There’s a meme going around about how slow the year went and then October came out of nowhere and left us frazzled out of our minds.
For many employees, it may be time for performance reviews or gearing up for peak seasons or planning strategies for the next year. For others it could be vacation or party planning for the holidays. Whatever it is, it’s normal to feel a little exhausted at this time.
Image: Pexels/Thirdman
Exhaustion is not necessarily burnout, though it can feel like it. A season can be exhausting but if you give yourself the chance to recuperate, it will recharge you in preparation for what’s next. With burnout, the exhaustion is chronic. And chronic exhaustion is dangerous.
There are 3 types of burnout, according to a study by Montero-Marin, et al (“Coping with Stress and Types of Burnout: Explanatory Power of Different Coping Strategies”).
1)Frenetic
Exemplified by working increasingly harder to succeed, ambitious and overloaded.
Frenetic burnout is associated with exhaustion, and is probably the burnout type most of us are familiar with.
Image: Pexels/Shkraba Antoni
2)Under-challenged
When you cope with doldrums - conditions that do not provide satisfaction are and you feel indifferent and bored, and there is a lack of personal growth.
Being under-challenged is associated with cynicism, and you check out because you feel what you are doing doesn't matter anyway.
Image: Pexels/Mizuno Kozuki
3)Worn-out
Showing neglect, lack of control- giving up when faced with stress or the absence of gratification.
This type is associated with inefficacy, where you reach a point where you are unable to do what you need to do.
Image: Pexels/CottonBro
Most people are busy to varying degrees, but not all experience burnout. Burnout syndrome occurs when stressful working conditions are endured —and includes the dimensions of exhaustion, cynicism and personal inefficacy, associated with the 3 types above.
More seriously, untreated burnout increases the risk of depression and can lead to a breakdown.
Image: Pexels/Mizuno Kozuki
Unfortunately, we can be the last person to see it coming, because like the proverbial boiling frog, we learn to live with the constant stress. So when your loved ones, or colleagues tell you they are noticing you becoming more tired than usual, easily irritable and increasingly despondent, try to listen to them, for your own good.
So if you feel any of these symptoms ask for help. Get it professionally if possible. If not, friends or family can help, even if just to confirm that you had seemed off lately.
Image: Pexels/Yan Krukov
Reflect on your life purpose and if your current situation seems to be bringing you to building that purpose are taking you away from it.
Be open to new doors of opportunity - a new arrangement, a new role, maybe even a new company. Continue to upskill, but also be kind to yourself and nurture your self-esteem as the search for a better situation can prove to be rocky at times.
If you feel like you don’t have this option just yet, start with the little things.
Image: Pexels/Jess Loiterton
Catch those pockets of happiness. Are there little things you still enjoy about your job or workplace?
Spend quality time with your family or trusted circle. Take advantage of the upcoming holidays.
Invest some time in what gives you joy. Old hobbies, sports, or learning new things can be good happiness boosters.
Have you ever experienced burnout? What type? Let us know in the comments!
I learned a few things about my own experience with burnout and how to be in a better space physically and mentally. Check them out here!
Great content!! Way to go 😁
Anyways.. here's my experience about burn out. Lol.
I recently stepped down from my role as a supervisor in the corporate world due to burnout. I felt unchallenged, and the lack of recognition from management made it hard to stay, especially when they don’t prioritize or retain the most effective team members. My realization? In the end, we’re just employees. If we’re not in senior leadership positions, it often feels like we're merely pawns in a bigger game. The turning point for me was recognizing the need to tap into our creativity and pursue the work we're truly passionate about 😁
Indeed, recovering from burnout starts with recognition, and being able to address specifically what it was that burned you out in the first place.
Thank you for sharing the bold step you took towards more fulfilling work and inspiring our community!