Burnout can stem from various factors beyond simply disliking one's job. Surprisingly, caring deeply about it can also harm your mental health, says Kandi Wiens, director of the University of Pennsylvania's Master's in Medical Education program.
Doing A Job You Are Passionate About Can Also Lead to Burnout
In her new book, Burnout Immunity, Wiens interviewed hundreds of individuals in high-stress fields, such as hospital staff, police chiefs, and financial executives, and discovered that those most susceptible to burnout are not just those with demanding roles; they are often individuals who deeply love their work and consistently go above and beyond.
When individuals love their work and view it as a calling, or when they are purpose-driven and deeply care about the impact of their job on others, they can easily become emotionally invested and overextend themselves.
While identifying yourself through your work is not necessarily a bad thing, excessive personal sacrifices and neglect of self-care can also make you most vulnerable to burnout.
The Higher Risk in Helping Profession
Research indicates that the risk is particularly elevated in helping professions like healthcare workers, counselors, and social workers, who often prioritize the needs of others and can contend with long, unpredictable work hours.
Similar vulnerability to burnout is observed in individuals who are passionate about their work and prioritize their employer's needs and goals over their own, including teachers, activists, nonprofit employees, and small-business owners, among other professionals, according to Wiens.
Set and Maintain Clear Boundaries Between Work and Private Life
While finding work that excites you is wonderful, it should not determine your self-worth. Wiens explains that setting and maintaining boundaries between work and personal life can allow you to carve out time for yourself and create space for other activities and relationships that bring you happiness.
When Wiens began to experience the gradual onset of burnout at the beginning of her career, she established three rules: no work on weekends, no more extensive travel schedules, and no longer saying yes to every request out of fear of disappointing someone. Achieving work-life balance varies for each individual, but you can enhance yours by establishing boundaries that protect your time, energy, productivity, and overall well-being.
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She suggests setting aside do not disturb time on your calendar, incorporating micro-breaks into your workday, and negotiating remote work arrangements for a few days a week or whatever works best for your situation. You can also establish and maintain emotional boundaries, such as taking some time after work, perhaps during your commute, to meditate, listen to music, connect with someone you care about, or engage in another healthy activity to create a clear separation between work and your personal life. She adds that such a ritual can also help replenish your emotional energy after a challenging day at work.
It is crucial to recognize that burnout is an occupational phenomenon, per its official definition. While practicing self-care, pursuing hobbies, and logging off at a reasonable hour is beneficial, Wiens emphasizes that workplaces rather than individuals should primarily bear responsibility for reducing burnout.
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