Recognizing and beating burnout

In times of tight budgets, workers have been asked to do more with less. Downsizing has led to employees pitching in to cover the responsibilities of several people, creating conditions ripe for burnout.

Burnout is basically chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, or a feeling of just not caring about your job anymore. Does that sound familiar? To find out how close you are to the danger point, take a 30-question quiz from iVillage.com that assesses your feelings and attitudes about your workplace. You’ll find it at https://quiz.ivillage.com/health/tests/burnoutinv.htm

If you discover from the quiz results that you could be on the verge of burning out, or worse, are already there, it’s time to learn more about the problem. About.com’s Career Planning section features an in-depth article series on burnout. Part 1 defines the condition, Part 2 looks at signs and results of burnout, Part 3 focuses on fixes, and Part 4 highlights additional resources. Go to https://careerplanning.about.com/library/weekly/aa021501a.htm.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to combat burnout. For some people, adding more flexibility to their job through a telecommuting arrangement or adjustable work hours can aid in better juggling the demands of work and family.

Taking care of yourself is also important. If you don’t already exercise, consider starting a program. Get advice for finding time for fitness in the Network World article (https://www.nwfusion.com/you2001/regimen/side2.html). Don’t bank all your vacation time because you’re too busy to enjoy it; just make travel plans and go unplug for a few days.

Most importantly, talk to your manager. If he or she needs ideas for battling burnout on staff, point to advice from fellow managers at these articles:

*Battling burnout

https://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/careers/2001/00991546.html

*The best way to avoid burnout

https://www.nwfusion.com/best2001/burnout/burnout.html

Hopefully one of the tips or strategies outlined above will help alleviate your symptoms and bring you more enjoyment from work again.