “burnout” a lot — and while it’s relatable, it’s also often misused.
The World Health Organization classifies burnout as a workplace phenomenon with three main characteristics:
1️⃣ Emotional exhaustion
2️⃣ Mental distance or cynicism toward your job
3️⃣ Reduced professional efficacy (aka: you can’t perform like you used to)
If you’re ticking all three boxes? Yes, it’s likely burnout.
But there’s a twist: sometimes what looks like burnout is really something else.
When Burnout Isn’t Burnout — It’s Misalignment
Maybe you’re not clinically burned out. Maybe your job, your setting, or your schedule just isn’t matching your values and needs anymore.
This is called misalignment, and it shows up in ways like:
Dreading tasks you once enjoyed
Fantasizing about leaving your job — constantly
Feeling irritable or snappy after work
Feeling stuck and ashamed for not “figuring it out” like everyone else
These are signs your job might no longer reflect your current season of life, family needs, energy level, or growth goals.
Before You Quit, Ask Yourself These Questions:
1. What do I need — right now, and in this season of life? This might be flexibility, creative freedom, less screen time, or more purpose. Get clear.
2. What are my core values — and are they being honored in my work? (We’ll go deeper into this in next week’s post!)
3. Am I acting out of intention — or obligation and survival?
4. Is this exhaustion, or is it grief for a version of this job I wished would work?
5. What part of this situation can I change — and what part requires a boundary or exit?
Why Changing Jobs Doesn’t Always Fix the Problem
Let’s be real: some jobs are just not a good fit. Some settings will always clash with your energy, your values, or your season of life.
But here’s the trap: if you don’t understand what got you to burnout or misalignment in the first place, you’ll recreate it in the next role.
That’s why reflection — and sometimes coaching — is so important. The goal isn’t just to escape discomfort. It’s to build clarity so you don’t end up in the same place again.
“We think it’s the setting… but often, it’s the system we’re stuck in — and the stories we’re still believing.”
You’re Not Broken. But Something Might Be Misaligned.
Feeling like this doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means your body, your brain, or your boundaries are sending up flares.
So take a breath. Ask the questions. And if you want someone to help you untangle the patterns, explore the misalignments, or make a change that sticks — I’m here.
📅 Book a free consult and let’s talk through your options.