Business Burnout : It's REAL

Burnout is a real issue!

Burnout: It is more common than thought

In a recent Gallup survey, 25% of all U.S. workers felt burnout at work MOST of the time, while 45% reported similar feelings, through less frequently.

And, it's not only in the U.S., similar studies in Europe and Asia conclude that working long hours coupled with increasing levels of stress had a significant role to play in the creation of the 'burnout culture.'

What is burnout?

The pressure of your work and the physical and mental affects of that pressure. Burnout is also related to specific personality types. High achievers are particularly at risk. Often, given their "I can do everything" personalities - these high impact types don't see the burnout coming.

Burnout is a state of chronic stress. It shows itself with physical signs such as complete exhaustion, feeling ill, an inability of sleep, extreme anger, anxiety, and depression. The ultimate solution for many suffering burnout is leaving their job. For others, it leads to complete exhaustion, a sense of failure and being unable to find the strength to do anything about it.

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Can Burnout Be Cured

Less confrontational workplaces, less comparing of self with others, and re-engaging with people seems to work. Talking to loved ones, colleagues, friends helps and of course recognizing that your burnout exists and you have it.

There is no easy answer. As long as there are high achievers there will always be burnout. It doesn't make a difference if you are a Baby Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, or Gen Z'er the stress and pressure of life and work will take its toil. Some ways of eliminating burnout:

• Control access to your social media
• Say NO to taking on more responsibility and learn to set boundaries
• Document what is causing your stress
• Spend more time with friends, not colleagues
• Take a vacation and mini breaks throughout the year
• Nourish your creative side 

Jim Lavorato, Principal

Fund-House Ventures & 4M Performance