Dear Annie 5/26

Dear Annie: I am a woman in her late 30s and have been working at my current career for the past five years. It is a very demanding, high-paced and glamorous environment – think entertainment/fashion industry. I am in charge of managing a medium-size group of people into getting their deadlines in on time.

For the first three or four years, I really loved my job, and while the hours can be sometimes crazy, I was still enjoying the ride.

However, as with many people, the last two years have been extremely stressful mentally and physically. In the spring of 2020, many of my co-workers were laid off. I was one of the “lucky ones.” Unfortunately, this has led to me doing the work of two to three people, with barely any balance outside of work.

I don’t know if I am just burnt out or if I want something more out of life. I barely have any time to see friends, and my romantic life has taken a major hit because of all the extra hours I had to do, which resulted in my partner leaving me.

My sister told me I should look into working in administration at a university registrar’s office or something along those lines, where most people are actually out of the office by 5 or 5:30 p.m. and not still working at 9 p.m. on a Friday.

However, I really do not even know where to begin or if my skills are transferable. Part of me feels like any chance I had to get out has slipped past me, and I am so worried about starting all the way at the bottom at this stage in my life. Would you have any recommendations on how/where I should look to see if I can make a fresh start? – Workaholic

Dear Workaholic: First off, congratulations on a successful career. It makes sense that you feel this way. Our work lives and our personal lives are two pillars of our happiness. Without both, we are out of balance.

If you are still passionate about your job, why not talk to management about creating boundaries for a better work-life balance? Many companies are allowing for remote work or increased benefits in the post-COVID-19 world.

If you want to take a horizontal jump – well, you’ll never know if you don’t try.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.