We all know someone who has experienced burnout at their job, and the results probably weren’t pretty. Some workers end up quitting their jobs while others get fired, and then there are the instances where burnout causes an entire career switch. In short, burnout is real and its effects are too! To avoid corporate burnout, follow these 4 recommendations:
Set Boundaries
Leaving at a reasonable time every day and putting your laptop or work phone away at night isn’t easy when everyone around you seems to be working constantly and available to respond to messages 24-hours a day, but that work routine isn’t sustainable. So when you’re on vacation or at home for the night, know that that is “you time” and not “work time.” I know you’re thinking “Yeah right! How will I ever get it all done?” The truth is that you’ll likely be more efficient and better refreshed at work when you set boundaries, which means you can actually accomplish more work (better work) during the day, eliminating the need to have your nose to the grindstone constantly.
Avoid burning out by setting work-life boundaries. Knowing when to unplug is key to keeping your sanity and still loving your job years down the road!
Get a Hobby
For many people their family is their main hobby, but whether it’s spending time with loved ones, playing golf, watching sports, working out, cooking, or anything else, you need to have a life outside of work. Having something to look forward to after you’re done working is key to helping you get things done. A hobby also allows you to do something that isn’t work, which can rejuvenate you and keep you from placing all of your self-worth in your career. This emotional health and freedom is the reason why people with hobbies tend to feel more fulfilled and be better performers.
The anticipation of doing something outside of work is enough incentive to get what you need to do done, and then put it away. It also keeps you sane while you’re at work!
Prioritize Better
People that don’t set boundaries for their work often prioritize poorly, which leads to a skewed (or non-existent) work-life balance. Your work is clearly important, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be more important than everything else in your life all the time. You need balance and you need to understand when your priorities should shift.
Prioritize your family, friends, and hobbies sometimes to avoid feelings of resentment or guilt towards your work!
Be Honest with Yourself
Sometimes burn out is really a sign that you need to be doing something different! Whether this means taking on a different role in your field of choice or stepping away from what you’re doing entirely to pursue a career change, you need to be honest with yourself if you’re feeling burnt out. Sometimes you may really like what you’re doing but the commitment needed to succeed just isn’t worth the personal trade-offs that you’ll need to make. Whatever the case, burning out is a sign that you need to change something to stay healthy and happy.
Take an honest look at yourself to determine if you’re really doing what you think you should be doing!
Kate Pierce is the owner of LionShark Digital Marketing LLC, a West Michigan internet marketing company. Her areas of expertise include Paid Search, Search Engine Optimization, Business Blogging and Web Copywriting. She lives in the Grand Rapids area with her husband and son and enjoys cooking, watching sports, and spending time together as a family. Like a true digital marketing expert (i.e. geek), she loves talking about current marketing trends… so don’t say you weren’t warned!