Is it possible to be burned out from a job from which you're overqualified?

7 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 11,2025 at 6:48PM UTC

   And I am! I have two interviews lined up. Just had two this week.

2. LauraApril 11,2025 at 7:58PM UTC

   Yes! In one of my roles, the tasks themselves were easy and stress free but it was the owner who was causing my burnout. Changing directions out of the blue, always needing things right NOW and emailing/texting me at odd hours. Is the burnout something that can get better/change or is it just the nature of the company/role? Determining that can help you decide your next steps. Good luck!!

3. AnonymousApril 11,2025 at 8:25PM UTC

   Yes, definitely. The one I'm in started out that way, but the more duties I took on, the more challenged I was. Could I be doing more, yes, but do I want more, no. I would prefer something comes off my plate so I can focus on one of my favorite parts of the duties. If you are quite bored and feel you can do more, is there any room in your current company to take on more responsibilities to then one day get promoted? If not, then it's time to brush off the resume and apply for other jobs elsewhere. What I've learned in my very many many years of working is you must like at least 80% of your job. There will always be 20% you don't like. If you can get to 80% you're doing good.

4. AnonymousApril 13,2025 at 3:05PM UTC

   Yes! Being overloaded with several relatively menial tasks can be draining. Not having opportunities to show you are capable of much more is frustrating.

5. AnonymousApril 14,2025 at 12:53PM UTC

   I’m not sure I feel burned out, just not engaged. I’ve been stuck doing busy non challenging work for a year now, and it definitely gets to me.

6. Vivian LeeApril 14,2025 at 2:47PM UTC

   Yes. Especially if overqualified means being paid less for work you have previously done. Resulting in working a second job to bridge the salary gap.

7. AnonymousApril 18,2025 at 4:30PM UTC

   Sure, burnout is an emotional state where your psyche lets you know that you need a break. It can manifest itself in many ways from loss of sleep to analysis paralysis of everything around you. It does not only hit those who are under or just qualified there are no exemptions.

   Best course of action is do something every day to destress. Book time during the work day to completely unplug. Take a walk, read a book, listen to a podcast or music, or just sit and breathe. Do this for you, and if you cannot set the feelings you are having free then perhaps take a short leave of absence or take time to get away each week. Don't take work home, visualize unplugging at the end of each day and make time for you.