Recognizing And Dealing With Professional Burnout

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Professional burnout is rarely talked about but happens a lot more frequently then people think. With any job, hustle and hard work are required but burnout is a different beast.

 

When I entered the Advertising world I understood that I had to pay my dues. That meant long nights and grunt work while I worked my way up the corporate ladder.

 

But eventually, the hustle turned into a work pace that was negatively impacting me physically, mentally and emotionally. At the time I did not recognize those signs as burnout. I wished I had been better at identifying the burn-out signs.

 

If you are unsure if you are experiencing burnout I recommend asking yourself these questions:

 

 SIGNS OF PROFESSIONAL BURNOUT

 

1. Do you dread going into work?
2. Do you feel appreciated at work by your team & management?
3. Is your workload overwhelming and unrealistic?
4. Do you feel inequity in your workplace?

 

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions you should explore whether you’re experiencing burnout. Professional burnout is more than just working long hours. It’s working in an environment that causes you intense stresses which can manifest in many ways depending on the person.

 

It can impact your health, your relationships, and even future career prospects. In my case, I gained 30 LBS and become depressed.

 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Nordstrom Plaid Midi Jacket, ASOS Tall Star Print Blouse, TopShop Sweatshirt, J. Brand Black Skinny Jeans, Slingback pumps c/o Sole Society, Backpack c/o Sole Society, Sunglasses c/o EyeBuyDirect

photography by Michelle Moore

 

I initially ignored my burnout and did not manage it well, which I do not recommend. My stress and depression reached a point where I literally had to leave my job  and my industry to get a fresh perspective.

 

Now, I realize not everyone can just pick up and leave a job. But the majority of your life is spent at work. Life is way too short for it to be miserable. You deserve to work in an environment where you are valued and supported.

 

How To Handle Burnout

Take Action – The best way to handle burnout is recognizing and dealing with it. It will only get worse if you try to ignore it.

Revise Your Role & Responsibilities – Work with your office manager to restructure your role or responsibility so it’s more manageable (if possible). Or see if your scope allows for additional headcount to manage the workload.

Seek Support – Ask for advice or help from a mentor or your family or friends. Get an outside perspective on how to help you cope with your work stress.

Lay The Groundwork  – Sometimes the best thing to do is leave the stressful environment causing the burnout. But before you do, make sure you start putting away more into savings, refresh your resume and start reaching out to your network.

Workout and Get a Good Night Sleep – I always feel better after I have sweated out my frustrations on a long run or after a good quality night of sleep. Create a plan to exercise and include more self-care.

Quit You Job – this one I am very familiar with and only recommend as a last resort. But ultimately for me, it was either my salary & security or my sanity. My sanity won in the end.

 

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCE WORK BURNOUT?? HOW DO YOU COPE?

Tell me below or hashtag with #WhitxWorkSeries

 

Q&A Work Series

I am working on a Q&A round-up for next Wednesday. I will be answering more questions that you have emailed me or sent me on Instagram! If you have any questions or wanted to be featured in the Work Series – please email me! I would love to hear from you.

 

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Make sure to read my other Work Stories:

the 1st Installment: WHY I LEFT THE CORPORATE WORLD             The 2nd Installment: I RAGE QUIT MY JOB

The 3rd Installment: TOXIC WORK CULTURE Q&A                             The 4th Installment: I LOST 25LBS 

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