5 signs to consider escaping corporate
Erica Kesse
Reasons to escape your corporate life.
- You're not happy with your job. If you're not happy with your job, it's time to start thinking about making a change. You may be feeling unfulfilled, stressed, or just plain bored. Whatever the reason, if you're not happy, it's time to do something about it.
- You're not making enough money. If you're not making enough money to support yourself and your family, it's time to start thinking about making a change. You may need to find a new job that pays better, or you may need to start your own business. Whatever the solution, if you're not making enough money, it's time to take action.
- You're not challenged. If you're not being challenged at work, it's time to start thinking about making a change. You may need to find a new job that offers more opportunities for growth and development, or you may need to start your own business. Whatever the solution, if you're not being challenged, it's time to make a change.
- You're not feeling fulfilled. If you're not feeling fulfilled by your work, it's time to start thinking about making a change. You may need to find a new job that allows you to use your skills and talents in a more meaningful way, or you may need to start your own business. Whatever the solution, if you're not feeling fulfilled, it's time to make a change.
- You're not making a difference. If you're not feeling like you're making a difference in the world, it's time to start thinking about making a change. You may need to find a new job that allows you to work on projects that you're passionate about, or you may need to start your own business. Whatever the solution, if you're not feeling like you're making a difference, it's time to make a change.
If you're feeling any of these signs, it's time to start thinking about making a change. Don't be afraid to take risks and pursue your dreams. The world is your oyster, and you can do anything you set your mind to.
Why can a CEO work 80 hours a week on a passion project and feel energized, but 40 hours on a meaningless task feels draining? The answer lies in Purpose . Research shows that connecting work to a higher Mission is one of the strongest buffers against burnout. If you are worried about the mental health of your leadership team, look at your Mission statement first. The "Why" Matters More Than the "What" "Quiet quitting" and executive burnout often stem from a sense of futility. Weak Mission: "We want to increase Q3 profits." (High stress, low fulfillment). Strong Mission: "We exist to save our home planet." (Patagonia). (High effort, high fulfillment). Leadership Resilience For a CEO, the Mission is the fuel tank. When times get tough, profit goals won't keep you warm. Only a deep belief in why you exist can sustain your wellbeing through a crisis.
A toxic work environment is rarely intentional. It usually grows in the vacuum of a clear Vision. When people don't know where the company is going, they become territorial, political, and anxious. For leadership, solving this isn't just about HR policies; it's about painting a clear picture of the future. A shared Vision is a cornerstone of psychological safety. Uncertainty vs. Wellbeing Human beings crave certainty. In the absence of a clear Vision: Employees worry about their job security. Managers hoard information. CEOs feel isolated. This environment destroys wellbeing. However, when the Vision ("The Summit") is clear, the team focuses on the climb rather than fighting each other. The "Mars Group" Therapy Running a visioning exercise (like the "Mars Group" framework) is surprisingly therapeutic. It allows the team to detach from daily stressors and reconnect with why they do the work. It shifts the collective mindset from "survival mode" to "creation mode." A clear Vision doesn't just drive profit; it lowers cortisol. It unifies the tribe and makes the workplace a safer space to be.
The average CEO makes thousands of decisions a week. By 3:00 PM, "decision fatigue" sets in, leading to poor judgment, irritability, and declining wellbeing. The most effective way to protect your mental health isn't a vacation; it's a decision-making filter. That is exactly what a strong Mission statement provides. The Mission as a Filter A well-crafted Mission statement allows you to automate decisions. Does this opportunity fit our Mission? No? Discard it immediately. (Zero mental energy used). Yes? Explore it. Without this filter, every decision—big or small—requires deep cognitive processing. This leads to brain fog and the feeling of being "always on." Protecting Your "Head Space" Leadership is about allocating resources, and your most precious resource is your attention. A clear Mission empowers your team to make decisions without you. Before: "Boss, should we do this?" (Stress on you). After: "I declined this because it didn't fit our Mission." (Peace for you).