I was keen to write this article, because I've been working with a few clients recently who have been struggling to maintain a long and healthy career. The biggest issues? Burnout and workplace bullying. These challenges can knock even the most experienced professionals off track, leaving them feeling exhausted, undervalued, and unsure of their next steps.
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. A fulfilling career isn’t just about climbing the ladder or earning a higher salary—it’s about finding purpose, creating balance, and looking after your well-being along the way. So, let’s talk about how to build a career that supports you, rather than drains you, no matter what industry you’re in.
Finding Your Purpose—The Foundation of a Long Career
A strong sense of purpose is like a career compass—it helps guide your decisions, keeps you motivated, and protects you from burnout. Rob Leachman highlights in his article that people with a clear sense of purpose tend to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives (Leachman, 2023). When you know why you're doing what you're doing, it’s easier to stay engaged and resilient in the face of challenges.
So, take a moment to ask yourself: What drives you? What part of your work brings you the most satisfaction? If your current job doesn’t align with your deeper purpose, it might be time to explore ways to pivot or adjust your role to bring more meaning into your day-to-day.
Avoiding Burnout—It’s All About Balance
Burnout is real, and it can sneak up on you before you even realise what’s happening. The key is to set boundaries and listen to your body before you hit that wall. According to Hays, achieving a successful career requires maintaining a balance between work and personal life to avoid burnout (Hays, 2024).
Here are a few simple ways to protect your energy:
Know your limits – Just because you can work late every night doesn’t mean you should. Set clear work-life boundaries.
Take real breaks – Stepping away from your desk isn’t lazy—it’s necessary. Go for a walk, stretch, or just breathe.
Ask for help – Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or a therapist, having support can make all the difference when work feels overwhelming.
Dealing with Workplace Bullying—You Deserve Better
Workplace bullying can take many forms—from being excluded from meetings to outright harassment. It’s not something you have to put up with, and there are ways to address it.
Document everything – Keep a record of incidents. If you need to report it, having evidence will make your case stronger.
Talk to someone you trust – Whether it’s HR, a mentor, or a colleague, don’t suffer in silence.
Know your worth – Toxic environments can make you question yourself. You deserve to be treated with respect, and if your workplace isn’t offering that, it might be time to look elsewhere.
Career Longevity—Staying Engaged and Relevant
A long career isn’t just about staying in the same job for years—it’s about growing, learning, and adapting. The workplace is constantly evolving, and staying relevant means being open to change. Evenfields Careers suggests that continuous learning, upskilling, and networking are critical factors in maintaining a healthy and sustainable career (Evenfields Careers, 2024).
Some ways to future-proof your career:
Keep learning – Whether it’s a short course, a new certification, or simply staying updated on industry trends, learning keeps you sharp.
Network intentionally – Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you.
Be open to change – Sometimes, the best opportunities come from unexpected places.
Menopause in the Workplace—It’s Time to Talk About It
For senior professional women, menopause can bring additional challenges—hot flushes in meetings, brain fog during presentations, or just feeling out of sync with your usual energy levels. It’s tough, and yet, it’s still not talked about enough in many workplaces.
Here’s what can help:
Advocate for yourself – If your workplace doesn’t have policies around menopause support, start the conversation.
Flexible working is your friend – If possible, negotiate for flexible hours or remote working when needed.
Look after yourself – Nutrition, exercise, and sleep become even more important during this time.
Final Thoughts—A Career That Works for You
A long, healthy career isn’t about working yourself into the ground. It’s about making choices that support your well-being, setting boundaries, and knowing when to push forward and when to pause.
If you’re feeling stuck, remember: that you have the power to reshape your career in a way that works for you. Whether that means finding your purpose, setting stronger boundaries, or even stepping into a new role, the key is to prioritise yourself. You’ve worked hard to get where you are—you deserve a career that supports you just as much as you support it.
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