3 Reasons We Reach Burnout

It is not uncommon to feel stressed and drained by work from time to time. When these feelings are persistent and overwhelming, though, it might be a sign that you are nearing or have reached burnout.

Statistics show that up to 59% of working-age Americans are currently experiencing burnout in their careers. It affects us on a mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual level and, if ignored, can result in us falling into depression or developing a serious long-term illness.

Three Main Reasons for Burnout

People have been studying workplace burnout since the term was coined in 1974. There has been social and political change since then, but the triggers for burnout remain mostly the same. It’s important to consider what might be the source of your burnout because even if you were to change your career or work environment, you might fall under the same patterns that lead you to burn out in the first place.

Toxic work conditions

The most common reason for the majority of career burnout is toxic or unfair work conditions. This includes being forced to take on crushing workloads, working with or beneath people who take advantage of your commitment, and being paid too little. Statistics show that shift workers suffer the most from burnout due to the intense demands made on them during shifts.

An off-balance life and work schedule

Just like a bank balance can become overdrawn, so can people become overdrawn by work. Tasks, deadlines, projects, and shifts demand more from you than simply your time. You pour your energy, focus, and sometimes personal resources into your job. When you do not get the chance to relax and catch up with friends and interests, it won’t be long before you reach burnout.

Sometimes there is no solution to this, as some work demands are relentless. If you can’t find a way to find a balance between work life and personal life, it might be time to consider a new career. That alone might be a lengthy process, but today is the best time to begin making changes for the sake of your mental health.

Specific work culture and community

Every workplace has a particular culture and type of community, regardless of the field it’s in. Sometimes, the values, outlooks, and attitudes of your workplace are too different to adapt to. For example, if you are a slow-paced worker who values connection with people and cooperation, you will not thrive in a fast-paced, impersonal environment where you are forced to work on your own every day.

Some people are flexible and can adapt for short periods, but stress has a cumulative effect. It can take a while before you realize that you need a break or a change, and by that time, it might be too late. It takes time to understand our culture and values, and even longer to find a workplace that aligns with us, but it is a detail worth focusing on. People are happiest when working in an environment with values, culture, and community that match their preferences.

Christian Counseling in Carlsbad, CA

If your job has harmed your mental health, it might be a good idea to talk with a Christian counselor in Carlsbad, California about it. They can help you weigh your options, as well as help you develop coping strategies for stress. Contact us today at Carlsbad Christian Counseling, and we can connect you with a faith-based therapist in Carlsbad.