Suffering from burnout feels like there is a thick fog surrounding you. You feel constantly exhausted and easily annoyed. It may also cause you to feel like a failure and that no one appreciates you. Every fiber in your being says that you should just quit your job, but is that really the best course of action?
Here are some of the common reasons for burnout. Hopefully, these reasons can help you figure out your next step:
Excessive workload
If your workload matches your capacity, then you will have no problem finishing them within your set deadline and still have enough time to rest and recover. However, if you feel like you are constantly overworked, you will notice that these opportunities reset and balance in yourself does not seem to exist.
A perceived lack of control
Do you feel like you have no say in the way your professional life is going? Then this feeling may negatively impact your well-being. If you are starting to feel like you are losing control of your life, stop what you are doing. Step back and ask yourself what may be causing you to feel that way.
Does your boss call you even when you are at home or it is your day off? Do you feel like you are always passed on when it comes to promotions? These feelings of not having any direction in your professional life may be causing your burnout.
Lack of rewards
There are also instances when you feel like the rewards (both extrinsic and intrinsic) do not match the amount of time and effort you put into your job. In that case, you will also start feeling like you are cheating yourself, leading to burnout.
You feel you’re unfairly treated
Are you receiving fair and equitable treatment at work? For instance, does your boss acknowledge your contributions or does it seem like others are getting the credit for your work? Do your other co-workers seem to get deadline extensions on request and provided additional resources while you are left to fend for yourself? If such is the case, then there is a high chance that you will experience burnout soon.
The company values do not match yours
If you have something that you value highly that your company does not, it will affect your motivation to work hard for the betterment of the organization. An individual’s and organization’s ideals and motivation are ingrained deeply within themselves. When you are assessing the cause of your burnout, carefully think if it is important that your values align with those of the organization.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that burnout is not just about being tired because you are overworked. It is a multifaceted problem that requires a multifaceted approach to a solution.
