What Kind of Burnout Are You Facing?

While burnout is a common workplace affliction, it comes in different shapes and sizes. Here’s how to identify the type of burnout you might be facing—and what to do about it.

• If you overlook your own needs or personal life to fulfill work demands, you might be suffering from overload burnout. In this case, use positive self-talk to recalibrate your priorities and restore your sense of self outside of work. For example, instead of saying, “I need to work all the time to be successful,” try saying, “Striking a better balance in my life will help my stamina so that I can achieve my goals.”
• If you feel your job doesn’t offer you opportunities to grow, you might be suffering from under-challenged burnout. In this case, identify some achievable development goals. Making strides towards something that feels fun and meaningful can lift you out of a funk—even if those strides aren’t directly related to your career.
• If you stop trying when work situations don’t go as planned, you give up in response to obstacles or setbacks, or you simply feel demoralized when you face your daily to-do list, you might be suffering from neglect burnout. In this case, identify exactly what you’re dreading and create a “to-don’t” list—a list of responsibilities you can talk to your manager about saying “no” to or delegating. And of course, prioritize self-care outside of work.