What are the Signs of Job Burnout and How Do You Overcome It

Is your current job getting too much to handle? Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work all the time? Does it feel that no matter how many hours of overtime you put in your job, there is still a mountain of tasks yet to be done?

Maybe you are always the first one in and the last one out of the office, and you never get to see the sunlight anymore because you are so busy with your work the whole day. Or you cannot even afford to have a peaceful time for lunch so you eat at your desk and work tirelessly. You are also finding yourself staring at your colleagues who are returning from their vacations and unintentionally, you are starting to brew envy and hate towards them.  

You can’t even remember why you choose to be in this profession. You cannot see a means to an end and you just drag your feet to work every single day. You don’t feel appreciated and you jolt when someone calls your name in fear that they will pile more work on you or take up your time for an idle talk.

If you somehow experience those scenarios mentioned above, it can be a sign that you are heading to (or already have) job burnout. But, what is job burnout and is it really bad?

Definition of Job Burnout

Job burnout is a period where you feel physically and emotionally drained after having to deal with various stressors and demands at work. You are unable to deal with the pressure and get tired relentlessly. No one is safe from this problem because it can happen to all employees across different levels in any industry, from physician burnout to those at the very top of a company. 

As the burnout continues, employees may start to think of quitting and even consider a career change. Persistent burnout may cause employees to lose control over their decisions and actions, and consequently, it can affect the quality of their work.

Signs of Job Burnout

For people who are suffering from job burnout, they will display some of these signs or symptoms:

  • Reduced and disrupted sleep
  • Low energy levels
  • Weaker immune system
  • Forgetfulness
  • Unable to process information and complete tasks
  • Slowly becoming unsociable
  • Negative thinking and anxiety

Overcoming Job Burnout

Job burnout can cause long-term physical and emotional health issues if they are not detected early on. It may change someone’s life and perspective completely. Some of those who are unable to deal with job burnout often develop psychological problems such as depression and addiction. Others may even become suicidal which can lead to death.

Here are some of the ways you can apply if you are experiencing a job burnout:

Know what options you have

If you feel like you can’t keep up with your current schedule and workload, speak to your boss and present some options to lessen the load you have. You can request a different work schedule, get better training, or even request an assistant if needed.

For self-employed individuals, you may want to look into the workload you currently have and hire some people to assist you. 

Whether you work for an employer or are self-employed you may wish to consider medical help if you are suffering from symptoms such as insomnia or anxiety. Medical advice is available on sites like rollingpaper.com and you should consult in-person with your doctor too. 

Take a day off

There’s nothing wrong in taking a day off. You don’t have to travel far to get a break and a breather. You can simply use your vacation leaves to have a complete sleep or just do some hobbies or activities that are not-work related.

Get help

Speak to your family and friends to help you sort out your schedule and refocus your attention to the things that matter. Having a support system behind you can also help you deal with your burnout.

If you can, talk to a career coach that can help you to put things into perspective and perhaps, help you to sort out career directions. There is a possibility that you may have outgrown your current job and you need something different to stimulate your mind and to be passionate about.

Sleep

Not surprisingly, sleep can do wonders, especially if you are experiencing job burnout. Getting some decent amount of sleep will help you focus and recharge your batteries. Having good sleep will also improve your mood throughout the day. In order to get the sleep you need, it’s important to have the right bed. Make sure to purchase the Best bed frame from Sleepify, or the best frame from another online store, in order to improve your sleep experience. 

Conclusion

Getting a stable career is very important in today’s society because it can be very difficult to find a permanent job. However, having a job does not mean sacrificing everything for it. Having a work-life balance is essential to avoid getting burnout from the job you love. It is also true that everyone deserves a break especially when it feels like your work is choking your life away. Remember, your health and well-being are the most important aspects of your life and therefore, you must be in your best shape to do everything that you need to do.

If you are feeling depressed or burnout, please seek a professional or a medical advice. If you are intending to switch career, here are some posts that may be able to help you:
What is the One Thing Your Company did that Made You Resign?
Should You Quit Your Job During The Pandemic?
To Quit or To Stay? What Gives?
Is it Time to Look for a New Job?

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56 Comments Add yours

  1. We desperately need sound and reliable social support system to handhold us and to pick us up, and to smoothly balm us when the burn-out happens. The bosses need to reorient themselves by identifying the initial signs of burn-out. A pat on the back- that’s what it often matters.

    Liked by 3 people

  2. foodzesty says:

    This was definitely me a couple of years ago….

    Liked by 3 people

  3. utesmile says:

    I had times where I was very close to this. I have though now decided to retire early and I feel like a fresh woman counting the days. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  4. bobokuma says:

    I love your point, Having a work-life balance is essential to avoid getting burnout from the job you love. 

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Absolutely! Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Chocoviv says:

    This is important! Can I Reblog this?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Absolutely! Please feel free to share this out.

      Thank you and stay healthy.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Chocoviv says:

        Thank you! You too!

        Liked by 1 person

  6. dhirajraj99 says:

    Can i use ur add

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      You mean reblog my post?

      Like

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you, Kaycee. Hope you are having a nice Sunday.

      Like

  7. My health and well being first!. 💯
    Thanks for sharing these tips, Kally. 🤗

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Kally says:

      Definitely. Thank you, Herry. Hope you are having a nice Sunday.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You are welcome, Kally. ❤
        Yes I did. Enjoy the week ahead. 🤗

        Liked by 2 people

  8. gifted50 says:

    Excellent advice as always. The image says everything and of course I can relate.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you. Hope you are having a nice Sunday.

      Liked by 2 people

  9. A beautiful post thank you so much

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you, Abubaker. Hope you are having a nice Sunday.

      Like

  10. Lokesh Sastya says:

    Yes, our health and wellbeing are most important aspect of our life. Thank you for the post.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you, Lokesh. Hope you are having a nice Sunday.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Lokesh Sastya says:

        😃yes

        Liked by 2 people

  11. henhouselady says:

    I also decided to retire early. It is a solution, but it can hurt you financially.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      True that but not everyone can afford to retire early or even retire at all.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Shelly DS says:

    That’s me right now 🙈

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      Big hugs, Shelly. Maybe it’s a sign for you to slow things down and perhaps take a break?

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Thanks Kallly, for yet another compassionate and helpful Post.

    Personally, I only experienced this twice. (I’m long retired).

    BOTH TIMES I forgot what I taught others:
    [1] Each of us is responsible for our own attitudes
    [2.] If, perchance , we forget to make (and keep) God as an important part of our lives; we almost certainly , open the door of BURNOUT opportunity.

    God Be with Us,
    Patrick

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      Sometimes we do forget what we preach to others so don’t be too hard on yourself. I do forget to take care of myself from time to time and constantly need reminders to take things slowly and not to pile too much on my plate.

      Like

  14. I suffered burnout four years ago. The trigger was the stress in the editorial office. From one day to the next nothing worked. I left the publishing house. And started my blog the same day …

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      You’re probably at your breaking point then. The fortunate thing is that you walked out. Some people may drive themselves further until they physically breakdown at the workplace. I have seen colleagues blackout and fainted with exhaustion in the middle of a work day.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Well… This post is talking to me indirectly and I love it I’ll take the break as necessary

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      Better take care of yourself first. Thank you!

      Like

    1. Kally says:

      Thanks for sharing this out.

      Like

  16. People are stretched in new ways these days for sure Kally! Breaks are imperative!
    Hope you’re well
    !❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you so much, Cindy for your comment. All is well here. I hope you are doing well over there too.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh good to hear that Kally and the usual ups and downs but all Good! Thanks!💖

        Liked by 2 people

  17. Jules Bercy says:

    Hello kally how are you 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      I’m doing well, Jules. How are you doing? Well, I hope.

      Like

      1. Jules Bercy says:

        Yeah I m doing well kally

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Kally says:

          Great to hear that you are doing well. Please take care, laugh often and be healthy.

          Like

  18. msw blog says:

    This is a timely and informative post particular right now as many of us our working remotely, and non traditional hours. Thank you for sharing.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you so much for your support! Have a wonderful day.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Great post with information.Burn out and stress is not good.i now that i had it to

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you so much!

      Like

      1. Your welcome 💗😘

        Liked by 1 person

  20. Vincenzo says:

    Reblogged this on Redvince's Weblog.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you so much for sharing this out.

      Like

  21. This is a great list. It’s amazing how much a good night’s sleep can heal. I know that for really serious cases of burnout, a bit more than sleep may be required, but it’s a good place to start.

    Like

  22. Much needed advice. I wish I had encountered it earlier in my own career.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      Big hugs. I hope you’ve recovered since.

      Liked by 2 people

  23. Kori Collons says:

    Burnout is a very real and very dangerous thing to grapple with. I appreciate you not only addressing some of the key signs of burnout but also providing links for people seeking help with managing it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      You’re most welcome, Kori. Yes, burnout is very real. A lot of people don’t even recognize the signs until it’s too late.

      Like

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