13 questions to ask yourself to find out if you're burnt out at work
If you're simply tired or frustrated with your job, a nice relaxing weekend or a vacation can make a huge difference. But if you're burnt out - a state of chronic stress that leads to exhaustion, detachment, and feelings of ineffectiveness - the situation is more serious and can require a job or career change.
Elizabeth Scott, wellness coach and author of "8 Keys to Stress Management," has developed a list of questions that can help you figure out if you could be experiencing job burnout:
- Have you found yourself to be increasingly critical or cynical about your job?
- Do you have feelings of dread about going to work?
- Do you find it difficult to stay productive and focus on your job?
- Are you easily irritable or constantly exhausted?
- Do you spend most of your time at work bored or overwhelmed?
- Do you find yourself impatient and snapping at others?
- Do you feel that you're under an unhealthy amount of pressure?
- Are you noticing that job satisfaction is practically nonexistent?
- Do you feel a lack of control at work?
- Do the requirements of your job seem confusing or overwhelming?
- Are you using food, alcohol, or drugs to cope with the stress from your job?
- Has your appetite or sleep schedule dramatically changed?
- Are you often experiencing negative physical symptoms like headaches, back aches, or digestion issues?
If you find yourself answering yes to many of these questions, there is a chance you are approaching or experiencing job burnout.
"Some of these symptoms are also connected to depression and other health issues, so it is important to talk to your doctor or therapist if you experience these," Scott said.