Have you ever felt out of place in your life or work? Have you ever wondered what the trigger was?
Is it a mid-life crisis? In your fifties? Have you been through a particular trial or transition period (restructuring, separation, bereavement)? Has it been since the pandemic or longer?
This state may be temporary, especially after a traumatic event. A good example of this is the pandemic context from which we are barely emerging. Let’s take a closer look. Research shows that the recurring discourse refers to a loss of meaning, a feeling of wanting to be useful, to take on new challenges. If so, you may be experiencing a brown-out. Not to be confused with burn-out or bore-out.
What is brown-out?
The author of a book on brown-out, François Baumann, defines this pathology as ” a drop in tension and attention at work, a brutal realization of the absurdity of one’s job that paralyzes “1. Different from burn-out, brown-out is harder to spot, as people in this state are still fit for work. This syndrome is not characterized by physical or psychological symptoms. To detect it, you need to be attentive to whether you still feel useful in your work, and whether you think you still find meaning in it.
On the other hand, if this condition persists or is continually repeated, even if you change jobs, you need to take action so that you no longer have to deal with a situation in which you don’t feel good! Don’t suffer the changes that life throws at you; take the lead! And for support in this area, don’t hesitate to consult our guidance counsellors; they’re there to help you.
Through my years of experience as a guidance counselor, I have repeatedly seen the need for individuals to be clear about their mission, their usefulness in the job market and, more broadly, in society. It’s at this point that a reflective assessment of one’s personal and professional life becomes beneficial, even essential. In fact, being aware of the impact of your work2, your impressions and your emotions are all elements to consider before contemplating a change or dropping everything on a whim.
Is it a lack of clarity about your role? Need reinforcement and encouragement? A need for recognition? A work environment that doesn’t match your aspirations or values? Or do you need to make a career change?
Often, the answer to your need is closer than you think. You don’t always have to make big changes to feel better. A few small steps in the right direction could be enough to rekindle the flame.
Give yourself a gift: consult one of our guidance counsellors. Through guided discussion and thought-provoking exercises, we’ll help you get closer to THE solution to YOUR situation… to make things happen and move them forward!
1 BAUMANN, François (2017). Brown-out. When work no longer makes sense. Paris, Éditions Josette Lyon, 165 pages.
2 Enjoying the “high” benefits of work – OrientAction (ceric.ca) – https://orientaction.ceric.ca/2019/10/14/jouir-pleinement-des-retombees-%e2%80%afhautes%e2%80%af-du-travail/ravail/