How to Cure Job Burnout
- 1). Ensure that what you are feeling is indeed job burnout. If you are experiencing an advanced case, then it may seem hopeless. However, it's important to note that everyone has bad days and periodic slumps. A few things to look for are: constant fatigue at the workplace, self-medication with unhealthy vices and chronic irritability. Plus, if you have to sit at the edge of the bed every morning and ask yourself if you really want to show up for work, then that's an indicator as well.
- 2). Make it a point to maximize your time outside of work. True, errands are a part of it, but try to do plenty of enjoyable things for yourself. If you weren't burnt out, then coming home and plopping down in the easy chair and going to bed at 10 p.m. may work just fine. However, if you have job burnout, it's important to seek out pleasurable experiences. This can be anything you enjoy doing, be it going for a hike, taking the family out for dinner and a movie or working on a hobby.
- 3). Make a list of just what it is that you don't like about your job. Burnout can be vague in nature, so it's important to specify just what bothers you. For example, if you feel that your coworkers are constantly undermining you, make it a point to politely confront them about it. Or, if your supervisor doesn't listen to your suggestions, talk with her about it in a diplomatic manner.
- 4). Adjust your routine. This includes both the job itself and your life as it relates to it. For instance, try shaking up your break routine by going to a park or spending time with varying coworkers. Taking the same road to work, eating the same lunch everyday and conversing with the same people can lead to job burnout.
- 5). Save your money and look for another job. This is a last resort if all else has failed, and that can happen. Sometimes, a career or particular business is just not a good fit. By saving money, you bolster your chances of being able to quit prior to finding another job. Plus, when looking for another job, it provides you with a ray of hope at your current job; that yes, there is a better opportunity out there and you are proactively doing something to find it.
