If you’ve been in HR for a while, you’ll know how easy it is to become the person everyone leans on – for decisions, for support, for calm in a crisis. And while that level of responsibility can be satisfying, it can also be exhausting.
So here’s a radical question: what if your work could give you energy instead of draining it?
This is the third article in our July series on designing a career that works for you. So far, we’ve looked at what it means to create a life-first career, and how to redefine success in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Now we’re digging into how your work feels – and what you can do if it’s leaving you running on empty.
Energy is a career indicator too
We’re used to looking at job satisfaction through metrics like salary, job title, and team size. But what about energy?
Start paying attention to when your work gives you energy – and when it depletes you. You might notice that:
- Delivering a great piece of client work lights you up
- Endless internal meetings leave you drained
- One-to-one conversations with business owners energise you
- Firefighting employee issues wears you out
An energising HR career doesn’t mean every moment is joyful. But it does mean there’s a sustainable balance – you finish most days feeling purposeful, not just depleted.
Spotting energy leaks in your current role
If you’re starting to notice you’re tired before the day even begins, it might be time to audit your role for “energy leaks”. Here’s where they often show up for senior HR professionals:
- Constant context-switching across conflicting priorities
- Being stuck in reactive mode instead of doing meaningful strategic work
- Misaligned company culture or values
- Long hours, travel, or lack of autonomy
- A sense that your work no longer makes the difference it used to
None of this means you’re doing anything wrong. It just means your role may no longer be the right fit for the life you have now – or the energy you want to protect.
What energising HR work can look like
You don’t have to overhaul your career overnight – but noticing what gives you energy can help you start designing work that feels better and works better.
Some of the things HR professionals often find energising include:
- Building strong client relationships where you feel genuinely valued
- Problem-solving in a focused way, without constant internal politics
- Creating long-term impact, not just firefighting
- Working independently, but with a support network
- Having variety, where each day looks different but still feels manageable
Many of our consultants say that shifting into consultancy allowed them to reconnect with why they came into HR in the first place – because they could focus on the parts of the role that felt meaningful.
Questions to help you design a more energising HR career
If you want your next career move to restore you instead of drain you, ask yourself these questions:
- What types of work make me feel proud, accomplished or “in flow”?
- When do I feel most switched on or energised during the week?
- What do I want less of in my work life – and what do I want more of?
- What structure would help me protect my energy more consistently?
This kind of reflection helps you move beyond just looking for flexibility or a new job title – and towards work that feels sustainable.
Creating energy through structure and support
One common myth is that working for yourself means doing it all on your own – which can be daunting and, yes, draining.
But that doesn’t have to be the case.
For example, joining an HR franchise like face2faceHR allows you to build your own business and set your own schedule – while having access to training, templates, marketing support and a ready-made community. That structure can help you avoid burnout and keep your energy focused on the work you love.
In fact, many of our franchisees tell us that having a support network behind them is one of the main reasons their work now feels energising instead of overwhelming.
Protecting your energy: practical strategies
Even if you’re not ready to make a big career shift, there are steps you can take now to feel more energised in your work life.
Here are some simple but powerful ideas:
1. Batch your energy-draining tasks
Group them into one part of the day or week, and protect your high-energy times for creative, people-focused or strategic work.
2. Reclaim your boundaries
Be honest about how much work you can realistically manage, especially if you’re heading into “yes-to-everything” territory.
3. Design your diary intentionally
If you have control over your schedule, try aligning your calendar with your natural energy rhythms – are you more focused in the morning? More sociable in the afternoon?
4. Be clear on your “why”
Remind yourself what impact you want to have – whether it’s on clients, communities or your own family life. Purpose fuels energy.
Energy is a form of data – are you listening?
If your work consistently leaves you depleted, that’s not something to push through. It’s useful information. It’s feedback from your body and mind that something needs to shift.
You might not have all the answers yet, but one thing is clear: your work can energise you. And there are ways to reshape your HR career to protect your wellbeing while still doing work you’re proud of.
Download our prospectus to learn more about building a sustainable consultancy with the support of a franchise model – or get in touch for an informal chat about whether it’s right for you.