Burnout leading Canadians to life-changing decisions of employment, relationships

A report from human resources software company Ceridian says 84 per cent of 1,304 Canadian workers surveyed by Hanover Research felt burned out over the last two years.

Some Canadians say they’ve found two silver linings during a global pandemic that has forced them to wipe activities off their calendars during lockdowns — a pregnant pause and the realization that quitting isn’t all that bad.

“Anybody who tells me I’m going to quit something, I will champion them all the way,” says Aqsa Malik, 28, from her home in Toronto.

“I quit because I wanted my life to be mine. It’s just an amazing feeling.”

Malik says she submitted her two-week notice last month in the Greater Toronto Area where she worked as a city planner.

“I understand that not everyone is in a position where they can do this (because) it’s not all sparkles and rainbows,” Malik said in a phone interview.

“But I was slowing down. I realized that my life was becoming about work and not necessarily about my life. I changed my environment. I changed my routine, but ultimately, the decision that felt right was quitting.”

Malik says she has been spending time staying fit, exploring coffee shops and giving more time to her family and friends.

“The endgame is I want to start a business. I want to travel more. I don’t have a timeline. I’m still managing the after-effects of quitting while trying to figure out what I want life to be.”