Job burnout is common in our competitive, overworked culture today. While most people associate job burnout with excessive stress, this is not always the underlying culprit. Employees may also exhibit signs of burnout if they feel they are not adequately rewarded for a job well done, or if the current job they are doing become mundane and uninteresting.
This article will explain how to prevent, recognize and deal with job burnout for a better quality of professional life overall.
What is Job Burnout?
Job burnout is defined in a variety of ways, but the basic gist is that burnout is a prolonged response to discontentment in the workplace that results in exhaustion, lack of motivation and cynicism within the work environment. The symptoms of job burnout might include:
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Feeling tired and emotionally exhausted most of the time
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Irritability and impatience with coworkers
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Procrastination or avoidance of responsibilities
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Self-medicating with food, drugs or alcohol to feel better
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Unexplained physical symptoms like headaches, back pain or stomach upset
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Calling in sick at work, coming in late or leaving early
If you begin to see these signs in your own life, it is time to get a grip on your job burnout and take the necessary steps to overcome it. The earlier you identify and treat the problem, the greater likelihood you will be able to resolve your job burnout completely.
Self Help for Job Burnout
If you catch job burnout in the early stages, you may be able to get a handle on the problem on your own. Try the strategies for managing your work and overcoming job burnout before it becomes a major problem:
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Make Relaxation a Habit – Try to begin every day with a relaxing habit like yoga, reading something you enjoy or taking a walk. If you begin your day with the right attitude, the day will be more likely to continue on a positive note
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Stick to a Health Routine – When many of us begin to experience job burnout, healthy habits are the first to go by the wayside. When you feel the tensions mount or the exhaustion set in, this is the time to make a firm resolution to stick to a healthy diet, regular exercise program and sufficient sleep each night.
- Give Yourself a Break – If your job burnout is compounded by a busy lifestyle after work, cut back on some of your obligations to free up more time for yourself. Don’t be afraid to say no when you are asked to take on additional tasks during this time.
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Create Quiet Time – The constant influx of information we are bombarded with daily can add to feelings of stress and job burnout. When you come home from work, turn off all of your technology for at least a few minutes every evening, and use the quiet to relax and recharge.
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Indulge Yourself – Most people have a creative side, and if that creativity is not nurtured, frustration can result. Give yourself time each week to indulge in a creative activity you enjoy, particularly if your 9-to-5 job doesn’t allow for much creative license.
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Avoid Artificial “Uppers” – Many people dealing with job burnout or other types of stress will turn to unhealthy behaviors in an effort to combat the negative feelings. Avoid substances like caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and drugs to overcome your burnout, since these habits may make the situation worse in the long run.
When to Seek Help
If these strategies do not help to alleviate your job burnout, it may be time to turn to a professional for help. Some employers have employee assistance programs that can help their staff with problems associated with burnout. The programs are completely confidential, so you don’t have to worry about your boss finding out you are currently dissatisfied with your job situation. In many instances, the employer picks up the cost of the program so you can get professional help without worrying about how to pay for it.
Career counselors can also be helpful if you fear your job burnout is directly linked to your dissatisfaction with your current career. These professionals are trained to assess individuals by their interests and talents and guide them to career options that are a better fit for them.
Job burnout is not uncommon today, but the good news is there are ways to prevent and effectively manage the problem. If you feel burned out on your career, try a few of these tips to see if you can recharge your mind and body and head back to work with a new take on your job.
