Professional burnout – what is worth knowing?

This is a phenomenon that can be considered on many levels, such as social psychology, labor psychology, management or personality psychology. There is no clear definition of occupational burnout, as it can result from many factors. What is worth knowing about this topic? How to fight it? We encourage you to read on.

Professional burnout

According to studies, occupational burnout usually threatens people who are heavily involved in their work, often performing their duties, beyond the statutory 8 hours of work. Professions at risk of burnout include doctors, nurses, but also lifeguards and volunteers, among others.

Professional burnout can occur gradually. In this case, they are talking about people who, year after year, are less and less willing to perform their duties, feeling a growing resentment towards their work. On the other hand, occupational burnout can occur under the influence of a single strong stimulus or a traumatic event. Although this type of burnout occurs somewhat less frequently.

Burnout vs. occupational stress

Interestingly, it is worth distinguishing two phenomena, which are professional burnout and occupational stress. Very often they are equated with each other. However, it is important to emphasize that although occupational burnout is related to stress, occupational stress itself can be related to many, other issues that may not quite signify occupational burnout anymore. It can result from an excess of responsibilities, poor work organization, as well as problems, occurring in a particular company. Occupational stress can eventually lead to burnout, so noticing the first symptoms, it is a good idea to change jobs.

Professional burnout – how to cope?

Professional burnout can be effectively combated. However, you should take steps relatively soon, noticing the first symptoms in yourself. First of all, you need to set the right priorities and reevaluate them accordingly. Then, you have to learn to cut off professional and private issues and find an internal balance. It is also good to regain control of one’s life, learn assertiveness, the art of saying no to other people, and learn to relax. Taking breaks during the day improves the quality of work, efficiency, as well as mood.

As part of the fight against job burnout, it is also worth consulting a psychologist or a career counselor. A specialist will help you look at certain issues differently, as well as teach you how to separate work from private life and pursue your dreams.

Professional burnout is a phenomenon that can affect anyone, although it most often affects certain professional groups, such as doctors, paramedics, nurses and volunteers. There is no single, defined cause of job burnout, although it is often linked to prolonged stress, excessive responsibilities or boredom with work. It is worth taking steps as soon as possible so that you can easily combat the first symptoms of job burnout. Particularly recommended is the help of a specialist psychologist, psychotherapist or career counselor, who can help put the problem into a slightly different perspective.