A misconception exists that careers in social service or postal work are
the only fields that experience worker burnout and stress. This notion
could not be further from the truth because the fact is every profession is
susceptible to mental strain and exhaustion.
Learning to distinguish normal stress from the deeper issues that lead to
career burnout is important in order to effectively deal with the
problem. Also, recognizing that any job can have this issue can empower
you to make positive changes in your own workplace.
RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF BURNOUT
The signs can vary from individual to individual, but the following are
some universal indicators that one can use to determine if career burnout
is occurring.
1. Depression
Feelings of despair and sadness that last for weeks or months usually
signal that something in your life is not working like it should and is
cause for an investigation into the cause potentially your job.
2. Lack of energy
If you find yourself struggling to get out of bed in the morning to go to
work or experiencing constant fatigue throughout the day, your career could
be the culprit.
3. Lack of desire
You used to be motivated to work your hardest and achieve the goals you set
for yourself. But lately, you find that you just don't care if you are
successful or not a telltale warning that you may have become burned out.
4. Decreased productivity
Your supervisor and coworkers used to praise you for the work results you
produced; however, lately you have missed several important project
deadlines and have become undependable because these things just didn't
seem that important to you.
5. Increased absences and/or tardiness
There used to be a day when you would rather have cut off your left hand
than be late or miss a day of work. Nowadays, you find yourself looking
for every opportunity to skip out on work.
6. Abuse of alcohol/drugs
Requiring alcohol or drugs to get through a workday is a definite red flag
that you are experiencing a tremendous amount of work-related stress.
7. Boredom
Occasional boredom in one's career is completely normal; however, pervasive
feelings of weariness and dreariness are not and are an indicator of
potential burnout.
8. Anger/resentment in workplace
Frequently lashing out at coworkers and/or supervisors is unacceptable
under any circumstance. This behavior deserves immediate attention due to
its potentially abusive nature.
9. Sleep problems
Insomnia or occasional fatigue can happen to anyone but are a cause for
concern if they become constant and a part of your everyday life. Sleep
disturbances are your body's way of saying it is overworked.
10. Inability to relax
If you find that you no longer enjoy your favorite non-work activities or
that you are constantly tense with headaches, your career could be harming
your health and happiness.
I THINK I'M BURNED OUT NOW WHAT?
The first step to getting help is acknowledging that you need
assistance. The second step is to seek out professional help and guidance
through a partner, trusted friend, therapist, or workplace employee
assistance program. The road to finding your perfect work can be
challenging, but it is also empowering and life changing.
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