Work rut/burnout

[cycloneworld]

Any tips or anyone successfully got out of a work rut / burnout phase? I’ve been at the same place for 10 years and generally really like it. I’m historically the annoying “if you like your work, it doesn’t feel like work” guy. But over the past few months, it’s felt like a real chore and I’m not enjoying it at all.

I tend to average 50-55 hours per week and have recently dialed it back to 45-50 but that hasn’t done it. I’ve tried reasoning with myself to say “it’s just a job, try not to care as much”. I’ve tried taking more time off. But nothing seems to stick. I don’t want to change jobs - that’s not on the table.

Anyone else gone through this and come out happier?

 

[clonesalltheway]

Invest more so you can retire earlier. Do things you like to do outside of work and work on your mental health.

 

[ClonerJams]

Been there. I searched for another job and took a chance on it and its one of the best decisions I've ever made. Life is too short to be miserable at work.

 

[chuckd4735]

How much vacation time do you have? I have made a goal to use all of my time I get each year, rather then try to carry anything over. The mental breaks do wonders.

 

[burn587]

Is there anything about the job that has changed or maybe something that changed about how you feel about it? Trying to address those specific things would probably be the first step. If it’s just general stagnation that would be harder to turn around. Putting your energy and attention into other things outside of work would be a way to feel more fulfilled but wouldn’t do much for when you’re at work.

 

[cycloneworld]

How much vacation time do you have? I have made a goal to use all of my time I get each year, rather then try to carry anything over. The mental breaks do wonders.

We have RTO so I can take “whatever I need” but taking a full week off in a row is difficult. I’ve taken several long weekends over the last few months which is great when I take them but coming back feels the same. Normally, that’s my go to and I come back refreshed and recharged but not this time.

 

[CivEFootball]

Yes but how would describe the people you work with and your relationship with them.

 

[TitanClone]

How much vacation time do you have? I have made a goal to use all of my time I get each year, rather then try to carry anything over. The mental breaks do wonders.

This is key. I have unlimited now and use at least 25 days/year. When I first started fresh out of college and it wasnt unlimited I built it up to the max carry over as quickly as I could and then tried to just use the alotted yearly amount so it was maxed out in case I wanted to splurge on longer trips certain years.

 

[cycloneworld]

Is there anything about the job that has changed or maybe something that changed about how you feel about it? Trying to address those specific things would probably be the first step. If it’s just general stagnation that would be harder to turn around. Putting your energy and attention into other things outside of work would be a way to feel more fulfilled but wouldn’t do much for when you’re at work.

The industry I’m in really sucks right now which certainly is part of it. Higher stress, more unknowns I’m sure is playing a part. But I’ve experienced those in the past too and haven’t felt this way. Part of me thinks it’s 10 years of build up but who knows. No major changes and am enjoying the summer outside of work.

 

[jsb]

The industry I’m in really sucks right now which certainly is part of it. Higher stress, more unknowns I’m sure is playing a part. But I’ve experienced those in the past too and haven’t felt this way. Part of me thinks it’s 10 years of build up but who knows. No major changes and am enjoying the summer outside of work.

It probably doesn’t hurt to look around. But it might just be a tough time and you’ll get back to your normal soon.

If you are still enjoying the rest of your life that’s pretty good.

 

[JP4CY]

First question, you getting enough good sleep?

I only need 6.5 to 7 but this summer has been a little more difficult because the amout of overnight storms.

 

[ISUConE]

Any tips or anyone successfully got out of a work rut / burnout phase? I’ve been at the same place for 10 years and generally really like it. I’m historically the annoying “if you like your work, it doesn’t feel like work” guy. But over the past few months, it’s felt like a real chore and I’m not enjoying it at all.

I tend to average 50-55 hours per week and have recently dialed it back to 45-50 but that hasn’t done it. I’ve tried reasoning with myself to say “it’s just a job, try not to care as much”. I’ve tried taking more time off. But nothing seems to stick. I don’t want to change jobs - that’s not on the table.

Anyone else gone through this and come out happier?

I have a very similar but different situation. I own my own business, which has experienced major growth over the last 10 years but lately I’m constantly stressed and burnt out. I’m financially stable enough to retire and could also hire more people to take some “weight” off my shoulders but there are challenges to both scenarios that I won’t get into. I’m only 40, so I don’t think I’m really ready to be done working for another 10 years or so when my kids are out of high school. I probably experience the most stress dealing with people. Not just my employees but everyone involved with trying to operate my business.

Here are some examples that have helped me recharge and relieve stress:

-Take a vacation with my family or spouse. Always have the next vacation booked so there is something to look forward to, even if it’s just a long weekend away.

-Putting the screen down and doing something outside: boating, fishing, riding UTV’s, golfing, mowing, anything at all. Especially if my kids enjoy doing it and it keeps them off their phones or PS5. My wife calls it having a “90’s day” where we can’t use our phones.

-Going on regular dates with my wife to movies, concerts, restaurants, sporting events, etc.

-Watching my kids play sports or other activities.

-Exercise. I’m not nearly as athletic as I used to be but I still enjoy exercising, especially with my kids. It’s fun to show them I can still play some basketball.

My wife has really been pushing the last two years to redo our backyard and put in a pool. I don’t really want to deal with the headache and expense, but now I’m coming around to the idea. It would be pretty relaxing to have a pool and hot tub. Add a built in grilling area, putting green, and fire pit and it will be a backyard oasis that we can enjoy for many years.

 

[isucy86]

Does your employer allow you to take sabbaticals? A longer time off might bring a new perspective.

Would a different job at same employer help? Sometimes a current employer is more open to a "career change" from a day-to-day work responsibility standpoint.

 

[JM4CY]

Work sucks. I’ve been in a rut for years.

 

[bozclone]

Can you take on a project at your job that will require you to learn something new?

 

[pourcyne]

Sit down, make a list of the pro's and con's of your job.

Try to assess why the pro's aren't doing it for you anymore, and brainstorm ways to combat the con's of your job.

A few (actually, several) years ago, Roger Van Oechs came out with the "Creative Whack Pack" which was designed to spark inspiration.

I found it to be helpful in a number of areas. One of my favorites was "Ask a fool" which advised asking someone who knew nothing of your problem to give a take on it. Enlightening to say the least.

According to Google, the Oechs pack is still available (as well as his book "A Whack on the Side of the Head"). Re: Everything old is new again.

Couldn't hurt.

In the meantime, be good to yourself. Obviously, whatever you were getting out of your job isn't doing it for you anymore, so you may have to find validation somewhere else in terms of leisure and/or downtime.

 

[Clonehomer]

You’re focusing too much on why your job is making you feel burnt out. Find something to drive you outside of work. If your job is your life, you’ll always be miserable. Working 55-60 hours at work leaves too little time outside to allow for other activities.

 

[Dgilbertson]

Any tips or anyone successfully got out of a work rut / burnout phase? I’ve been at the same place for 10 years and generally really like it. I’m historically the annoying “if you like your work, it doesn’t feel like work” guy. But over the past few months, it’s felt like a real chore and I’m not enjoying it at all.

I tend to average 50-55 hours per week and have recently dialed it back to 45-50 but that hasn’t done it. I’ve tried reasoning with myself to say “it’s just a job, try not to care as much”. I’ve tried taking more time off. But nothing seems to stick. I don’t want to change jobs - that’s not on the table.

Anyone else gone through this and come out happier?

Describe the friction more.

What’s changed? Home life or work environment.

It could just “be time” but usually this is a sign of something shifting.

Do you believe in exec leadership? Like your manager, colleagues? Change in responsibilities? Are you bored and plateauing?

 

[brianhos]

I work a job that they know has such insane burnout that we get 4 week sabbatical every 5 years. I have 5 days left till mine. I never understood it when I started, but now I get it.

 

[Dgilbertson]

I have a very similar but different situation. I own my own business, which has experienced major growth over the last 10 years but lately I’m constantly stressed and burnt out. I’m financially stable enough to retire and could also hire more people to take some “weight” off my shoulders but there are challenges to both scenarios that I won’t get into. I’m only 40, so I don’t think I’m really ready to be done working for another 10 years or so when my kids are out of high school. I probably experience the most stress dealing with people. Not just my employees but everyone involved with trying to operate my business.

Here are some examples that have helped me recharge and relieve stress:

-Take a vacation with my family or spouse. Always have the next vacation booked so there is something to look forward to, even if it’s just a long weekend away.

-Putting the screen down and doing something outside: boating, fishing, riding UTV’s, golfing, mowing, anything at all. Especially if my kids enjoy doing it and it keeps them off their phones or PS5. My wife calls it having a “90’s day” where we can’t use our phones.

-Going on regular dates with my wife to movies, concerts, restaurants, sporting events, etc.

-Watching my kids play sports or other activities.

-Exercise. I’m not nearly as athletic as I used to be but I still enjoy exercising, especially with my kids. It’s fun to show them I can still play some basketball.

My wife has really been pushing the last two years to redo our backyard and put in a pool. I don’t really want to deal with the headache and expense, but now I’m coming around to the idea. It would be pretty relaxing to have a pool and hot tub. Add a built in grilling area, putting green, and fire pit and it will be a backyard oasis that we can enjoy for many years.

I’m a people person if you need to offload. Currently looking. Mostly serious offer knowing I don’t know the first thing you do