What Does It Mean to Divorce Your Career?

Divorcing your career doesn’t mean abandoning work altogether—it’s about recognizing when your current role or industry no longer aligns with your values, passions, or aspirations. Much like a personal relationship, a career can become stagnant, unfulfilling, or even toxic over time.

When this happens, it’s essential to assess whether staying in the same field is worth the emotional toll or if it’s time to explore new opportunities.

Signs It’s Time to Divorce Your Career

Jereè Ann emphasizes that recognizing these signs is the first step toward making a change:

1. Burnout and Exhaustion

• Feeling drained and overwhelmed by work is a clear indicator that your current role may not be sustainable. Burnout often manifests as physical symptoms like fatigue and insomnia or emotional symptoms such as apathy and frustration.

2. Lack of Passion

• If you’ve lost the excitement that once motivated you in your career—whether it was creativity, problem-solving, or collaboration—it’s time to reconsider whether you’re in the right field.

3. Stagnation

• Feeling stuck without opportunities for growth or advancement is a major red flag. A fulfilling career should challenge you and allow room for development.

4. Jealousy Toward Others’ Careers

• Comparing yourself to friends or colleagues who seem happier in their roles can highlight dissatisfaction with your own job.

5. You’re Taking Work Home (Emotionally)

• If work stress spills over into your personal life, affecting relationships and mental health, it might be time for a change.

Steps to Divorce Your Career

Jereè Ann advocates for a thoughtful approach to career transitions:

3. Self-Reflection

• Take time to evaluate what you truly want from your professional life. Ask yourself questions like:

• What are my passions?

• What kind of work excites me?

• What skills do I have that could translate into another field?

2. Identify Patterns

• Reflect on negative behaviors or patterns that may have contributed to dissatisfaction in your current role. Breaking these habits can help you succeed in a new career.

3. Create an Action Plan

• Develop a strategy for transitioning into a new field or role. This may include networking, retraining, or pursuing further education.

4. Leverage Your Experience

• Identify transferable skills from your current job that can be applied to other industries or roles.

5. Seek Support

• Surround yourself with mentors, coaches, or supportive peers who can guide you through this transition.

The Emotional Side of Career Divorce

Jereè Ann highlights that leaving a career can be emotionally challenging. Much like ending a personal relationship, it involves letting go of familiarity and facing uncertainty. However, she emphasizes that this process also offers an opportunity for self-discovery and growth:

• Breaking Old Patterns: Reflecting on past experiences can help identify unhealthy habits that may have affected both personal and professional relationships.

• Building Confidence: Embracing change requires courage but can ultimately lead to greater fulfillment and independence.

• Finding New Passions: Transitioning careers allows you to rediscover what truly excites you about work.

Lessons from Jereè Ann’s Journey

Through her work with Mend The Vow LLC and her podcast, Jereè Ann has shared valuable insights about navigating career changes:

1. Trust Yourself: Believe in your ability to make bold decisions and pursue new opportunities.

2. Embrace Risk: Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone is necessary for growth and success.

3. Focus on Growth: A fulfilling career should challenge you intellectually and emotionally while allowing room for development.

4. Prioritize Mental Health: Don’t stay in a role that negatively impacts your well-being—your health should always come first.