Professional Burning out. practical advice?

LegacyUser

I have a great job, i challenges me on many levels. I work long hours at it and when I'm not working directly, I'm either thinking about stuff or learning things which would be useful for work.

It is a stressful job but it's only stressful because I care about it and that's better than it being boring right? I'm used to it, been doing it for over 2 years now. I'm constantly pushing myself and learning new things.

However, lately I don't even get stressed anymore, I just get tired and apathetic. I find it hard to get out of bed in the morning and I look forward to going home (though I still work long hours). I still enjoy the job, it just feels like there's too much of it and too little of everything else (I'm 28, single). I have hobbies and friends but my energy levels have dropped to the point where when I have spare time I don't want to do anything.

The job hasn't changed, neither has my personal life. I think I'm just burnt out or burning out. Does anyone have tips on how I can recover some of my energy and enthusiasm for my work and life. I'm not sure a holiday is the answer as I'd just be letting people down and stockpiling even more work which is even more stressful.

LegacyUser

Like you I have a job with a lot of hours and stress, but mostly because I like the job and decide myself to put a lot of work in.

The job I'm in means that around August/September there isn't much work - so I tend to save up money during the year and then take that time off to recoup and take a break. It's hard during the rest of the year as I'm always thinking of work.

I know it might not be possible to do that - but taking a break from work mentally can stop you from getting fed up of the job and makes you feel like u have something else in ur life besides just work....One way of doing that, besides taking time off, is to force yourself to mentally switch off - I find sports a fantastic way to do that. A few hours doing something else, that will occupy your mind/body or both, works wonders to keep you sane. Otherwise spend your time with friends/volunteering/on hobbies

I know your tired, but push yourself to get up and out on your time off - exercise, coupled with making sure your diet is low in processed/refinedcarbs/sugary foods, and high in veg/meats and plenty of water should soon see you back to yourself.

LegacyUser

Hi OP,

I suffered from burnout. I was lucky that I was qualfied for paid leave and was able to get the counselling and help that I needed. Also the time off to relax and re-assess my life and work. This time off helped because I was able to decide if my profession was the one for me. I did return to work as I did miss it so much. This time I am better prepared to deal with the stresses of my job.

My therapist recommended me this workbook titled Anti-Depressant Skills for the Workplace. I printed it and did the exercises. They really help with dealing with the stresses of the job and perhaps difficult and demanding colleagues. It is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy based exercises and I went over some of the exercises with my therapist. Don't be fooled by the title, it isn't only for depression, it helps with other work related stress issues.

Here is the link: http://www.comh.ca/antidepressant-skills/work/resources/asatw/index.cfm

It's free and it was very helpful.