Feeling burnt out.

6 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 5:48PM UTC

   I just left a job due to burn out. I had a great doctor who understood the difference between depression and burn out. It's difficult because most medical practitioners doll out antidepressants because both conditions present with similar symptoms.

   I left my job and recently found a better balance with a new job. I am finding my joy again and the world is smiling back at me.

2. Ryann RedmondFebruary 1,2023 at 4:59PM UTC

   First off, you are certainly not alone. The latest Gallup survey says 28% of US employees say they feel burnt out very often or always. I would absolutely speak up to your manager or leadership - despite layoffs, they don't want to lose people who are valuable to them and instead, need a way to demonstrate that.

   Most companies know when there is a burnout problem - they see it in turnover numbers, productivity impact and in day to day interactions, it's obvious.

   Does your organization offer any wellbeing support/benefits, mentorship programs or opportunities for connection? If not, that may be a good ask to your manager - recognition for (extra) work and physical and mental wellbeing support can have a huge impact on burnout but without those tools and resources in place, it may not get much better.

   I would share your personal workplace wellbeing status with your manager and give them an opportunity to find ways to support you. If nothing comes of it and you start to explore other opportunities outside of your company, ask about those benefits and resources when interviewing somewhere else or specifically, what it is like to work there and how do they support employees' workplace wellbeing?

3. AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 4:59PM UTC

   You are not alone in feeling this way! The burnout culture is so real and it's unfortunate how many people feel like their suffering is silence + drowning in crazy workloads. It's not right and it's a very unhealthy place to be, especially, psychologically. I too have dealt with my own bouts of burnout, but it's mainly tied to frustrations with leadership direction / slow growth opportunities on the job (working on making a change though).

   My only advice is to truly put yourself first and make some decisions about how you'd like the rest of your year to go. Don't leave that up to your manager or your leadership to decide for you because you could end up back where you are now.

   I'd say, start by talking to your manager. See if there's an opportunity to reduce your workload, delegate it elsewhere, get clear on what's the priority v. what's important (might be able to push those items out a bit). This includes finding more time off days/moving into a flex schedule or maybe, it could mean, looking elsewhere for a new job with better work/life balance.

   It's really hard to say what are the best coping mechanisms because it truly is a personal thing. When I feel burnout, I like to do lots of self-care (pour into my own cup) -- from eating healthier, taking naps, walks or booking a quick getaway. No one is going to take better care of you than YOU.

   Good luck to you and sending you a gentle reminder to go do something for yourself today!!

4. AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 5:53PM UTC

   To add to this. Make sure that you list out all the things that you're responsible for and how often those projects occur (monthly, weekly, quarterly, etc). it would be good to separate the list into what you were doing before the layoffs and what has now made it onto your plate since then. It would also be good to go into the meeting with an idea of the things that you'd like to no longer be responsible for and the things that you would like more support on and what that support looks like.

   It could be that your manager has no idea that you're overworked (doubtful if layoffs are involved). They also might not know how much has actually been put on your plate (more likely).

   Make sure that you go into the meeting with a problem-solving attitude. You want to make sure the work gets done, and the current process isn't working/sustainable.

   How your boss reacts to this, will help you decide what you do next. If they just expect you to suck it up, and refuse to help, I would exert some boundaries and stop working outside your designated work hours (not that you are but burnout usually starts with that). If they have open ears and are ready to get into the trenches with you and help figure out a solution, then it's probably worth it to meet them halfway.

   Good luck! I hope your manager is a good one and helps :)

5. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 5:34PM UTC

   Welcome to the current state of employment. Companies cutting back and lumping 2 jobs on the backs of those survivors of layoffs. Find time to breathe and if you have too much on your plate and are drowning speak up internally and let your leadership know you need help with prioritizing your work to make sure nothing falls behind. Have your manager guide you on setting P levels for what is on your to do list and time define the deliverables for what you have to do. Be sure you build in breaks for thinking and lunch and some walks to get you refreshed. You got this.

6. Leader135412February 4,2023 at 2:51PM UTC

   Simple, don't do the extra tasks. And when they ask you why, just tell them you haven't seen any compensation for taking on the extra work. And remind them with 2 employees gone, that's 2 salaries and health insurance they are no longer paying they have the income. So until you see honest compensation, your not taking on any other work other than what you were hired to do. Dont sit to gave this conversation, stand with shoulders back. Make your statement and when they're ready discuss your new salary to let you know. then leave the room.