What Are The Signs Of Career Burnout?

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Everybody admires how you juggle it all, from the career to the kids to the carpool…Most people think your superwoman and ask, “How do you balance it all?”

And in some ways, you know you’re living the American dream. You love your husband, kids, and home. Your thankful for the sense of security your career (and that direct deposit!) brings.

But the truth? You’re exhausted. And battling career burnout.

Signs Of Career Burnout

Burnout is a real problem, especially for high achieving professional women. If you want to achieve a work-life balance that makes you and your family happy, then it’s time to slow down and find the courage to get real about what’s happening to you.

Let’s review the signs that indicate you might be battling career burnout.

Mood Changes

High stress can cause emotional problems – crippling fear, impatience, anger, and depression. You no longer have a happy-go-lucky, relaxed attitude. You’ve lost your sense of humor. You become cynical and bitter… maybe your marriage suffers. Or perhaps you turn it inwards. Struggling with your faith, lack confidence and have developed a low self-esteem.

Insomnia & Fatigue

If your brain can’t shut down because you’re consumed with work, your sleep pattern will get disrupted, leaving you overtired, lacking energy, and possibly lacking the mental strength to make wise decisions.

The human body is only capable of handling so much stress on limited sleep. You’ve heard the phrase “burning the candle at both ends” – that’s what happens when you work yourself to the bone and don’t give your body and brain enough time to recover before starting another high-stress day.

At some point, your mental function will decrease. You’ll work more slowly and less efficiently.

Behavior Changes

Do you find yourself pacing back and forth? Fiddling with jewelry? Biting your nails? Muttering to yourself and cursing? For some people, stress causes them to overeat; for others, stress reduces their appetites. It’s also possible for even the most outgoing people to become introverted and avoid time with friends and family.

Burnout can even lead to becoming abusive. Dumping your feelings on those closest to you – husband, children, and friends.

None of these behavior changes is healthy for you and your body.

Missed Deadlines

Do you cringe at the length of your daily to-do list? Did the tasks that once excite you now make you want to crawl under a rock? Procrastination leads to missed deadlines and missed opportunities. And then you have to deal with the feeling of failure – that’s never a good thing.

Self-Destructive Coping Strategies

For some people, burnout causes mental, emotional, and spiritual pain. Stress can lead to painful emotions that can feel like an overwhelming tidal wave.

Some self-destructive coping strategies for battling burnout are abusing alcohol and drugs in an effort to numb yourself. Or developing an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia – anything in an effort to feel in control.

When you’re in pain, it’s hard to be rational and make good decisions. At this point its important to consider speaking with a good mental health professional.

Fighting The Past Only Blinds You To The Present

Take time to accept your situation. If you are battling career burnout, your present situation exists because of a long chain of events. It’s the result of choices that were made in the past.

Refocus your attention on what you can control and do right now. Don’t fall into the pit of regret.

I love the affirmation, “Fighting the past only blinds me to my present.”

If your battling career burnout, then show yourself some grace. Take care of your whole body, mind, and spirit. Some of my favorite self-care breaks are:

• Sitting outside to just breathe in some fresh air and watch the clouds.
• Getting a manicure and pedicure.
• Taking a warm bath.
• Memorizing a bible verse or writing a letter to God.
• Planning a technology detox – unplugging for a whole weekend and living in the moment with my family.

The choices are limitless.

Battle Career Burnout By Taking A Break

If you’re shackled to your desk in the daily grind of working 9 to 5, then consider getting out of the rat race. Working from home is one of the best ways to create a work-life balance.

You can launch your own small business and make a good living while having a good life. It’s completely realistic to set a goal of working 20 to 30 hours per week and earning an income of $3k… $5k… even $7k per month.

Don’t get me wrong: It does take work to transition from a desk job to doing your own thing. Clients and cash don’t just show up on your doorstep overnight. But with some time and effort, you can do it!