20 warning signs you’re burned out at work
It may seem like job burnout is only prevalent in workers in the mid-to-late stages of their careers.
That isn't the case, however. Burnout specialist Ben Fanning says it's becoming more likely that you will reach a point of burnout at an earlier stage in your career.
Luckily, he says it's avoidable if you're aware of the habits of workers who are suffering from job burnout.
Here are 20 clear-cut signals that you may be approaching job burnout:
1. Setting your alarm too early so that you can use the snooze button.
The signs of job burnout can start first thing in the morning. For example, if you’re so tired that you hit the snooze over and over and then feel frantic and late when you wake up.
2. Being depleted after work.
Consistently lacking the energy after work to do regular things like cook, go to the gym, or spend time with your family is not a good sign.
3. Inconsistent sleep pattern.
Often, people who are over-stressed at work will lose sleep over something they did (or didn’t do) at work.
4. Feeling liberated after a Friday at work.
You know you’re really stressed when you truly feel like you’ve been freed when the weekend rolls around.
5. Explaining your job with “fine”.
An obvious sign of burnout comes when family and friends ask you about your job and whether it’s new or you’ve been there for a while, you simple respond with one-word responses like “fine”.
6. Constantly being asked about your feelings.
Do your coworkers often approach you because they’re worried that you’re struggling or down on yourself? This is a signal that others are picking up on your misery.
7. Not spending time with coworkers.
Burnt out employees tend to shy away from companywide lunch events or happy hours because they’ve lost interest in building their network.
8. Living like a vampire.
Arriving before dawn and leaving well into evening is stressful on its own. Being forced to work these hours can make the problem worse.
9. Dreading every Monday.
Similar to only looking forward to Friday night, absolutely dreading Mondays can signal that you’re burning out.
10. Fantasizing about quitting.
Moving to a new job for a higher salary or better hours is one thing, but fantasizing quitting is on the other end of the spectrum.
11. Not wanting to explain your job to people.
“What do you do for a living?” is a common question at cocktail parties, but it likely becomes annoying to someone who is sick of their job.
12. Disregarding how you treat coworkers or customers.
If you’re planning to quit or you’re just sick of dealing with the same people every day, it may be reflected by how you treat your coworkers.
13. Forgetting your last accomplishment at work.
Not remembering the last time you felt satisfied or accomplished at work can signify the development of job burnout.
14. Constantly feeling overwhelmed.
Stress at work is inevitable, but every moment shouldn’t be stressful.
15. Rarely feeling like you’re progressing.
A lack of progress or feeling like you’re stuck is likely a sign that it’s time for a new job (or at least a vacation).
16. Being cynical.
Once you lose interest in the company and stop caring about helping it, you become a liability.
17. Frequently losing your temper.
Stress can lead to temper and you may seek relief in exploding on those around you.
18. Over-complaining to your partner.
There’s no doubting that venting can help, but your problems at work shouldn’t consistently become the problems of your significant other or your close friends.
19. Dreading a new job search.
Even though it’s time for a new job, if you’re over-stressed there’s a chance you won’t even take the time to look.
20. Noticing coworkers are hesitant around you.
If you notice that your coworkers are walking on eggshells around you, that’s a clear sign that you’re becoming difficult to work with.
Article Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/20-ways-to-avoid-getting-burned-out-at-work-2015-9
Image Source: http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/53989195ecad04f765989516/how-to-work-80-hour-weeks-and-not-burn-out.jpg
VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Burnout (n.) ~ physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress
2. Depleted (adj.) ~ extremely tired exhausted or worn out
3. Dread (v.) ~ anticipate with great fear
4. Inevitable (adj.) ~ certain to happen
5. Cynical (adj.) ~ concerned only with one’s interest and typically disregarding accepted appropriate standards in order to achieve something
6. Hesitant (adj.) ~ unsure
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What is job burnout? What do you think are the causes of job burnout?
2. Have you experienced any of the warning signs mentioned in the article? Briefly discuss them.
3. What do you think are the different ways to cope with job burnout?
