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Writer's pictureRenata Bernarde
Nov 25

Rest as a Career Strategy

Episode 266 - The Career-Building Power of Rest in a Burnout Economy




In the relentless grind of today’s professional world, “hustle culture” reigns supreme. For corporate professionals, especially those navigating job searches or career transitions, this often means working tirelessly to stay relevant and competitive. Yet, despite all the energy poured into applications, networking, and interview preparation, the results often fall short.

The problem? We’ve misunderstood the value of rest.


As a career coach working with corporate professionals for years, I’ve seen a troubling trend. High-achieving individuals—many of them seasoned executives—are burning themselves out during what should be a time of reinvention and opportunity. Rest, the cornerstone of resilience and creativity, has become the most overlooked aspect of their strategy.

And the consequences are stark: poorer decisions, missed opportunities, and, perhaps most damaging of all, the erosion of their confidence.


In a labor market as competitive as today’s, where layoffs remain frequent and economic uncertainty looms, it’s time we reconsider how we approach rest—not as a retreat from ambition, but as its fuel.

  

Burnout in the Age of “Always-On”


The culture of perpetual busyness has seeped into every facet of our professional lives. For job seekers, this manifests as a belief that every waking moment must be spent on the search. Applications, LinkedIn posts, and networking calls consume their schedules, leaving little room for reflection or recovery.


This relentless pace isn’t just unsustainable—it’s counterproductive. Rest-deprived individuals bring stress into their interviews, fumble networking opportunities, and fail to assess roles with the clarity needed for long-term career satisfaction.


Meanwhile, in the broader workforce, professionals are seeing diminishing returns on overworking. A recent report from Microsoft’s Work Trend Index highlights the cost of digital exhaustion, with 48% of employees citing burnout as a primary reason for considering a job change.


If burnout is a systemic issue, rest is the antidote.

  

Rest as a Career Strategy


For my clients, rest is not just a wellness tool—it’s a competitive advantage. It allows them to make better decisions, communicate with confidence, and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.


Here’s how:


1. Mental Rest for Clear Thinking


The stress of a job search activates the brain’s fight-or-flight response, making it hard to focus on anything but survival. Mental rest, through practices like mindfulness and journaling, can calm this response. One client shared how a five-minute breathwork routine before interviews helped him go from nervous wreck to composed professional.


2. Physical Rest to Perform Your Best


Sleep, often sacrificed in the name of productivity, is critical for cognitive function. Professionals who are sleep-deprived can’t operate at full capacity. Setting a consistent sleep schedule—aiming for seven to nine hours a night—can sharpen your ability to think, solve problems, and handle high-pressure situations.


3. Emotional Rest to Recharge Your Resilience


Career transitions often bring a mix of hope and fear. Spending time with supportive friends, mentors, or loved ones can replenish emotional reserves. Beyond human connection, engaging in hobbies—whether it’s hiking, cooking, or painting—can provide joy and perspective during tough times.


4. Digital Detox for Better Focus


Today’s professionals spend an average of 6.5 hours daily on screens. For job seekers, this number often skyrockets as they browse job boards and respond to emails. Digital detoxes—whether an afternoon offline or a weekend break—can refresh your focus and prevent burnout.

 

Why Rest Matters More Than Ever


Rest isn’t just an individual concern; it’s a societal one. The corporate world is finally beginning to take notice. Companies like Microsoft are experimenting with four-day workweeks, while others are rolling out wellness programs to combat burnout.


But professionals can’t rely solely on organizational initiatives to address their need for rest. For those in transition—whether between jobs or into a new phase of their careers—it’s a deeply personal responsibility to integrate rest into their strategy.


After all, job searches aren’t just about landing any role—they’re about finding the right role. That clarity and intentionality only come when you’ve given yourself the space to reflect.

 

 

A Call to Action for Job Seekers


Here’s the hard truth: Overworking doesn’t lead to better outcomes; it leads to burnout. If you’re in the midst of a job search or career transition, consider how rest fits into your strategy.


Start with small changes:

  • Dedicate two 90-minute blocks each day to focused job-search activities.

  • Take five minutes before interviews to practice breathwork or mindfulness.

  • Commit to screen-free time each evening or weekend.


Rest is more than just a break—it’s your foundation for success.


In an era where professional demands often exceed human limits, rest isn’t a retreat from the hustle. It’s the most powerful tool you have to thrive.


Take it. Use it. Watch it transform your career.



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