This is Part 3 of a three part series discussing career planning. Once a person is in the occupation or job that they desire, often their passion pushes the individual to a level of “burnout” in their professional and personal life. Spending more hours than are required at the job or doing work at home can eventually kill your enthusiasm for your job. Eventually your personal life will also wither away.
After a goal is accomplished, there can be a let-down period where you are somehow dissatisfied and feel unfocused. Often people will just continue working in order to avoid these uncomfortable moments. It is necessary to re-group your energy and formulate new goals. In order to become really engaged and satisfied in life, there has to be a healthy balance between your work and your personal life!
How do you know if you are at a burnout stage? There are usually many clues if you just look for them. Some of the symptoms are:
- Lack of Motivation – It becomes harder to start projects or continue them.
- Lack of Restful Sleep – Too little or too much sleep.
- Social Avoidance – Isolation from others.
- Feelings of Despair – Hopelessness or depression.
- Inappropriate Eating/Drinking Habits – Too little or too much food or drugs (legal or illegal), and
- Lack of Focus/Attention – Inability to concentrate.
If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, there are suggested remedies. Some of these are:
- Sleep – Set a goal of seven to nine hours per night.
- Take a Vacation – Get away from your work physically and emotionally.
- Establish New Goals – Both personally and professionally make new goals that include deadlines and attainable steps for completion.
- Unplug – Stop technology from sapping your energy and attention. Live without computers and other electronic devices for specified times and especially the hour before going to bed.
- Exercise – Try walking during your breaks and lunch time. Continue exercise during your personal time. Join a gym or possibly walk with friends.
- Talk with Your Supervisor – Employers want their employees to function at their maximum level of performance. Your supervisor might have positive input regarding your current performance and suggestions on how to avoid further burnout.
- Mentoring – Get and become a mentor. Get and give support.