Mental Health & Your Career

Your mental health and your career are deeply intertwined. Work can be a source of satisfaction, achievement, and financial security, but it can also lead to stress, burnout, and even physical health issues if not managed well. By understanding how your career impacts your mental health, you can take steps to protect your well-being and find a fulfilling path.

The Role of Your Career in Your Mental Health

A 2021 study by Mental Health America surveyed 5,000 adults in the U.S. and found that almost 83% feel emotionally drained by their work. If you’ve ever felt like your job is draining the joy from your life, you are not alone!

The average person spends around 90,000 hours of their life at work, so it’s no surprise that your career plays a huge role in shaping your mental health, your self-esteem, and your view of the world around you. Here are a few of the ways your job can impact your mental health:

• The balance between security and stress: A steady job can provide financial security, which is a basic need and essential for mental well-being. But if your job demands are excessive or your work environment is fast-paced (i.e., highly stressful) then you may experience anxiety, depression, or burnout. It’s important to find the balance between financial health and emotional health.
• Effects on your work environment: A positive, supportive workplace fosters collaboration, creativity, and a sense of purpose and peace. On the other hand, a toxic environment with poor communication, conflict, or lack of support can erode your mental health over time and leave you feeling drained and unmotivated.
• Factors in your well-being: Engaging, meaningful work and opportunities for growth play a part in your mental health, too. When you feel valued and supported—and you feel like the work you do actually matters—it’s easier to find purpose and satisfaction in your career.

To be honest, the idea of “work-life balance” is a bit of a myth. For many people, it’s not true that they turn off their personal life when they go to work or that work always automatically stays in the office when they leave. Life at work and life outside of work interconnect and overlap, so it’s vital to work in an environment where you can grow both personally and professionally. Your job doesn’t have to be perfect to support your mental health, but it should provide enough stability, stimulation, and support to help you thrive.

Signs It’s Time to Change Careers for Your Mental Health

Sometimes, a career change is more than a professional decision: it’s a mental health necessity. If your job is negatively affecting your well-being, it’s probably time to explore new opportunities.

Here are some warning signs to look for when considering if you need to make a mental health career change:

• Unhealthy or unsafe conditions: If your workplace is toxic, whether due to harassment, poor leadership, or lack of safety measures, it’s likely impacting your mental health. No one should feel unsafe or unsupported at work.
• Unstimulating work: A lack of challenge or growth opportunities can lead to boredom and disengagement, which in turn can affect your mental health. Feeling like your talents are going to waste can be a powerful motivator to seek change.
• That sense of dread after time off: If you feel miserable at the thought of returning to work after a weekend or vacation (often called the Sunday scaries), then it’s a clear sign that something isn’t right. Persistent dread or unhappiness can indicate deeper problems with your job or workplace culture.

Sometimes, these symptoms are temporary. For instance, someone who works in a company’s accounting department might feel anxious when tax season kicks off. A couple of things to consider when evaluating your negative feelings about work:

• Recognize the difference between a temporarily negative situation and a systemic workplace culture problem.
• Be aware that temporary bad feelings about work might indicate a problem that can get worse in the future.

To do this, you can consider how long you’ve had negative feelings about your job with questions like these:

• Does your anxiety about work come and go (e.g., aligning with a project or the time of year), or is it constant?
• Do you spend a lot of time daydreaming about working somewhere else?
• Do you find yourself making excuses for why you should stick with your job?

Questions like these can help you determine if you’d be better served by leaving for a new job.

If you’re not sure whether your feelings are temporary or more deep-rooted, always speak to a mental health professional to get an unbiased outside opinion.

How Changing Careers Affects Your Mental Health

Switching to a career that better aligns with your values, skills, and needs can greatly improve your mental health and overall quality of life. A new role can bring fresh opportunities, meaningful connections, and a powerful sense of a fresh start.

• Addresses your need for stimulus: A new job can reintroduce excitement and curiosity into your daily routine. Whether it’s learning new skills or tackling fresh challenges, engaging work keeps your mind active and motivated.
• Makes you feel fulfilled: Doing work that aligns with your passions or values can boost your sense of purpose and make your days more rewarding. When you're engaged in meaningful tasks (whatever that looks like for you), it’s easier to maintain a positive outlook about not just your job but also the rest of your life.
• Compensates you properly: Fair pay and adequate benefits reduce financial stress and let you focus on enjoying your career. When your compensation matches your contributions and experience, it’s easier to feel valued and secure.
• Fulfills your hierarchy of needs: A career that meets your needs, from basic safety to self-actualization, can transform your life. Feeling secure, supported, and valued at work creates a strong foundation for mental and emotional well-being.
• Unleashes your creativity: When you feel safe and valued at work, you’re able to produce better results and be more creative. You’ll feel more equipped to pitch new ideas and contribute to the team in meaningful ways.

Changing careers can feel daunting, but the rewards often outweigh the risks. It all comes down to what matters most to you. Remember that your first responsibility is to yourself. When you are happy and healthy, you can pursue your dreams, build the life you dream of, be present for the people you love, and ultimately create a brighter, healthier future for yourself.

How SkillUp Can Help

SkillUp is here to help you prioritize your mental health while finding a career that truly fits. Our platform connects you with in-person and online training programs, career coaching, and customized career pathways to guide you through job transitions. Whether you’re looking to upskill or explore entirely new paths, we’re your cheerleaders as you grow and succeed.

Mental health and career changes go hand in hand, so we’ve created resources specifically designed to help you maintain balance, recognize when it’s time to make a change, and find the courage to take the next step:

Watch: Mental Health in the Workplace
Watch: Finding Your Dream Job Without Sacrificing Your Mental Health
Read: Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Career
Read: How to Set Realistic Career Goals
Read: Steps to Achieve Your Professional Goals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Can Changing Careers Help My Mental Health?

Changing careers can help by reducing stress, restoring your sense of purpose, and creating a work environment that aligns with your values and needs. A job that matches your interests and skills can boost happiness and increase motivation, which will ultimately boost your long-term mental wellness.

How Can I Prevent Burnout?

Prevent burnout by setting boundaries between work and personal life (such as turning off notifications at 5 PM), taking regular breaks, using any paid time off your employer provides, and prioritizing self-care. Focus on building supportive relationships at work and practice open communication about your needs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider speaking with a mental health professional or career coach for guidance.

What Should I Do if I’m Stuck in a Toxic Work Environment?

Start by identifying the specific issues affecting your well-being. Document incidents, seek support from trusted colleagues or HR, and set boundaries to protect your mental health. Simultaneously, begin exploring other job opportunities or upskilling programs that can help you transition to a healthier workplace. Remember, no job is worth your mental or physical health, and there are resources to help you make a change with your best interest at heart.