Navigating the Fine Line Between Burnout and Overwork
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Understanding Burnout vs. Overwork
Are you experiencing burnout, or simply fatigue? Would a getaway rejuvenate you, or is it time to consider a career change?
Photo by Tangerine Newt on Unsplash
It's a chilly Wednesday evening in Seattle, and the sun has set. The glow from my monitor and a neon sign reading “Pursue Your Passion” casts a soft light in the room. A new student joins my Zoom session.
“Hello, I’m Kairsten,” I greet the student as I begin my tutoring hours for a non-profit coding bootcamp. While most queries revolve around technical topics like Git or JavaScript, some students want to know what lies ahead post-graduation.
“How can I avoid burnout?” they inquire, recalling their instructor's advice to prioritize self-care over the coming months, including taking weekends off and ensuring adequate rest. This question caught me off guard, reminding me of a discussion I had last summer.
I was in a relationship that, looking back, wasn’t suitable. I shared my accomplishments, like creating a side project, and discussed future plans with enthusiasm.
“You’re doing too much. You might burn out,” my partner warned. Their concern stemmed from my coding schedule, which already consumed 40 hours a week; they believed that any additional work could lead to burnout.
I have always been driven to create, yet I know the importance of taking breaks. At times, I might pour weeks into a side project or a course, while at other times, I struggle to even open my laptop during my free hours.
This ebb and flow is completely normal and healthy. I trust individuals to recognize their own limits, and I understand that engaging in activities outside work typically promotes a healthier lifestyle. However, I sensed a disconnect in our understanding of burnout. To clarify my thoughts, I consulted friends for their insights.
These conversations helped me realize that being overworked and experiencing burnout aren't the same, though they share nuanced differences.
The Distinction: Overwork
In my dimly lit Seattle room, I summarized my new understanding of the differences between simple fatigue and true burnout. Being overworked leads to exhaustion, often due to a lack of boundaries—either self-imposed or from external pressures. If you consistently work beyond 40 hours a week, skip breaks, neglect sleep, or fail to nourish yourself properly, you’re likely overworked.
Symptoms of Overwork: - Difficulty concentrating - Increased frequency of errors - Reduced productivity - Feeling perpetually “on” - Diminished communication skills
Recovery from Overwork: Taking control of your well-being is crucial. Establish a work schedule that respects your sleep, take regular breaks, and stay hydrated. If your workload is too demanding, communicate with your manager about unrealistic deadlines. Self-reflection is also essential: why push beyond expectations? Remember, your career is a marathon, not a sprint.
Video Description: In "Two Reasons You're Overworked and Burned Out," we delve into the common pitfalls of excessive work and how to effectively manage your workload to avoid burnout.
The Reality of Burnout
Burnout arises when your values or goals clash with those of your organization, leaving you feeling powerless. It's important to note that exhaustion and burnout can coexist. For instance, a workplace that neglects work-life balance can contribute to burnout.
Those who identify issues in their roles and seek solutions typically avoid burnout. However, individuals who face resistance when trying to implement changes are often on the path to burnout.
Burnout isn't solely about hours worked or recognition received. As Alfie Kohn, author of Punished By Rewards, stated:
> "Burnout is not a function of how much work they have to do so much as how controlled and powerless they feel."
Symptoms of Burnout: - Dread of returning to work - Inability to tackle your tasks - Emotional distress at work - Anhedonia, or lack of joy, often linked to work - Blurred sense of time - Decreased emotional intelligence
Take the Burnout Index Quiz if you suspect you might be experiencing burnout.
Recovery from Burnout: The origins of burnout can range from temporary stressors to ongoing issues. Consider whether a two-week break would rejuvenate you or exacerbate your worries. Seek mentorship to explore ways to reclaim autonomy at work and redefine your environment to appreciate your contributions.
Ultimately, if you've exhausted all options, it may be time to consider a job change.
Conclusion
While the symptoms of burnout and exhaustion can overlap, their underlying causes differ. It’s essential to recognize that passion and control over your work can mitigate feelings of burnout. Prioritize your well-being, take breaks, and if you find yourself feeling undervalued and out of control, it may be time to reassess your job fit.
Have you experienced other signs of burnout or exhaustion? Share your thoughts and resources in the comments.
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