What is Burnout? And, more specifically, what is burnout on the job?
We hear the term used so often it can sometimes lose its meaning. Having a bad day or being under stress at work do not mean you are suffering from or in imminent danger of experiencing burnout.
Burnout vs. Stress
It’s important to differentiate between regular stress having to do with work and the state of being burned out. Stress is usually temporary and easily remedied. Burnout is a long-lasting condition that may need the help of a professional to treat.
Stress is usually short-lived or tied to a specific goal. And when that goal is accomplished, the stress usually goes away. On the other hand, burnout is an extended period of stress accompanied by emotional changes.
Regular stress, on its own, is not necessarily harmful. Burnout is damaging to both the individual who feels the burnout and those involved with that individual’s job (and life).
Burnout is not just being overworked
Lots of people are overworked. You have a very challenging job…you are juggling more than one job…you are involved with a major project that requires many hours to complete…your job involves a steep learning curve…
These are all causes of stress on the job, but do not necessarily result in burnout.
Burnout can become a problem when being overworked is combined with feelings of cynicism and depression.
For instance:
You’re overworked and…
- also feel out of control on the job
- don’t believe in the goal that you’re working towards
- you are being asked to complete tasks that go against your worldview
- do not get support from your boss or colleagues
Overall, burnout is a very dangerous period of extended stress or dissatisfaction with your job (or home life). If left untreated, burnout can lead to a host of other problems, which is why it is important to recognize the early signs of burnout and make changes in your life before it’s too late.
Here are some signs to look for:
You Are Chronically Exhausted
This goes far beyond just needing a nap or an extra hour of sleep. Chronic exhaustion means you are tired all the time, even after waking up from what felt like a good night’s sleep. Chronic exhaustion may leave you feeling achy and other types of physical pain as well.
You Are Getting Sick More Frequently
When you are chronically stressed and exhausted, your immune system will suffer, and you may find that you are battling more colds than you used to. You may also notice that you frequently have other illness symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and even heart palpitations.
Feeling Like You Have Checked Out
Do you hear people talking, but you can’t seem to find the energy to listen to them? A major sign of burnout is that you are just out of energy and can’t even bring yourself to care about a task that should be easy.
Feeling Like You’ll Never Get Caught Up
If you feel like no matter what you do, it’s never enough, and you will never get caught up, this could be a sign of burnout. You feel inefficient because you are low on energy and are starting to lose your passion for trying. Because you can’t seem to complete anything, your confidence will plummet, and you’ll feel that there is simply no way you can ever catch up.
Being Chronically Annoyed
Do things that used to make you happy now seem to make you angry? If you find yourself feeling oddly cynical and angry at the people around you, even if they haven’t done anything to upset you, this could be a sign that you are headed towards burnout.
Numbers 1, 2 and 3 above can lead to having other problems at work because your attendance will likely suffer and people will note that you’re not paying attention to details. For more information about how calling out can affect you professionally, read this post.
All of the above can be caused by other issues, but if you notice that you are experiencing one or a combination of the above signs, and there is not another obvious reason, such as a medical condition, it might be time to speak with your medical provider. Making changes in your job (or life) now can keep you from burning out.
To read about my own battle with burnout, read Avoiding Burnout While Still Doing a Great Job.
