Even if you loved your job when you first started, you might find yourself losing motivation over time. Eventually, you might even have no desire to show up for work. These feelings, accompanied by a myriad of other symptoms, are classic signs of burnout.
With one in five employees at high risk for burnout, it can be challenging to escape this epidemic. However, you do not have to accept burnout as your reality.
Here are the signs of burnout and the ways to overcome them.
1. Lack of energy/motivation
The first sign of burnout is a loss of motivation or excitement about your job. You might find yourself dreading going to work and not feeling satisfied while you are there.
Some employees also experience apathy and stop putting in effort altogether. If you’re regularly putting in the bare minimum, you could be burnt out.
2. Declining performance
If you feel indifferent about your job, your performance may be suffering. Employees who are burnt out might not put the full effort into each task, potentially making mistakes and lowering quality.
In some cases, you might also experience worsening performance in your hobbies and family life, as well.
3. Physical illness
Stress and general depletion can compromise your immune system. This is why individuals who are burnt out may catch more colds and other viruses, leading to more sick days.
You might also have other physical symptoms associated with stress like chest pain and headaches. Burnout can make it difficult to sleep, harming your health even more.
4. Feelings of resentment
Work is a great place to meet friends and find social opportunities, but burnout can make you less interested in interacting with your coworkers.
You might resent colleagues and managers when you feel exhausted and stressed. As a result, you might isolate yourself from work activities like happy hours and holiday parties.
What can you do about burnout?
1. Find a therapist
Seeking professional help is one of the best ways to cope with burnout. A therapist can talk you through your symptoms and give you the tools needed to manage your burnout.
You should be sure to find a counsellor who has experience with career issues. For example, therapists in Manhattan will know how to work with those in corporate jobs who are facing stress.
2. Talk to your manager
If you are comfortable with doing so, start an open dialogue with your manager about how you are feeling. Be honest with them if your job is too stressful or if there is a company structure that is hurting your satisfaction.
They may be able to help you come up with a solution to combat your burnout and make your job more manageable.
3. Use your vacation time
You likely have vacation time in your benefits package, but some employees may be hesitant to use their time off.
However, this can only lead to stress and overwhelm you. If you feel burnt out, take a vacation. Whether you travel or stay in your city, this time off helps you de-stress and feel more refreshed.
4. Look for a new job
If you have taken steps to improve your circumstances at work and de-stress, and it just isn’t working, it might be time to look at other options. I
n some cases, burnout may be a sign that your job is no longer the best fit for you. Consider what circumstances may be contributing to your burnout and whether another job can offer relief.
While burnout is certainly common among workers, you do not need to simply deal with it.
By advocating for yourself, seeking support, and taking a break from work, you can improve your mental health. All employees deserve to be comfortable in their jobs, and you have control over your own job satisfaction.
