10 Signs of Career Burnout

Do you feel tired, overwhelmed and under pressure? Are you overworked and stressed out? Do you know the signs of burnout? There seems to be a huge trend at the moment with pushing the hustle. Working all the hours under the sun to be successful. There is also a misconception that exists. People seem to think it’s only those in certain fields that experience burnout. This notion could not be further from the truth. It can be anyone. London office workers to village shop staff. The fact is every profession is susceptible to mental strain and exhaustion. We are all under stress in our roles, we can all face career burnout.

Learning to distinguish normal stress from the deeper issues that lead to career burnout is important. This is because it will help to effectively deal with the problem. Also, recognising that any job can have this issue can empower you to make positive changes in your own workplace.

Recognise the signs of burnout

Clearly, the signs can vary from individual to individual. However, 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 usually signal that something in your life is not working. This is a cause for an investigation. Depression is tough. You need to find and solve the issue which could potentially be your job.

2. Lack of energy

Secondly, do you find yourself struggling to get out of bed in the morning? Not wanting to go to work or experiencing constant fatigue throughout the day? Your career could be the culprit.

3. Lack of desire

Maybe you used to be motivated to work your hardest and achieve the goals you set for yourself. However lately, you find that you just don’t care if you are successful or not. This is a tell-tale warning that you may have become burned out.

4. Decreased productivity

Your supervisor and co-workers used to praise you for the work results you produced. Maybe you have missed several important project deadlines and have become undependable. Perhaps 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. Nowadays, you find yourself looking for every opportunity to skip out on work. Sound familiar?

6. Abuse of alcohol/drugs

Requiring alcohol or drugs to get through a workday is a definite red flag. You are likely experiencing a tremendous amount of work-related stress that needs dealing with.

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 career burnout.

8. Anger/resentment in workplace

Frequently lashing out at co-workers and/or supervisors is unacceptable under any circumstance. This behaviour deserves immediate attention due to its potentially abusive nature. Please get help right now.

9. Sleep problems

Without a doubt insomnia or occasional fatigue can happen to anyone. However these 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. You need good sleep!

10. Inability to relax

Finally, do you find that you no longer enjoy your favourite non-work activities? In addition, maybe you are constantly tense with headaches? Furthermore your career could be seriously harming your health and happiness. That is not good and it needs sorting.

Any of this sound familiar? One of the signs jumping out the screen at you? You might be thinking to yourself…

I THINK I’M BURNED OUT

NOW WHAT?

Undoubtedly the first step to getting help is acknowledging that you need assistance. The second step is to seek out professional help and guidance. This could be through a partner, trusted friend, therapist, or workplace employee assistance program. Help is out there. You can do this, you can overcome this and get hold of the reigns on you career once again. In conclusion, the road to finding your perfect work can be challenging, but it is also empowering and life changing.