Don’t Quit Your Job Yet: Understanding Work Dynamics and Burnout

Even the most talented people can burn out if they're unaware of the complexities of workplace environments.

Watch the Video on Workplace Burnout

The Dual Nature of Burnout

Burnout stems from a complex interplay between external factors like the work environment, and internal factors like your habits and personality traits. Let’s break this down. Initially, your job may have felt like a great fit. However, something shifted, leading to feelings of overwhelm or resentment. Identifying the root causes can be crucial in resolving these feelings.

Identifying Workplace Issues

So, how do you recognize if your workplace is the source of your burnout? Here are a few signs:

• High Employee Turnover: A clear sign that the environment may be toxic.
• Workflow Issues: If your organization frequently takes on more work than it can handle, it creates unsustainable pressure on employees.
• Lack of Job Descriptions: Unclear roles and responsibilities can lead to confusion and frustration. If you notice that your workload is consistently overwhelming, it’s essential to speak up. If leadership is unresponsive to these concerns, it might be time to consider other opportunities.

Identifying Personal Factors in Burnout

Now, let’s shift our focus to you. Sometimes, the workplace may be functioning well, yet you still feel burned out. What could be happening on a personal level? Here are a few reasons:

• Overcommitting: Many high achievers struggle to say no, leading to an unsustainable workload.
• People-Pleasing: If you avoid conflict and prioritize others' needs over your own, resentment can build up. For example, if you’re the go-to person who takes on all the extra tasks, it’s crucial to recognize this pattern and begin to communicate your limits. 

Want some some strategies to help combat your "helpful" nature? Here you go:

1. The Power of the Pause: If you're hesitant to decline requests, take a moment to pause and say, "Let me check my schedule and get back to you." This gives you time to assess your workload.
2. It’s Not Your Company: Understand that you are being compensated for your labor. You don’t own the company, so be fair to yourself. Don’t go above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of your own well-being



Learn more about people-pleasing in blog How to Finally Stop Being a People-Pleaser

The Person and the Environment

Burnout can stem from either the workplace environment or personal factors, or a combination of both. It’s essential to reflect on your situation and identify the root causes. My suggestion is to create a two-column list to categorize potential problems related to your job and as well as your own personal behaviors. This exercise can provide clarity and guide your next steps.

Don’t shy away from having difficult conversations with your boss or co-workers. Open communication can lead to positive changes, and remember: over-communication is usually better than under-communication. Your career is important, and understanding the dynamics at play can empower you to make informed decisions.

As you navigate your career, don’t hesitate to seek support from professionals who specialize in career coaching and counseling. You deserve to thrive in your workplace, and taking proactive steps can lead you there.

Learn more about my career counseling services.

My Own Burnout Story

Part of the inspiration for this article comes from my own experience. I once worked in the tech sector in San Francisco, earning a good salary and thriving in my role. But my definition of thriving meant working until 9 pm and saying yes to more projects. After a while burnout crept in, affecting not just me but my colleagues as well.

The company attempted to address this issue by bringing in an organizational psychologist, a well-meaning business coach who focused on individual employee personality traits without considering the broader systemic dynamics.

This whole experience de-motivated me even more, and I ended up quitting. In hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise, as it led me to pursue a career in counseling. However, it was a shame that I had to leave a great company without understanding the complex dynamics that caused me to burn out.

I don’t want the same thing to happen to you, especially if you’re at a good company. By understanding the unseen dynamics at play, you can make an informed choice. You can decide to stay at your current job, or move on to a place that’s a better fit.  

Remember, identifying the sources of your burnout is the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling professional life.