From Burnout to Belonging: How Intentional Choices Changed Lena’s Career

When it comes to career growth, knowing when to push forward and when to step back can be challenging. Lena’s journey from feeling overwhelmed in a seemingly “perfect” job to finding a role that truly aligns with her strengths offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating career transitions.

Recognizing the Signs of Misalignment

On paper, Lena’s previous job appeared to be a great fit: a strong salary, an exciting company trajectory, and supportive colleagues. Yet, despite all these external markers of success, she felt something wasn’t right. The workload was increasingly stressful, and her energy was depleting. She realized that high-achieving professionals often function at levels far above the norm, and it’s easy to mistake constant busyness for productivity. Lena describes it as being “on fire” — not in a good way, but as a warning sign that things were unsustainable.

“Just because there’s still something left of me doesn’t mean that this is not a crisis.”

This awareness was crucial. Recognizing burnout isn’t binary — it’s not about being destroyed or perfectly fine. Understanding the gradient allows you to intervene before reaching a point of total collapse.

The Power of Career Coaching and Reflection

Lena’s turning point came when her manager encouraged her to explore coaching. She admits she had never worked with a coach before and wasn’t sure where to start. Her journey into coaching revealed the importance of intentionality in career decisions. She realized that many of her past roles had been the result of chance rather than strategic planning.

Through coaching, Lena began to clarify what she truly wanted: a role where she could cultivate growth, not just within her work, but across the organization. She shifted her mindset from being a “farmer” nurturing client relationships to a “gardener” fostering a thriving ecosystem for her team and company.

Choosing the Right Role and Culture

When Lena started searching for her next role, she was intentional. She wasn’t just looking for a job with the right title or pay; she wanted a place where she could influence processes, contribute meaningfully, and grow. She took her time, resisting the temptation to settle for a position that looked good on paper but didn’t align with her vision.

A key part of this process was evaluating organizational culture. Lena focused on finding a manager with whom she had chemistry, interviewing with top leadership, and assessing the team’s dynamics. She also looked at employee tenure and extracurricular initiatives, which provided insight into the company’s values and long-term stability.

“If you don’t feel like you have good chemistry with your manager, then it doesn’t really matter if everything else is great.”

Thriving in the Right Environment

Today, Lena thrives in a role where she can support her colleagues, nurture processes, and contribute to organizational success. The environment feels different — supportive management, alignment with personal values, and the ability to influence outcomes have transformed her experience.

Her story illustrates that career satisfaction isn’t just about salary or prestige. It’s about finding the right ecosystem, understanding your own limits, and creating space for personal and professional growth. Lena’s journey reminds us that taking time to reflect, seeking guidance, and being intentional in our choices can make all the difference.

Whether you’re experiencing career fatigue, seeking more meaning in your work, or simply curious about how coaching can catalyze change, Lena’s story offers real-world insights and actionable inspiration. Take our quiz to see where you land on the burnout spectrum: https://www.practica.consulting/careermovequiz

Jaime Bancroft Gennaro is a seasoned business consultant and coach with 25 years of experience helping companies achieve sustainable growth and leadership success. She has held leadership roles in marketing and operational strategy across various industries, including tech startups and creative agencies. Jaime specializes in reducing burnout, achieving clarity, and developing strategies for long-term career success.