In our fast-paced world, burnout often creeps up on us, its silent onset masked by the daily grind. The insidious accumulation of stress gradually takes its toll, until one day, we find ourselves immobilized, unable to summon the strength to rise from our beds.
It’s at this point that we may catch ourselves daydreaming of simpler days, fantasizing about abandoning the corporate rat race to churn butter barefoot in the woods.
Yet, burnout isn’t just a fleeting moment of exhaustion—it’s a pervasive force that can disrupt our lives and careers if left unchecked.
Here are the progressive stages of burnout and the symptoms to watch out for.
Stage 1 of Burnout
SIGNS THAT THE JOB STRESS IS GETTING TO YOU
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Poor concentration
- Gastro-Intestinal problems
- Headaches
Stage 2 of Burnout
Cynicism & Detachment
When you find yourself continually up against a wall, you start to lose faith in your ability. Your enthusiasm for work quickly diminishes and you struggle to go to the same job you were once excited about.
SIGNS THAT YOU ARE MENTALLY CHECKING OUT
- Loss of enjoyment
- Pessimism
- Isolation
- Detachment
- Chronic lateness
- Procrastination
- Resentment
Stage 3 of Burnout
Ineffectiveness & Lack of Accomplishment
Effectiveness starts in the mind. We have to believe in our abilities to be able to accomplish what it is we set out to do. But environmental factors play a part in what we can attain, especially at work. So pay attention to your mood and negative thinking here.
SIGNS THAT YOU ARE INEFFECTIVE
- Hopelessness
- Poor performance
- Feelings of inadequacy
- Easily overwhelmed
- Loss of confidence