If you have been feeling stressed at work, you aren’t alone. Research finds that some 30% of people want to leave their jobs simply because of burnout. More than half of those employees try to ease the struggle by taking a holiday, but that is only a temporary solution. The problems leading to burnout still exist when you return, and the work that piles up when you are gone could be overwhelming.
Understanding burnout
The thing is that burnout is more than just stress. It is bigger than a single situation or project. It is more than not liking a co-worker or having disagreements with your boss. Burnout typically involves feeling stifled and as though you have no where to grow professionally or that your boss doesn’t appreciate and recognise you for your work.
People may also feel burnout when they are given tasks with unrealistic work expectations, have few resources, experience administrative issues, are being bullied, or have ineffective leadership. With problems like these, it can be difficult to find a resolution that truly restores your happiness at work.
Taking proactive steps
That said, there are some proactive steps you can take to combat burnout. Start by talking to your boss about what you want out of your role at the company and how you see that position evolving over the years to come.
This conversation gives you the opportunity to discuss your expectations and see where your boss stands with regard to those ideas. You might find that you are more in sync than you realised or that you are diametrically-opposed. Either way, you will know where you stand and be able to make an informed decision about what you do next.
Knowing when to walk away
In some cases, you may need to walk away. That can be a really big decision, and you should not take it lightly. Start by evaluating whether you have enough money set aside to cover you while you find another job. Be realistic.
It could take several months for you to find a position that will let you earn as much as your current role. Also, future employers may not look kindly on a long period of unemployment. In some cases, you could use your time to start your own business or scale a side hustle into a new career.
Choosing a different path
Choosing a different path can help you escape disappointment in your current position and find a new level of fulfilment. This could involve starting your own company from scratch, exploring a different industry, or taking on a new role. For instance, if you are sick of the 9-to-5 grind, you could look into a different type of career with direct sales and Amway. In this case, you can set your own schedule and be your own boss while still making money online with Amway.
Takeaway
Stress happens, but you can’t let it rule your life. Protect your mental health and prevent burnout by being proactive. In some cases, those steps will not be effective. Your boss may not be receptive, or those efforts could be too late. When that happens, you have to know when to walk away and choose a different path.
Peter Wallace has been an advocate for mental health awareness for years. He holds a master’s degree in counselling from the University of Sheffield.
