Job burnout is surprisingly common among hard-working professionals. It’s often a response to ongoing job-related stress, either due to struggles in a specific role or job environment or declining interest in a career field, leading to tumbling engagement and rising frustration.
Thankfully, burnout doesn’t have to be an inevitable response to career-related challenges. If you want to avoid burnout in 2022, here are five ways to go about it.
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Disconnect Whenever Possible
Many professionals end up with an always-on mentality. In some cases, this is self-imposed and based on the assumption that they need to respond to all incoming information right away, even if it’s after-hours. In others, it’s because their manager expects availability due to the nature of the role, the company’s culture, or a personal preference.
The issue is, never fully disconnecting from your job can take a toll. That’s why turning off notifications, shutting down your computer, and other steps can be so vital if you want to avoid burnout.
Speak with your manager about expectations outside of work hours. If you’re not required to be on-call, set boundaries regarding your after-hours availability. That way, you can get a reprieve regularly.
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Be Open with Your Manager
If you’re worried about burnout because you’re feeling overtasked at work, speak with your manager. It’s possible they don’t know the full scope of your current workload and may have been assigning other responsibilities assuming you had the time in your schedule to handle them. If that’s the case, they may be able to work with you to identify priority tasks and reassign work that doesn’t fit in your current schedule.
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Take Your Breaks, Lunches, and Vacations
Forgoing your breaks, lunches, or vacations in the name of greater productivity isn’t a smart move. Along with leading to more frustration and stress, pushing yourself too hard may harm productivity instead of helping it.
By taking your breaks, lunches, and vacations, you’re giving yourself a chance to rest and recharge. Then, when you return to work, you’ll be experiencing less stress and can think more clearly, allowing you to perform to a higher level.
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Get Help If You Need It
Burnout can come with various symptoms that cross over with severe mental health conditions. If you’re struggling with burnout, seeking help from a professional can be wise. Take advantage of your company’s employee assistance program (EAP) or schedule an appointment with a counselor if one is available. That way, you can get the support you need.
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Take Your Career in a New Direction
If you’re unhappy in your current role or field, looking for a new opportunity that ignites your passion could be your best bet. When you’re excited about your job, feelings of burnout usually won’t come with the territory, even during stressful periods.
If you’re ready to take your career in a new direction, the team at The Advance Group wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
