What does burnout feel like?

Question

I've been a freelance advertising copywriter for about 30 years and always found every project to be challenging and enjoyable--until recently. I've suddenly lost drive and interest. Can burnout happen overnight? Talk to me, please...

Answer 1

It's been sneaking up on you for a while and you just didn't notice. When things that were once enjoyable cease being that way, it is time to stop and re-evaluate. Not quit, just re-evaluate. Has your health declined? Are other things, i.e: sex, less enjoyable? If yes, then more than burnout, you could be suffering depression. Can you take a sabbatical? Figure out if it is just this part of your life that is suffering. If it is only this, then perhaps its time to change careers. If other areas of your life are suffering, perhaps you need to consult with a doctor or counselor and seek help for depression. Good luck.

Answer 2

I think it can. I oftentimes feel like I'm going along swimmingly, then all of a sudden it seems like my 4-year old has been talking for the last 758 years. And all of a sudden I sort of want to be anywhere else! Which, from my perspective, is probably much like what you're going through. Fortunately, it doesn't last long, but it does happen, even to me, a mom who ADORES her children.

I've never been at a job for the length of time you have, but I have had physically demanding jobs - waitressing! Burnout there is high - I could love a place, love the other employees, love the customers, but come in one night and cringe at the idea of having to spend one more minute there. Unlike what happens with my children, most of the time that feeling never went away. I'd eventually leave the restaurant.

Oddly enough, the one place I never experienced burnout was in college.

This may just be a sign that you need a long vacation. That may revitalize you. Maybe even a month or so of sabbatical time. Or, it may be time to branch out.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I agree with most of the answers already. I know I kept on working at least another month after I knew I couldn't go on, but until my work was covered, as a self-employed person. Then like I couldn't even get out of my chair to go to bed at night, forgetting my painful knees were part of the procrastination. I'd forget to take medicine for a headache, then realize a few hours later why it wasn't relieved. In retrospect it took time, but it was also a particular moment. At one point I was on 6 anti-depressants at the same time. I know a month after I burned out the doctor gave me an antidepressant and I could finally sleep after years of trouble. 5 years later I was diagnosed with SLE or Lupus. Fibromyalgia was already diagnosed about 5 years before. So several possible causes so good to get a full checkup. A holiday may be helpful or a retreat. Journaling how you're feeling, dreams can also lead to a cause and/or a new doorway in your life. Be gentle with yourself.

Answer 4

It usually is a slow process. You might have been mildly experiencing it over a period of time till one day it hits . If you still like to do it, then take some time off and enjoy other aspects of life. Burnout happens to everyone. It also happens when there is nothing to challenge you. Boredom. That is why some companies rotate jobs and also insist that you take vacations and punish you if you don't.

Answer 5

I think so. One day you just do not want to get out of bed. Every thing that was so easy does not come easy. All those thing that you remembered about your job and all the things you did are gone. It is just not the same. You suddenly do not care. You want to do something else and are looking for a drastic change. One day a light goes off and you know what it is and do it. Live suddenly is a joy and you love your new life. It is a joy to go to work and work is actually fun? It happened to me.

I took 8 months off in between one of my friends did the same thing I think he took off 5 months. We both spent a great deal of time alone in solitude. I am not sure this can happen without that.

We both made drastic changes in our life. He took the same job in a much different state. I stayed in the same city, but change to a totally different work environment. Much lower pressure in a much different facility.

Answer 6

For me, burnout is feeling completely overwhelmed by everything. I take no joy in things that I used to. I'm cranky and forgetful, and more frustrated than usual.

You could be burned out, or you could have depression or some other medical problem. Check with your doctor.

Answer 7

Have you prayed lately? Try praying a little to God, asking him for strengh not to give up. Just dont give up totally because you just dont feel up to it nymore. I've lost an interest in things prior and it was due to lack of taking affirmative action. Maybe, I got bored, but I am reverting back, to pick up my interests, I'm back into computers, and would love to learn more. Email me if you would like to converse.

Answer 8

yes, most feel the lack and put up with it...for need...or lack of confidence to leave...so many get trapped in jobs that they can do well, but not their hearts desire...grab some guts,,,go for your dream