Archive of past issues

Are You Burning Out at Work?

If you're like me, summer has a light, airy quality. Spaciousness. Vacation. Room to breathe.

Yet, if you're not enjoying your work, you can feel heavily weighted down, no matter the season.

Just as you would take precautions against getting a sunburn (like wearing sunscreen), you can also protect yourself from burnout at work.

The symptoms of career burnout: fatigue, restlessness, anger at colleagues, boredom, headaches. Even in a job that you love, these can occasionally crop up. But, when low or stuck energy plagues you for weeks, it may be a signal from your body that it's time for a change.

What precautions can you take to avoid burnout? Start by knowing what you enjoy about your work. What experiences have been most meaningful to you? Look for opportunities to build on these satisfying moments. Ask for or create projects that allow you to keep learning, growing, and enjoying yourself.

Identify the tasks that sap your energy. Delegate, outsource, cast off, or modify the ones that are the biggest sources of frustration.

What if you are already burned out? If you're spending more than half of your day feeling angry, upset, drained, or depressed, it may be time to search for a new work situation or take time off for rest, renewal, or learning.

Is it worthwhile to make career changes? If you're sanity and health are in question, ask yourself if you are willing to compromise these. Staying in a chronically stressful situation can speed up the aging of your immune cells by 10 years, increasing the likelihood of health problems down the road. By gradually making changes, we open up to greater sources of energy, vitality, and creativity.

If it's time for you to start a career burnout prevention plan, or a career burnout recovery program, I offer Discover Your Calling coaching to get you started on the path to change. It's a full package of support. I'd love to talk to you about your own situation and if it's right for you.

I even offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation so you can explore this coaching program, get to know me, and get moving in a career direction that feels good to you.