Four Early Signs of Burnout

And what to do about it

Are you feeling burnt out at work? You’re not alone. Burnout in the workplace is a real phenomenon, and it can happen to anyone. However, a recent Gallup survey indicates that women are more likely than men to feel burned out at work, 34% vs 26%.

Burnout has become so prevalent among women that according to data from Lean In and McKinsey & Company, one in three women has considered downshifting roles, or leaving the workplace altogether.

But what are the early signs of career burnout? How can you tell if you’re heading down that road? If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to take a step back and reassess your career status quo.

1. You’re dreading going to work

   It’s not just the Monday blues anymore. Every day, you feel increased anxiety about what lies ahead of you at work, and you’re not sure what to do about it.

2. You’re constantly tired and have no energy

   You find yourself in a cycle of rare moments of feeling energised and ready to take on the tasks ahead, inevitably followed by an unbeatable feeling of exhaustion. You are now in survival mode

3. You feel unengaged and uninterested in your work

   Your passion for your work is slowly dissipating, and you feel mentally distant from the job. Your body is still there, but your mind has long left the building.

4. You’re feeling negative and pessimistic about your career

   You may start by feeling that your work is pointless, and even question your own ability to deliver what the job requires. This feeling slowly begins to show up in your work, and you are worried that other people will start to notice.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to take action before things get worse. Burnout can have serious consequences, both for your career and your personal life. So if you’re feeling even slightly burnt out, here are a few steps you can take to address the problem:

• Take a break from work, even if it’s just a long weekend. Use that time to relax, recharge, and reflect on your career circumstances, and whether you are happy with the current state of affairs
• Talk to your manager about your concerns, and what specific support you need from them and the company
• Start seeking support – turn to your trusted network of family, friends, or associates to talk about what is happening. You can find additional professional support from mentors or coaches to help you decide the best course of action for you and your career.

While it may be tempting to ignore early signs of burnout, doing so can lead to serious consequences later on. If you are beginning to feel burned out, it is important to take action now. Left unchecked, burnout can lead to a host of problems, including reduced productivity, depression, and even physical health problems.

Not sure what to do about your burnout? We offer customised coaching and mentoring packages that can help you address burnout and figure out the next best steps for you in your career journey.