A reader asks for advice after feeling burned out at work.**
Burnout Due to Stress of Work
Q) I am a writer/editor with 11 years of professional experience who now feels she is in the crossroads of the career. I still think I enjoy what I do, but just feel burned and scarred by some things I've had to deal with in my career: company buyouts, layoffs (thankfully not me, but the scare of it), low salary and mean,backstabbing coworkers.
I'm stuck between trying to figure out how to get my spark back and to learn either to love my career again or just take a chance and move on to something else. Please help.
mh
Need Time Away to Reflect on Situation
A) It sounds like you need a change of view, not a new career. You are certainly overstressed with work due to worrying about keeping your job during layoffs while working within an environment of distrust with co-workers. Two potential solutions. First, when was the last time you took a vacation? Not a "get away from it all", but just time off for you. You need some time away from the situation to gather your thoughts and renew your positive energy. When you are around negative people, the negative energy pervades your work, thoughts and emotions. This will also give you time to reflect on whether you can rise above the negative energy (not sure how long you have been with this last situation) or if it is time to move on.
Time to Move On?
That's the second solution - starting checking out possibilities with other companies. Do not just quit your current job, unless you feel your health (both mental and physical) cannot take any more. Make sure you are doing some type of exercise - even better if you take a walk during your lunch time or break. This gets you away from the situation and helps clear your mind and body.
When you are stressed you must ensure you are also eating properly. Just make sure you are not skipping any meals, and try to ensure you have a healthy dose of veggies and fruit each day, along with enough protein and carbs. Keep hydrated too. It may sound silly, but these simple measures mean you are taking care of yourself, which will help you feel in control while you decide what is best for you.
Consider Writing for Suite101
To bring some joy back into your writing, why not become a Contributing Writer for Suite101 - you get to write on anything you want within the framework of Suite regulations. This may help you to overcome the negative aspects of your work environment. It will also help you for future possibilities as you can refer clients and potential employers to your work online.
If you truly dread going to work each day, and during your time at work you constantly and consistently feel pressured and surrounded by negative energy; if you find nothing at work to enjoy, then it is time to move on.
**Note - all letters are reprinted as received (typos and grammatical) but names and other identifying details are deleted.
 |
