Anonymous wrote:How long has it been? You would be surprised how long it takes to decompress after a big change. I took 3 mos off between jobs, and it was not nearly enough. I thought I would hang out for a couple of weeks at first, then take care of some home/personal stuff. I was totally unprepared to start work again.

Luckily, my new job started off a little slower than expected, but it caught me by surprise how much I had been carrying around from my previous life. And I only changed jobs...I didn't move etc.

It really does take time to decompress.

How long has it been? You would be surprised how long it takes to decompress after a big change. I took 3 mos off between jobs, and it was not nearly enough. I thought I would hang out for a couple of weeks at first, then take care of some home/personal stuff. I was totally unprepared to start work again.

Luckily, my new job started off a little slower than expected, but it caught me by surprise how much I had been carrying around from my previous life. And I only changed jobs...I didn't move etc.

Anonymous wrote:Take a long vacation and then reassess. It’s ok if the answer is to take a job in your field and ride it out.

Vacation is underrated by many. Take it and don't overthink stuff.

Anonymous wrote:You lack motivation to be a self starter. You need to get a job where you have structure and understand the parameters within which you need to function.

This, but do take a vacation before starting next job.

FIRE.

Take a long vacation and then reassess. It’s ok if the answer is to take a job in your field and ride it out.

You lack motivation to be a self starter. You need to get a job where you have structure and understand the parameters within which you need to function.

You probably didn’t realize how burned out you’ve been and how badly you needed this break. Stop feeling guilty and just enjoy the luxury you have. Your energy will come back once you have fully rested. You will know when that it is— you won’t have to think about it.

If I were you, I would book a trip somewhere you’ve always wanted to go to but never had the time. It will help to clear your head.

You've been working for a long time, its ok to take a break.

burn out?

I have a great opportunity and I am not using it. I recently finished a work contract and due to circumstances decided to move back to my home city where I own a home (it has been a rental property for a long time). I am early 50s and will need to work again but don’t need an immediate income as I am single and the house is paid off. This gives me some freedom right now as I am not working and can really do anything I want. I can easily get another job in my field but I want to do something different. In my head I thought I would use this free time to retrain or do house projects or start a side business or any other number of productive things. But instead, I have really done nothing. I have just wasted time and been completely unproductive. It’s quite depressing and now I am thinking I should just get another job in my field and plod on rather than sitting around doing nothing but it just feels like such a wasted opportunity. I am not sure why my energy levels are so low and I am just completely unmotivated to do anything.