Do I Stay or do I Go? How to Navigate the Crossroads of Burnout and Change

For a very long time I was so focused on my career, I was literally living for it. So I invested myself body and soul and gave my best. But the something else crept up on me: EXHAUSTION.

Then the questions started to pop up in my head:

Why do I feel this way?I have everything I ever wanted.

Is it my job? My personal life?

Do I need to make a change, or will things get better on their own?

It was all a bit overwhelming, like I was stuck in a cycle of burnout and disconnection, unsure whether to stay or go. I’ve been there, and let me tell you, it’s not easy—but it’s absolutely possible to find clarity and take that first step forward.

My choice was to leave, so I left my job as a corporate lawyer for the European Union, to become a life coach. Having said that, leaving is not always the solution, but it was mine.

Why Change Feels So Hard

Here’s the thing: nobody looks for change because they’re happy.

Most of the time, the desire to shake things up comes from a place of feeling stuck, burnt out, or unfulfilled. Maybe your job feels toxic and draining, or your personal life has been a rollercoaster lately—and on top of that, your workload just doesn’t seem to quiet down.

It’s a tangled web of emotions, isn’t it? But what makes it harder is the big question looming over it all: “Should I stay or should I go?”

This decision can feel like a massive weight on your shoulders. It’s scary to walk away from what you know, even if it’s hurting you. And it’s equally hard to stay and try to fix something that feels broken. But the truth is, this decision—although tough—is the most crucial part of your journey.

Step 1: Understand Why You Feel This Way

Before you can decide, you need clarity. Take some time to dig deep and ask yourself: What’s really going on here?

• Is it your job? Maybe you’re in a toxic work environment, dealing with micromanaging bosses, unrealistic expectations, or a lack of support.

• Is it your personal life? Are your relationships draining your energy? Do you feel unsupported at home?

• Is it a mix of everything? Sometimes, it’s not just one thing—it’s the perfect storm of personal and professional stress that’s wearing you down.

The key is to pinpoint the root cause of why you feel this way. What’s really behind your burnout? Journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or even working with a coach can help you untangle these emotions and get to the heart of the issue.

Taking decisions without really understanding yourself is like jumping from a lake to the sea without a safety net.

Step 2: Weigh Your Options

Once you’ve put things into perspective and figured out the root cause, the next step is to explore your options. This is where the question comes in: Do I stay, or do I go?

• If the problem is external: Sometimes, the source of your burnout is clear—like a toxic boss or an unsupportive work culture. In this case, leaving might be the healthiest option.

• If the problem is internal: If your burnout stems from deeper issues, like a fear of failure or perfectionism, the solution might involve staying and working through those internal blocks with the help of a coach.

• If it’s a mix of both: This is the tricky one. You’ll need to find a balance—addressing the external factors while also doing the inner work to build resilience and create lasting change.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to rush into a decision but to find a path that aligns with your needs and values.

Step 3: Make the Decision

Oftentimes, the decision itself is the hardest part. Once you decide, the rest starts to fall into place.

• If you decide to stay: Ask yourself, What needs to change for this to work? Maybe it’s setting boundaries at work, asking for support, or focusing on self-care to build your resilience.

• If you decide to go: Give yourself permission to let go of what no longer serves you. Yes, it’s scary, but it’s also incredibly freeing. Trust that by creating space in your life, you’re making room for something better.

What I Learned From My Own Crossroads

I’ll be honest—leaving my corporate law career wasn’t easy. It was a job that gave me financial stability and a clear path forward. But it also drained me emotionally and mentally. I felt disconnected from who I was and what I truly wanted.

Making the decision to leave was terrifying, but it was also the most liberating thing I’ve ever done. It allowed me to rebuild my life in a way that felt authentic and fulfilling. And while it wasn’t always smooth sailing, the lessons I learned along the way shaped me into the person I am today.

What’s Your Next Step?

If you’re at a crossroads, remember this: You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start small. Reflect on what’s really going on, weigh your options, and trust yourself to make the right decision.

And if you need support, I’m here to help. Follow me on Instagram @mindfulconnecting for more tips and inspiration. Let’s navigate this journey together.

Because life is too short to stay stuck. You deserve to feel fulfilled, energized, and aligned with your true self.

Final Thoughts

Burnout can feel like a dead end, but it’s often the beginning of something new—a chance to realign with what truly matters. Whether you decide to stay or go, know that you have the power to create a life that feels good for you.

And if you’re ready to take that first step, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s start this journey together.

With loving presence,

Florina

Mindful Connecting