The Dangers of Job Burnout: How to Recognize and Prevent It

Are you feeling exhausted and stressed out all the time? Are you finding it difficult to get up in the morning and go to work? If so, you may be suffering from job burnout. Job burnout is a very real phenomenon that can affect anyone in any profession. It typically happens when you feel overwhelmed and undervalued in your job, and can lead to decreased productivity, poor decision-making, a decline in physical health, and maybe even mild to severe depression. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of job burnout and how to prevent it from sucking your soul!

Symptoms of job burnout

The symptoms of job burnout can vary from person to person, but some common signs include:

Feeling irritable or cynical about your job.
Experiencing constant fatigue and exhaustion.
Having difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
Feeling like you're not productive, your work is not good enough, or that you're not meeting other people's expectations
Loss of interest in your work.
Experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, or gastrointestinal problems.

There are 3 stages of burnout include the Onset of Stress, Chronic Stress, and Habitual Burnout.

Stage #1 - Onset of Stress

The first sign of job burnout is the initial onset of stress. This can occur when you're working long hours, you're not getting enough sleep, and you're starting to feel the strain. While we all feel a little stress from time to time, this is the best time to take a step back and assess your situation.

Stage #2 - Chronic Stress

The second stage of job burnout is chronic stress. This is when the stressors at work become constant and you're no longer able to take a break from them. You may feel like you can't escape your job, and this can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. This is when your body has been under so much stress for so long that it starts to wear down.

You may start getting sick more often, you may have consistent trouble sleeping, and you may feel like you are in a constant state of exhaustion. It's very important to address the problem at this stage before it continues to get worse.

Stage #3 - Habitual Burnout

The third stage is habitual burnout. This is when you've been in a state of chronic stress for so long that it becomes habitual - it just feels like your new normal. This can feel like you're so overwhelmed and stressed that you just don't feel like you can function anymore. You may have completely stopped caring about your work and you're just going through the motions. You may feel like the things you are working on are a waste of time or like you can’t do anything right.

This is the most dangerous stage of job burnout because it's easy to become complacent and think that this is just the way work has to be. If you find yourself in this stage, it's important to take action immediately to prevent further damage to your mental and physical health.

How to prevent (and recover) from job burnout

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to take action to prevent further damage. Job burnout is a serious issue that can have major negative consequences on your mental and physical health, so it's important to address the problem as soon as possible.

There are several things you can do to protect yourself from experiencing burnout. Here are a few tips:

Set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself and try to avoid taking on more work than you can handle. Wherever possible, don't be afraid to delegate tasks.
Talk to your supervisor about any concerns you have and ask for help when you need it.
Take regular breaks throughout the day, even if it's just for five minutes.
Relax and recharge:
o Get plenty of exercise and sleep.
o Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water.
o Make time for fun outside of work, whether that means hanging out with friends, reading a book, or picking up a new hobby.
Seek out support from friends and family.
Consider working with a therapist.
Remember that work is not everything. Are you living the life you want to have?
If necessary, consider quitting your job (or find a new job before your quit your existing job).

While job burnout can be a difficult experience, it's important to remember that it is preventable and there are steps you can take to recover from it. By being proactive and taking care of yourself, you can avoid burnout altogether. And if you do find yourself experiencing burnout, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

At Dynamo Careers, we are here to help!

We offer career coaching services to help you overcome job burnout and find the right job opportunities that are a better fit for you. Our coaches can help you assess your skills, interests, and personal values - and find a career that is more in alignment with what you want out of life.

We can also help you develop a Job Search Strategy that will increase your chances of finding a job that pays more and has a significantly better work-life balance.

If you are feeling burnt out from your current job, or if you are just not sure what you want to do with your life, watch our FREE Career Masterclass. We would be happy to help!

The Dangers of Job Burnout: How to Recognize and Prevent It

by Sonja Price

Summary

What is Job Burnout?