How do I talk to my boss about burnout six months into a job?

Anonymous

December 5,2022 at 4:30PM UTC

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How do I talk to my boss about burnout six months into a job?

In the last six months, I left a toxic workplace getting out a couple of weeks before a round of mass layoffs. Within the first three months, my current workplace has laid off 13% of the company, including the CEO and Head of Product, and revealed that the company is in far worse financial shape than I believed through the hiring process. Since then a major product leader who started after me (was only at the company for maybe 2 months) has also left.

In my personal life, my partner has also been laid off and is struggling to find work in a highly competitive market, and we just found out their grandfather has colon cancer.

I am burned out from a combination of the prior role's toxicity and everything over the last few months and finding it hard to get things done. There are days when I sit at my desk and nothing happens (I work from home). How do I raise it with my boss without being labelled as lazy or ending up on a list of layoffs if they have another round?

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Looking for a changeDecember 5,2022 at 4:33PM UTC
I personally wouldn’t mention your personal life if you talk to your boss. I would perhaps ask if there’s a priority to the work that needs to get done. I would also take a vacation day or 2 to get myself in a better headspace if you are able to do that.
AnonymousDecember 5,2022 at 5:00PM UTC
I agree, mentioning that you are burned out puts a target on your back that you aren't giving 100%. If it helps, I understand what you are going through, we went through a 10 year period where it seemed like everything went wrong: death, threatened legal action from a relative in regards to a power of attorney issue, house problems, layoffs, health issues... you name it. You WILL get through this. Take some time off and just do some self care... meditate, take a breather and focus on yourself. An engine can't run on empty and if you are running from one stressful event to another, you'll end up not only feeling burned out but causing yourself health issues.
Looking for a changeDecember 5,2022 at 5:23PM UTC
it also sounds like the company is struggling and there might be more layoffs . I’d update your resume and start looking after the holidays
AnonymousDecember 5,2022 at 6:01PM UTC
You do not mention this. Your employer is not in a position to help you. They are in crisis so you don't want to add to the chaos.
Look to see if tge company has an EAP. if so use it for therapy. If not speak with your primary care physician for a referral. Organize you work in blocks. That means you tackle one or two priorities first thing in the morning and then take a break. Walk outside, do mundane household tasks to help you switch gears. Get some fresh air. Return if 1 task and take another break. Listen to meditation music in the background, light an Aroma therapy candle. Open your curtains for natural light.
Make sure you seek therapy while you have benefits and employment. It will help support you.
AnonymousDecember 6,2022 at 2:12AM UTC
I doubt your company will be of any help. They don't want to hear personal problems and really are in a world of hurt trying to stay in business. What do you expect from them if you share you mental health struggles? I am so sorry for all that you are going through. Save yourself the pain of sharing and having that backfire.
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachDecember 5,2022 at 10:37PM UTC
It sounds like you have a lot going on! From what you've described, what are you looking for your boss to do about your situation?
BethBDecember 6,2022 at 2:06PM UTC
This really isn’t something your boss can help you with. Your boss isn’t a therapist and is likely anxious about the company situation too.
My therapist has been helpful with the stress of burnout. She has given me mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and helped me figure out low cost self care that helps me a lot. Perhaps that’s something that can help you
Crystal HowellDecember 6,2022 at 3:22PM UTC
If the CEO left find out where he went and follow. Look for larger company that can carry you and your partner financially. Take up zumba online at home, good luck
AnonymousDecember 6,2022 at 10:55PM UTC
Thanks everyone for the input. I've decided to not raise it with my boss, I thinking it might have been helpful to know some of what was going on but I see how it could also come back to haunt me.
I'm prioritizing one or two things a day, taking more breaks where I can, and have scheduled a coaching session through our EAP. Hopefully it helps.
AnonymousDecember 7,2022 at 3:02AM UTC
Sounds like an awesome plan. I hope you find some peace and are able to rest over the holidays.
AnonymousDecember 7,2022 at 6:04AM UTC
Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the amount of work, I’ll go back to my manager and give them a list of what I have on my plate and ask them to prioritize the order the things should be done. Sometimes managers don’t realized how much work they have given you.
Zeecil KimmelDecember 7,2022 at 2:47PM UTC
Glad to hear you contacted your EAP. Best move - and hopefully they can help you out.