Work rut/burnout
- Thread starter cycloneworld
- Start date
It sounds like you could use a long extended vacation, like more than a week. Maybe to give yourself something to work towards, you can focus on figuring out a way to make that work if possible. No idea your line of work, but it could involve asking coworkers for favors you have to pay back later, but if I were in your situation I would likely think it's worth it to have that break.
How close are you to retirement? It's one thing to gut it out a few years like I chose to do, then trying to do it for the next 5 other 10 years. See if you can move to a new job in your office if possible, changing jobs brings new challenges but also new excitement. It's easy to get into a rut doing the same thing year after year.
Lots of good stuff in here, but let me throw in a dumb one. Change your office / desk.
For some reason, moving my computer on my desk, rearranging my office, really changes my outlook. It's dumb, but it just seems "new" and kind of helps me hit the reset button.
For some reason, moving my computer on my desk, rearranging my office, really changes my outlook. It's dumb, but it just seems "new" and kind of helps me hit the reset button.
50-55 hours is quite a bit but I see you said you dialed work back and I don't know your age, living situation/family, but if you need to create passion or job with work, have you ever thought about creating a side business with something that you like doing?
Food truck, wood working, art, etc to maybe give you that extra "purpose" type feeling that takes a little mind away from main job? Some would automatically say no and I would get why, just a thought. Or finding an extra hobby that you really enjoy that could alleviate the mundane side.
It also wouldn't hurt to ever look around or examine other careers. If you take some days off maybe use that as to search around and follow some business owners or other industries if you're in something that you're unsure of whether you want to keep doing the rest of your life.
Food truck, wood working, art, etc to maybe give you that extra "purpose" type feeling that takes a little mind away from main job? Some would automatically say no and I would get why, just a thought. Or finding an extra hobby that you really enjoy that could alleviate the mundane side.
It also wouldn't hurt to ever look around or examine other careers. If you take some days off maybe use that as to search around and follow some business owners or other industries if you're in something that you're unsure of whether you want to keep doing the rest of your life.
Does it not make you feel like a zone zombie though? I took it for a bit and I didn't like the way it made me feel. I have since tried Damiana and feel like that herb is a better stress ease.
Since it's been a few months I would first explore internal jobs or opportunities since you generally seem to like the place. Maybe a new challenge would help. Is there a specific part of your job that's making it feel that way? Maybe you can get that off your plate?
I go through this every 2-3 years it feels like. Usually after a month or two I just kind of get out of it and move on but if not I do the above. And if that fails then look for a new job (that's what I did but I've only done it once). I think with work not having a defined end date sometimes it's easy to feel blah about it
I go through this every 2-3 years it feels like. Usually after a month or two I just kind of get out of it and move on but if not I do the above. And if that fails then look for a new job (that's what I did but I've only done it once). I think with work not having a defined end date sometimes it's easy to feel blah about it
Do you feel appreciated? By spouse? Kids? Boss? Anyone? Are there people in your life who you appreciate, and do you let them know?
Perhaps an executive physical is in order. Maybe you blood sugar dips a bit low, etc.
Others have mentioned side-gig. I know people who are happy flipping houses on the side, taking advantage of the potential big tax-free gains. It can be a tremendous creative outlet as well.
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- Mar 27, 2006
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Know what you're worth. Changing jobs should always be an option, especially if you feel burnt out. Life is too short to spend a third of your time doing something that makes you unhappy.
I spent a decade at a single company and while I enjoyed it immensely, I definitely felt like I was in a rut. And it definitely had a stagnating effect on my career. 5 years ago I was approached by a recruiter, whom I initially ignored, but thankfully was persistent and insistent that I was being underpaid, and should consider other options.
Listening to her ended up being the best move I've ever made. The growth of knowledge, responsibility, and overall job satisfaction has been tremendous. But beyond that, the new perspective on work has been the biggest benefit. There's nothing wrong with viewing work as transactional, because that's what it is. Time/effort for money. If the effort isn't worth the money, find something that is. Employers view employees that way. It should be no different in reverse.
I spent a decade at a single company and while I enjoyed it immensely, I definitely felt like I was in a rut. And it definitely had a stagnating effect on my career. 5 years ago I was approached by a recruiter, whom I initially ignored, but thankfully was persistent and insistent that I was being underpaid, and should consider other options.
Listening to her ended up being the best move I've ever made. The growth of knowledge, responsibility, and overall job satisfaction has been tremendous. But beyond that, the new perspective on work has been the biggest benefit. There's nothing wrong with viewing work as transactional, because that's what it is. Time/effort for money. If the effort isn't worth the money, find something that is. Employers view employees that way. It should be no different in reverse.
I have been in a bit of a rut this year as well. Got burnt out/pushed out of a major program and just been spinning my wheels since February. Had some disagreements with management on some stuff and finally have a new manager that I am developing a better relationship with. I have been looking both internally and externally to see where I stand and have received some good feedback internally but no bites externally yet.
A weird thing I noticed a few years ago was that that my overall mood was slowly being affected by what I would watch on tv or read. I was watching medical or police dramas, reading about heavy subjects or dark topics, watching documentaries on some historical tragedies, etc. And I'm not a big tv watcher in the first place.
After awhile, I had to pay closer attention to how I was occupying my free time. I wasn't giving my mind a break from negative things to let positivity in. It took me a while to really figure out the cause of my overall mood, but it's been a noticeable change. It was odd how watching or reading about something I enjoy led to that.
After awhile, I had to pay closer attention to how I was occupying my free time. I wasn't giving my mind a break from negative things to let positivity in. It took me a while to really figure out the cause of my overall mood, but it's been a noticeable change. It was odd how watching or reading about something I enjoy led to that.
I was just going to say this! I went through exactly what the OP stated. I had enough. Worked at 1 place for 20 years, was successful at it. Well paid. I got burned up and burnt out and was thinking the cure would be for a new chapter and take a new job. Went through the motions got offered another job but I couldn't make the move. For some reason I woke up 1 day and went for a run (4 miles). That day at work seemed shorter, so I woke up and did it again the next day, and the next day, and the next day. Suddenly I no longer feel burned up and burned out. I run everyday before work. I use to run in the rain, heat, snow, etc, but I realized it was kind of key to my mental health so I bought a treadmill for those days, doesnt matter as long as I run 4 miles I seem to have an easier time handling my work commitments.
Dial back the hours even more. If you aren't getting paid overtime, do your best not to give more than 40 hours. That's free labor.
Know that burnout takes YEARS not weeks to recover from. I read 3 years and I would agree, based on my own experience.
Identify the cause - not feeling challenged? Not feeling appreciated? Not aligned with your values? Micromanagement? Or is it outside work - something at home, something with family. Knowing the source will help you decide what to do.
Always keep your eye on what's available and keep resume updated. That way if it's ever go time - you don't feel like there's such a hurdle to be ready.
Find little ways to make the workday more bearable. Is it a particular warm drink in the morning? Taking a walk or eating lunch outside at lunch? Being able to change work arrangement (ie, home on Fridays, control meeting schedule more to have "focus time" or breathing room around the worst parts)
Get your joy outside the workplace but I caution against a side hustle. Hobbies, activities, volunteering - yes. But don't turn your fun into a hustle. That's more stress and work. Don't do that now. Maybe Wednesdays you take up a rec game. Board game with friends. Walks after dinner with the family.
Don't rule out ideas like therapy, journaling, along with regular exercise, sleep and all that. Can help you identify the causes and what you want to do.
Best of luck - it's a sucky place to be and it doesn't have to be forever. Personally, changing careers from a place where I was unappreciated and overworked was an A+ decision.
Know that burnout takes YEARS not weeks to recover from. I read 3 years and I would agree, based on my own experience.
Identify the cause - not feeling challenged? Not feeling appreciated? Not aligned with your values? Micromanagement? Or is it outside work - something at home, something with family. Knowing the source will help you decide what to do.
Always keep your eye on what's available and keep resume updated. That way if it's ever go time - you don't feel like there's such a hurdle to be ready.
Find little ways to make the workday more bearable. Is it a particular warm drink in the morning? Taking a walk or eating lunch outside at lunch? Being able to change work arrangement (ie, home on Fridays, control meeting schedule more to have "focus time" or breathing room around the worst parts)
Get your joy outside the workplace but I caution against a side hustle. Hobbies, activities, volunteering - yes. But don't turn your fun into a hustle. That's more stress and work. Don't do that now. Maybe Wednesdays you take up a rec game. Board game with friends. Walks after dinner with the family.
Don't rule out ideas like therapy, journaling, along with regular exercise, sleep and all that. Can help you identify the causes and what you want to do.
Best of luck - it's a sucky place to be and it doesn't have to be forever. Personally, changing careers from a place where I was unappreciated and overworked was an A+ decision.
And take a big chunk at a time. I read somewhere years ago that in order to really get the maximum stress relief from taking time off work you should be out something like 2 weeks at a go. Also, if you do take vacation shut off the phone and laptop and lock them in a drawer or something. Tell your employer you will be out of cell phone range. If you are concerned about a mess when you get back, go through emails the day before you are officially back at work to try to lighten the load, but defintely not before.
I second this. Particularly the stagnant aspect with time.
In one’s career, I feel it’s not a ideal to “fall in love with the process” as CMC puts it
It’s very easy to prioritize or get caught up in the moment, to accomplish the immediate challenge at hand. It’s an effective way to do well…for that employer.
And they may reward you for consistently doing that.
But IMO nothing brings growth and purpose better than prioritizing doing what it takes to get a “better” job. Whether that be better in happiness, salary, etc. The carrot, and the whip. Being focused on the picture. If that is so demotivating that it interferes with getting your job done, it’s time to change jobs ASAP imo.
In today’s society, that often means leaving for another opportunity.
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Also can help to re-organize things which can kind of reset the brain and make someone feel more in control.
Brain function is wild.
The small company I work for was sold about a year ago, much to the surprise of most in the company.
Instead of getting to know the established employees, the new owners (the company now has two CEOs) started implementing major changes right away. This has led to burnout amongst a good chunk of the established employees.
What keeps me going amidst all the changes are the people I work directly with. I was recruited to this job (nearly 10 years ago) by someone I worked with at a previous employer. The person I report directly to I worked with at my two previous jobs, and the person I sit next to was my first roommate at Iowa State 18 years ago.
Instead of getting to know the established employees, the new owners (the company now has two CEOs) started implementing major changes right away. This has led to burnout amongst a good chunk of the established employees.
What keeps me going amidst all the changes are the people I work directly with. I was recruited to this job (nearly 10 years ago) by someone I worked with at a previous employer. The person I report directly to I worked with at my two previous jobs, and the person I sit next to was my first roommate at Iowa State 18 years ago.
When I was at ISU, I took a Sociology course where one of the case studies was how a plant manager in the 20’s was able to boost worker morale and productivity just by painting the walls a different color and lighting every few months. It turned out that it didn’t matter what change was made, workers just liked the change. This suggestion is just the 21st century version of that case study.
I wish I had something to offer you OP, but I too went thru this about a year ago at my job, and unfortunately didn't get to make the decision to part ways with my employer. I was dealing with burnout from too many hours at work combined with new management team and new processes/ systems to learn on the work end, and then on the home front had just welcomed baby #2 into the world so I was really burning the candle on both ends. It was evidently too much for me and I didn't react soon enough. Had I been a little more proactive, I would've been looking around for new work sooner. It was hard to give up what I had built at the company for 7 years though. I did attempt a transfer to another role within the company near the end, but HR must have known the writing was on the wall for me by that point and I received no help from them. I guess what I'm trying to say is I wish you the best of luck in dealing with your rut, and hope you can dig yourself out before your shovel breaks like mine did. Have your resume polished up and references ready to go just in case etc.
