Burnout is easy to spot – unless you’re the one in the middle of the experience.
Could this be you?
If you are good at your job and work hard, you will, hopefully, be recognised and promoted.
Then, at some point, your career comes to a grinding halt even though you’re more technically competent and working harder than ever before.
Unfortunately, this pattern is familiar for many young professionals. If you’ve assumed you need to do more of the same to get ahead, you may have made a dangerous mistake.
1. You take on more and more work to prove that you can handle it
The balanced alternative: Take on more and more responsibility but make sure you have others around you sharing the load.
2. You neglect the obvious because you’re stressed
The balanced alternative: Take the time to really listen and observe what’s happening around you, so you’re across what is really going on.
3. You lose the connection because you think you don’t have time
The balanced alternative: Learn about your team and take an interest in them as people. If they know you care about them, they’ll be more inclined to help you when you need it.
If you keep going this way, there is no way out.
As you work longer hours to get more done, all your energy is focussed on doing the operational and there’s none left for being strategic. On top of that, there’s no time or space allowed for reflection and growth.
That doesn’t sound (or feel) like a comfort zone, but it is! You are doing more of what you know instead of risking doing something different.
To get off this burnout cycle, you need to move out of your comfort zone.
Your career trajectory can and will change – so do it before burnout hits you!
We’re here to help you find more balance. Give us a call to find out how today.
Susan Rochester has been managing director of Balance at Work since 2006. Susan has a natural tendency to balance analytical thinking with an optimistic outlook to set direction and solve problems. She is an effective facilitator and constantly creates new and more effective ways of doing things, motivated by helping others to achieve their goals.