Is It Time For a Career Detox?

Taking the time for a career detox can help us reflect on our current path, ensuring we remain aligned with our values and aspirations while identifying areas for growth and change

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Harvard Business Review

We often ask others how they’re doing, but how frequently do we take the time to ask ourselves the same question? This self-reflection is especially important when considering whether we’re on the right path in our careers.

What does a career detox entail? It could involve incorporating new elements into our routines or letting go of old habits that no longer benefit us. Taking time for self-reflection by asking yourself a series of thoughtful questions about your current happiness with your career can help you assess whether you’re still on the right path or if it’s time for a change in direction.

Thinking

Take a moment to reflect on how you’ve spent your time and energy recently. What have you devoted the most attention to? Were you concentrating on a specific project or goal? Did things seem stagnant or excessively busy? Consider any issues or challenges that occupied your thoughts. Additionally, think about what you didn’t give enough attention to but wish you could have focused on more.

Feeling

At this point in your life, take a moment to assess your emotions. Reflect on the recent months at work and try to connect the dots between the highs and lows. Are you generally satisfied, feeling bored and restless, or experiencing stress and overwhelm? The aim here is to gauge your emotional well-being and identify any patterns you’d like to maintain or change.

Doing

How do your reflections translate into your everyday actions? Overall, do your experiences leave you feeling energised and positive, or do they feel draining and detrimental to your mental health? Your energy is one of your most valuable assets. While it’s unrealistic to expect to love your job every single day, it should ideally bring you more fulfillment than exhaustion—especially if you want to steer clear of stress and burnout.

A career detox doesn’t necessarily mean you need to make a drastic change; rather, it’s about reflecting on the adjustments that can help realign your career with your passions and goals. It’s an opportunity to assess what aspects of your work still engage you and which ones may have become stale or unfulfilling. By identifying these areas, you can make informed decisions about how to readjust your path, letting go of what no longer serves you while embracing new possibilities that reinvigorate your professional journey.