How to tell if you’re burnt out

Happy Monday friends! I’ve already been to two in-person meetings this morning and only now realized that my t-shirt is on inside out. Sincerely hoping your morning is off to a better start!

Tunes for today: In keeping up with the theme of today’s hot topic (blink once if you miss that store), I’m taking it back to some old school Nelly.

—Rod

What To Do When You’re Burnt TF Out

Dread going to work? Feeling extra cynical? Exhausted beyond the normal amount?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you may be entitled to financial compensation burnt out. Welcome to the club, 89% of workers are also members…!

While not an actual health condition, burnout is still a major part of many of our lives. It’s caused by excessive and prolonged emotional ✅, physical ✅, and mental ✅ stress. Care to wager a bet on the leading cause of burnout these days?

Yes, it’s our jobs. In 2018, about two-thirds of U.S. workers surveyed experienced burnout, and in 2019 the World Health Organization defined it as an “occupational phenomenon.” And while burnout is nothing new, 67% of workers believe that it got worse in the post-Covid years.

Some other factors that may be contributing to your burnout?

• You’re overworked. You’re burning the midnight oil and still can’t seem to get ahead without any resources or support from upper management.

• You’re in a toxic environment. Negative vibes, poor leadership, and communication issues can lead to unnecessary stress.

• You don’t feel appreciated. Not feeling valued as an employee is a motivation buzzkill.

Are you burnt out? Circle Y or N

Signs and symptoms of burnout vary from mild (I don’t care enough to change out of my pajama bottoms for this meeting) to more severe cases (heart disease, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes). What else?

• Lack of work ethic/performance: No motivation to do work or care about the quality, even when deadlines are looming. In the past year, 26% of employees developed a lack of interest, motivation, and energy at work.

• Loss of productivity/creativity: In the last 12 months, 57% of people who are burnt out said they were less productive.

• Depression/anxiety: Almost half of the U.S workforce said that mental health negatively affected their job performance. Burnout can lead to depression and anxiety (please see your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms of either of those!).

Ways to cool off

So we’re all feeling pretty darn warm right about now, huh? The full-fledged burn-out might be around the corner? Let’s talk about some things we can do to put out those flames.

Ask for help. Communicate with management and let them know how you’re feeling. They should be able to offer support to alleviate those overwhelming feelings, and if not, it may be time to…

Take care of yourself. Exercise, eat healthy, and do things that you genuinely enjoy to stay healthy and happy when you feel like the weight of work is too much.

Say “no” more. Forget the FOMO and prioritize what’s best for you (I’m working on this one). You can’t possibly say yes to every assignment or social obligation, and it’s time to put your foot down. Your mental health will thank you.

Things to Slack your work besties

…after sending voice notes to the group chat about the latest office drama.

Never have I ever envied Gen Z until now. Gen Z may be the first generation not crippled by imposter syndrome. Apparently having technology at their fingertips from birth and being raised during a recession taught them independence and self-resilience. Their love of “retro” low-rise jeans, IMO, will teach them humility.

The year is 2006. Your entire head is scrunched with curl gel except for your flat-ironed bangs. Your going-out top has never looked more sequined. Your bestie calls to say they’re 10 minutes out from picking you up to go to Hollister. Reply to this email and let me know what your ringtone is.

This week’s binge? Apple TV’s new series, The Big Door Prize, about a mystery machine that reveals a person’s maximum life potential. It’s funny, heartfelt, and definitely made me stop and think about exploring my middle school obsession with breakdancing a bit more.

Thanks so much for reading! Wishing you a good start to the week. See you back here on Friday.

IDK WHAT DO I KNOW?! LMAO!

—Rod