If you feel frustrated, dissatisfied, and weary just thinking about work, you could be experiencing job burnout. But you don’t have to quit your job or sacrifice the health insurance benefits it provides to cope.
Here are three ways to buffer burnout and feel better at work:
1. Prepare for Plan B. Even while working a regular schedule you can carve out time for what psychologist and burnout expert Steven Berglas, PhD, calls a “parallel career.” Design Web pages after hours. Read “how to” books on break. Take a night class, hone new skills and prepare for your dream job down the road. You’ll feel excited when you’re working toward an ultimate career goal and that will help ease the strain of your current job.
2. Take a talent inventory. Make a list of all of your character assets – those talents you use outside of work as well as in the office – and look for creative ways to put them to use. For example, perhaps the organizational skills you use at home could be applied to a project at work. Be sure to let managers know of your diverse talents and willingness to help. Added challenges and new responsibilities can often boost on-the-job satisfaction.
3. Look for fun and fulfillment. Burnout usually means you feel little job satisfaction and gratification, so find something that offers those emotional rewards outside of work and do it. Mentor a young person, or volunteer in general or skill-specific positions. Community organizations are always in need of talented, capable individuals who are willing to donate even a small amount of their time on a regular basis. If you don’t have the energy, just make time for a regularly scheduled “movie night” with a friend or two; it’ll make a difference in your weariness on the job.
When you limit your life to work, you’re at a higher risk for burnout, says psychologist Christina Maslach, PhD, a pioneer in burnout research. You’ll feel better when you incorporate different people and diverse activities to your life.
your not alone; im passing trough a career change because of the symptoms.
it is not easy, at least for me
the hardest part has been accept my physical limitations, really hard, but nowdays, my health its the most important thing for me.. that`s what i´m learning
i dont know how do you feel, but it seems very quite like my mood
in life, i think, we win somethings and we lost others, but the important thing is the way you face it
no one but you will take care of your body & health
it ´s not easy
im been depressed all this time (a year ago i ve been diagnosed with arthritis), i finally accept that it changes my life, 360º degree, but i wake up every morning and i now i think i can do whatever it takes for my health
you re not alone
you re strong enough for this
your friend,
Ann
I hope you will find joy in the challenges we face with arthritis and job burnout. I understand how you feel, especially as a young mother. I raised two boys of my own and now am a grandmother. It was the toughest (and how I miss it now) and most joyous time of my life, but it was hard to juggle work, parenting, school, and life.
I thought about your words and wondered how I could help.
I'm sharing something I wrote on a blog for the article on stress relief. I hope you will find something that encourages you. In the meantime, I had a suggestion. If you listen to relaxation tapes at night before you go to sleep, the meditation and relaxation can really help with centering yourself and stress management. It doesn't take extra time and your partner might enjoy this as well.
Love and Blessings,
Lee
P.S. Here's a copy of the earlier blog:
Jacqueline,
Congratulations on recognizing the importance of respite when you are a caretaker. It is hard to do, especially when you might feel guilty about taking time for yourself. However, you recognized that recharging your batteries will help you to re-energize yourself, and actually help your husband as well.
You sound like a person who is grateful for all of your life, the good and the bad. I know that can be hard, especially when you suffer yourself from pain and limitations. It takes strength and courage to remain grateful and positive about life.
I think of my great grandmother who suffered from RA, as I do now. At my age, she was bedridden, with a very deformed leg. She could not leave bed, even needed a bed pan.
I am so grateful that there are improved medications that keep us healthier, and research that improves our lives by giving us ideas on what will help us stay more functional and enjoy life to its fullest. Today is what we have for sure - the rest is a mystery.
Today, I enjoy my grandchild's smile, the presence of my husband next to me, and the fact that I am still physically able to make a living, even though I don't like my work.
I send love to all who suffer with this disease. Remember there are hidden blessings in everything, even arthritis. If you can find and recognize these, and don't focus only on your pain and what you cannot do, you will live a happier life.
Blessings to all,
Lee
way I know how to recharge myself is
a weekend getaway,but lately,I haven't been
able,too much work & no time to rest.
Leave a Comment