It’s time to head back to work after your brief vacation. Even though your time off was relaxing, you dread going back to work. A trusted friend thinks you have job burnout. A closer look at burnout can help you face the problem and take action before it affects your health.
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by long-term exposure to demanding work situations. Burnout is the cumulative result of stress. You may be more prone to burnout if:
· You identify so strongly with work that you lack a reasonable balance between work and your personal life
· You try to be everything to everyone
· Your job is monotonous
· You work in the helping professions, such as health care, counseling, teaching or law enforcement
Are you experiencing signs and symptoms of burnout?
· Do you find yourself being more cynical, critical and sarcastic at work?
· Have you become more irritable and less patient with co-workers, customers or clients?
· Do you feel that you face insurmountable barriers at work?
· Do you feel that you lack the energy to be consistently productive?
· Do you no longer feel satisfaction from your achievements?
· Do you have a hard time laughing at yourself?
· Do you feel disillusioned about your job?
· Are you self-medicating - using food, drugs or alcohol - to feel better or to simply not feel?
· Have your sleep habits or appetite changed?
· Are you troubled by headaches, neck pain or lower back pain?
If you feel you may have signs or symptoms of burnout, don’t ignore them. Like stress, burnout can have significant health consequences including fatigue, insomnia, weight gain or loss. It has the potential to put some people at increased risk of depression, anxiety and other emotional difficulties. And working in an environment that negatively affects your physical and mental health can affect your personal life.
Talk to your supervisor or mentor, or see your doctor or a mental health professional. A counselor at your employee assistance program (EAP) can help you assess your interests, skills and passions. This can help you decide if you should consider an alternative job, whether it be one that’s less demanding or one that better matches your interests.
Recovery from burnout is possible, but it may require changes and take time, so don’t expect a quick fix. Keep an open mind and consider all of your options.
