Can Burnout Happen Even When I Love My Job ?

Our work constitutes the majority hours of our day, and hence our lives. The Gallup Survey consistently finds that across the world, 13% of employees love their jobs, 63% are positively engaged and 24% hate what they do. If you belong to the first two categories, you would wonder if you could ever undergo burnout at work. The short answer is, yes.

Let’s start by understanding how you feel and act when you love your job. You are passionate, driven and find that your purpose and calling is fulfilled with the work you do. This cognitive and emotional satisfaction leads to small routine sacrifices that add up in the long run. Acts such as working extra hours, skipping meals to finish tasks, taking more on your plate than you can chew, pushing away the feeling of being overwhelmed until the task at hand is complete, being too tired for exercise or having a never ending to do list or simply committing unrealistic deadlines to yourself. 

Ask yourself these three questions: 

1. 1) Are you too tired to meet up with your loved ones as frequently as you’d like?
2. 2) Do you find yourself having increased conflicts with yourself or loved ones? 
3. 3) How often is your thinking process sluggish or your concentration impaired? 
4.  

If you answered yes to any of these questions, know that it is a sign of prolonged stress. Burnout is defined as, ‘a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive/prolonged stress.’ It leads you to feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained and unable to meet your constant demands. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to identify burnout because the tasks at work have you feeling excited, empowered and responsible. During these times, ask yourself the three questions, and look out for signs/symptoms such as: 

a) Physical: Headaches, Body-aches, Changes in sleep, Gastric Issues or Lowered immunity. 

b) Social: Withdrawal from friend circles, increased irritability, higher cynicism or feelings of inadequacy 

c) Behavioural: Procrastination, Erratic work timings, Using food or beverages as an outlet or fidgeting more. 

Having big goals, loving what you do and wanting to achieve great things are great motivators. But remember, the small sacrifices add to stress, which in the long run can cause you to burnout. The recovery from burnout to relief takes 6-8 weeks, which makes prevention all the more important. 

• Take a Pause. Every now and then, take small intentional breaks to do something you enjoy. It could be leisure cooking, window shopping, mindless scrolling or reconnecting with someone whose company you enjoy. 
• Changing Work Patterns: Create big goals, not unrealistic ones. Avoid constant overtimes, take 15 minute breaks during the day to stretch, have water and invest in relationships at work. 
• Getting Help: If you’re someone who supervises, know that it is healthy and important to delegate work. If you’re someone who works under supervision, communicate with your managers about your passion and a desire to strike balance. 
• See the Larger Picture: Remind yourself that consistency brings in more results than bouts of energy. It helps to maintain motivation, develop perspective and disciplined routines go a long way. 
• Self Care: The more you give to yourself, the more you can hustle in other spaces. Eat healthy, get 7 hours of sleep, engage in self care activities, mindful breathing and always have space for art, music or other unwinding activities.