Work Burnout: 5 Common Symptoms
Work burnout is one of the most common challenges that plague workers from all types of professions. Whether you’re working a fast-paced job in the banking industry or working quietly as a home based virtual assistant, you will encounter this special type of stress probably at least once in your working life.
What is Work Burnout?
Although providing virtual assistant services means that you’ll be encountering stress quite often, regular work-related stress is not exactly the same as work burnout. Regular stress passes quickly once the stressor has been identified and eliminated, but work burnout is a state of complete exhaustion (physical, mental, and emotional) and is usually coupled with the feeling that you’re not achieving anything at work and a general feeling of incompetence.
For many people, work burnout is a gradual thing. It slowly creeps up on them unnoticed until it just hits them hard when they reach their boiling point. There are different causes of work burnout, so solutions also vary. But one of the best ways to solve this issue is to diagnose it early.
5 Common Symptoms of Work Burnout
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Feeling exhausted every morning
Sleep should make you feel rejuvenated, so if you feel exhausted even after a full night’s sleep, it’s a sign that the root of your tiredness is a lot deeper. Constantly having to drag yourself out of bed in the morning and balking at the mere thought of work are some of the most common signs that you’re burning out.
Constant failure to meet deadlines
When you’re burned out, your work suffers. Because you are not at all motivated to work, you will probably find yourself putting things off for later until you’re actually unable to meet the deadline set for you by your boss or yourself. This also means that your tasks will pile up, and the excessive workload just adds to the source of your stress.
Frustration and cynicism
Being plagued by negative thoughts about your work is a sure sign that you’re restless and unhappy about the status quo. Feeling like the work you’re doing is pointless and that you’re not getting recognized for your achievements are major signs that point to burnout.
Having difficulties with concentration
Think being bored at work all the time is normal? Think again. Sure, it’s fine to be bored at work from time to time, but if you find that you can’t focus on any task on a daily basis and are always looking for something to distract yourself with, you might be headed for burnout.
Health problems
The other issues that come with work burnout will have you neglecting your physical health. Lack of sleep, big changes in your eating and drinking habits, and so on can lead to actual physical health problems. If you notice any unexplained headaches and backaches or a sudden drop in your immune system, don’t just take them at face value. They could be signs of work burnout.
Getting over work burnout is a challenging process, but it is not impossible. Be on the lookout for the symptoms above so you can start working on a solution for your work burnout issue as soon as possible. This way, you can avoid a bigger crisis and reduce damage to yourself and your career.
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