How to Know if You’re Experiencing Burnout

Illustration by Allie Runnion for Just Us Gals

For many, the idea of working from home is a dream come true. But that was before 2020, when over half of the U.S. workforce started working virtually to slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s been over eight months since a majority of employees became remote workers, and for many companies, there is no definite plan to return to the office.

Not only are employees getting frustrated with the complexities of working from home, but they’re feeling burnt out. The expectations are higher than ever before at a time when people are feeling stressed, anxious, and ready for some normalcy. If you’re feeling less-than-enthused about your day job, you might be dealing with burnout.

The Telltale Signs of Burnout

Burnout essentially means that you’re struggling mentally and physically due to the demands of your job. It happens frequently to workers in high-pressure environments, like doctors, nurses, first responders, and even CEOs of major corporations. However, burnout can affect anyone, regardless of their title. Here are some of the biggest warning signs of burnout:

• Extreme exhaustion

There are a million reasons to feel completely exhausted right now. But if you’re experiencing extreme fatigue on a daily basis, even with adequate sleep, you might be dealing with burnout. This extreme exhaustion can make it difficult to do everyday activities, like run errands, workout, and simply get out of bed in the morning.

• Trouble concentrating

Poor concentration is another hallmark sign of burnout, along with increased forgetfulness. Being burned out can make you feel like you’re living in a daze, with no perception of time or responsibilities. You might be so caught up in stress and exhaustion that you forget major deadlines at work, or forget about a parent’s birthday.

• Serious lack of motivation

If you’re feeling like you could care less about your work obligations, it’s probably a symptom of burnout. Everyone has tough periods at work, but consistent lack of motivation usually means you’re burned out. You might have loved your job six months ago, but now, you’re missing deadlines and producing subpar work, without much care.

• Irritability

Burnout doesn’t just affect your performance at work. It can also spill over into your personal life. Feeling more irritable than usual, or getting easily annoyed or angry over small issues, means you could be experiencing burnout. If your friends and loved ones are walking on eggshells around you, it’s time to take a closer look at the issue.

• Feeling detached

Isolation and detachment are other common signs of burnout. Maybe you were once a social butterfly, and all of a sudden, you’re avoiding friends and turning down plans. The exhaustion, lack of motivation, and irritability associated with burnout can make it difficult to put on a happy face and pretend that you’re feeling your best. 

I’m Totally Burned Out—Now What?

If you think you’re dealing with burnout, it’s important to address the issue head on. Figure out what might be causing those feelings. Is your boss constantly calling you on Zoom? Are you frustrated that you didn’t get a raise this year? Are you sick and tired of staring at the same wall in your home office?

Whatever the case may be, identifying the root cause of your burnout is the best way to figure out how to move forward. Maybe you need to have a conversation with your boss or colleagues about more efficient virtual communication. Maybe you need to ditch the home office for a day and work at a local park. Feeling burned out could also be a sign that it’s time to switch things up and find another job.

Right now, it’s more important than ever to take time for self-care, practice mindfulness, explore therapy if you’re interested, and prioritize your mental health. 2020 has hardly been a staycation, even though we’ve been confined to our homes for most of the year. Knowing the signs of burnout can help you address the issue early on, so you can get yourself back on track. 

Beth Rivelli is a Boston-based contributor for JUGs. She's a full-time content marketer, part-time Netflix addict, and self-proclaimed ice cream expert. Follow her @elizabethrivelli on Instagram.

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