25 signs you're burned out at work

Disregarding how you treat coworkers or customers

If you're planning to quit or you're just sick of dealing with the same people every day, it may be reflected in how you treat your coworkers.

Constantly being asked about your feelings

Do your coworkers often approach you because they're worried that you're struggling or down on yourself? This is a signal that others are picking up on your misery.

Keeping a private stash of painkillers at your desk

Many offices will have some over-the-counter medicine on hand to help with the occasional employee headaches. But if you're popping pills so frequently that you decide to keep your own supply at your desk, this could be a sign of burnout.

According to staff at the Mayo Clinic, stress is the most commonly reported trigger for tension headaches, and frequent headaches could be a sign that you're suffering from chronic job stress.

Not spending time with coworkers

Burnt out employees tend to shy away from company-wide lunch events or happy hours because they've lost interest in building their network, Fanning says.

Explaining your job with 'fine'

An obvious sign of burnout comes when family and friends ask you about your job, and whether it's new or you've been there for a while, you simply respond with one-word responses like "fine."

Feeling liberated after a Friday at work

You know you're really stressed when you truly feel like you've been freed when the weekend rolls around.

Dreading every Monday

Similarly to only looking forward to Friday night, absolutely dreading Mondays signals you're burnt out at your current job.

Inconsistent sleep patterns

Oftentimes, people that are over-stressed at work will lose sleep over something they they did (or didn't do) at work, Fanning says.

Setting your alarm too early to use the snooze button

The signs of job burnout can start first thing in the morning. For example, you may feel so tired that you hit "snooze" over and over and then feel frantic and late when you wake up.

Losing hope for a turnaround

"When you're burned out it's easy to forget that organizations and the work environments are dynamic and are constantly changing," Fanning says. "If you're frustrated by your company or boss, sometimes just waiting it out can be effective."

Clenching your jaw when you walk in the office door

Simply walking through the door at work shouldn't cause your body to contract in this way, Fanning says. This could be a sign that you're stressed and anxious about work.

Finding yourself unable to relax

Fanning says finding yourself unable to slow down and relax, especially when you're doing typically relaxing things like getting a massage, is a sign you're emotionally burnt out.

Noticing coworkers are hesitant around you

If you notice that your coworkers are "walking on eggshells around you because they don't know what to expect," that's a clear sign that you're having a tough time.

Dreading a new job search

Even if you know it's time for a new job, if you're over-stressed there's a chance you won't even take the time to look, Fanning says.

Over-complaining to your partner

There's no doubt that venting can help, but your problems at work shouldn't consistently become the problems of your significant other or your close friends.

Being overly cynical

Once you lose interest in the company and stop caring about helping it, you can become an on-the-job liability.

Rarely feeling like you're progressing

A lack of progress or feeling like you're stuck is likely a sign that it's time for a new job — or at least a vacation.

Constantly feeling overwhelmed

Stress at work is inevitable, but every moment shouldn't be stressful. There are simple methods that can help.

Forgetting your last accomplishment at work

Not remembering the last time you felt satisfied or accomplished at work can signify the development of job burnout.

Not wanting to explain your job to people

"What do you do for a living?" is a common question at cocktail parties, but it likely becomes annoying to someone who is sick of their job.

Frequently losing your temper

Stress can lead to temper tantrums, when "it feels good just to let it erupt on whoever's around," Fanning says.

Fantasizing about quitting

Moving to a new job for a higher salary or better hours is one thing, but fantasizing about simply quitting is on the other end of the spectrum.

Popping Tums like they're candy

Researchers have found a link between job stress and acid reflux symptoms like heartburn and nausea. If your stomach's constitution isn't what it used to be, this could be a sign that job burnout is taking its toll on your body.

Living like a vampire

Arriving before dawn and leaving well into the evening is stressful on its own. Being forced to work these hours can make the problem even worse.