The holidays are over, yet, the New Year can continue to bring stress and overwhelm. Most people think that job burnout is just a matter of working too hard, but that is not necessarily true. Believe it or not, some people like a fast-paced working environment, are engaged and enjoy challenges.
Causes of burnout:
- Work overload
- Lack of control over work
- Insufficient rewards
- Workplace community problems (such as lack of support among co-workers or boss)
- Unchallenged or bored with job
- Lack of fairness (such as inequality of pay, promotions or workload)
- Conflict between one’s personal values and job requirements
Burnout symptoms include:
- Emotional exhaustion
- Emotionally overextended & drained
- Chronic feeling you can’t face the day
- Cynicism or depersonalization
- Loss of idealism
- Negative, callous or excessively detached response to other people
These symptoms can result in a reduced personal efficacy: A decline in feelings of competence and productivity at work.
There is no one solution to minimizing burnout. Job seekers should know their limits and what they can do to distress and reduce burnout. There also may need to be a shift in organizational thinking to address the conflict issues, and lack of fairness in the workplace.
What do you need to do to turn job burnout into job satisfaction? Most job seekers don’t have control over the company they work for, but they can make healthier choices for themselves and start to lower burnout symptoms. Experts report that coping strategies for the job seeker might include getting enough sleep, exercising and eating well, pacing yourself, and staying focused on what you want to accomplish. A person with a happier disposition carries those feelings into all aspects of their life and work. Be the change!
[photo courtesy of digitalphotos.com]
