Would you say stress is different from burnout and why?
This was one of the topics of discussion I was honored enough to chat about with Tarah Keech –– owner of this group and brand –– this morning for her new Burnout Survival Podcast (launching soon)! One of the things we talked about was if there was a difference between stress and burnout and her thoughts on this particular question were incredibly eye-opening.
Thank you, Burnout Survival, for having me on your podcast! It was so wonderful opening up about our amazing FGB Community and I learned so much along the way!
FGB'ers what do you think about this question? Would you say stress is different from burnout and why?
Megan, Casey and Anonymous, yes!
I see stress as a physical reaction to a situation. Many of us operate in high-stress environments and love it (like you, Casey). I believe the distinction is how we think about the stress that leads to burnout. When we feel stuck, manipulated, or like resources are scarce, it can be really hard (read: almost impossible) to shake.
Taking charge of our own experience and finding an alternative employment situation can help us realign our experience with the thoughts we want that ultimately, create our emotions and results.
Great discussion, Megan! Thank you for posting here!
Thanks for the insight, Tarah!
In my opinion, burnout is a deeper issue. Stress can contribute to burnout, but I think of burnout as a more difficult challenge to overcome. I can be stressed at work without necessarily feeling burnt out. I also have coping strategies to help manage stress that wouldn't work on burnout. The only time in my career that I truly felt burnt out, I wasn't able to overcome the feeling and ended up moving on to a different company.
Curious to hear others' thoughts/experiences!
I agree with you, Casey. I always have felt that I thrive on a stressful environment and am more productive. I did that for about three years, but it led to burnout. I didn't mention that I was burned out to my leaders until it was too late. I talked to my leaders once I hit it and nothing changed. The whole area I was in put way too much stress on everyday mundane tasks. If you didn't put in 60 hours a week you were slacking in your role as a manager. It was brutal. I did find a wonderful new role and it is less stressful, but I tend to get bored at times.
Love your insight, Casey. Anonymous, congrats on your new role!
Thank you so much! I am in a better place mentally :)