Kelly Campbell's 16-year tenure in the Canadian government came to an abrupt end when she realized the personal cost of staying outweighed the benefits. Her story is one of intense dedication, eventual burnout, and ultimately, a transformative decision to prioritize her mental health and family over an unsustainable work environment.
The turning points in Kelly's life included a series of events that forced her to confront the toll her career was taking on her well-being. Through reflection and self-discovery, she made the difficult choice to resign, leading to a new chapter as a part-time leadership and grief coach. This essay explores how Kelly found peace and purpose outside the confines of public service.
From Overachievement to Emotional Exhaustion
Kelly’s journey began with a tragic loss and a return to work that masked unresolved grief. As she advanced in her career, her relentless pursuit of perfectionism took a heavy toll on her personal life. Despite accolades and promotions, the strain became unbearable, especially as her family suffered from her emotional unavailability.
Initially, Kelly thrived in her role within the Canadian government. She started as a senior analyst and rose through the ranks, eventually reaching the executive level. However, this success came at a price. Her work-life balance deteriorated significantly. The pressure to maintain high performance led her to work long hours, often extending into the night. This relentless pace not only affected her physical health but also strained her relationships with loved ones. Friends and colleagues saw her as a high-achiever, yet her family witnessed a different side—someone who was increasingly irritable and emotionally drained. Kelly’s guilt grew as she struggled to reconcile these two versions of herself. Eventually, a series of personal crises, including a panic attack and a minor accident, served as wake-up calls that something needed to change.
Choosing Health and Family Over Career
In the face of mounting stress, Kelly took a leave of absence to reassess her priorities. During this period, she focused on healing, grieving, and rediscovering herself. Ultimately, she made the pivotal decision to resign, paving the way for a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Kelly’s decision to take a leave of absence marked a critical turning point. Initially, it was meant to care for her husband after his heart surgery, but it became a much-needed break for her own mental health. During this time, she engaged in therapy, read self-help books, and spent time journaling, allowing her to process long-suppressed emotions. Most importantly, she finally grieved the loss of her best friend, finding peace and closure. When she attempted to return to work, she realized the old environment no longer suited her. The death of another friend further reinforced her belief that life was too short to spend counting down to retirement. In February 2024, Kelly made the final decision to resign. Transitioning to part-time leadership and grief coaching allowed her to be more present with her children and pursue a career aligned with her values. Reflecting on her journey, Kelly expresses regret for not recognizing earlier how transferable her skills were and wishes she had taken this step sooner. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health and the courage it takes to prioritize personal well-being over career demands.