The Insidious Creep of Burnout
For many, burnout isn’t a dramatic, sudden collapse. It’s a slow, insidious creep that can take years to develop. At least, that’s how it was for me. I’m still working on identifying its symptoms and finding ways to alleviate them.
The Paralyzing Fear of Uncertainty
After years in digital media, I became consumed by the fear that my job would disappear. I worked long hours, took on excessive responsibility, and berated myself for not doing enough. When I finally left my job for a tech startup, I thought I’d found a better opportunity. But the startup’s financial instability and eventual layoffs sent me back to freelancing, where every minute counted. The pressure was relentless, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was just one misstep away from disaster.
The Illusion of Control
Even when I landed a full-time job, I continued to freelance to supplement my income. I worked 60-80 hours a week, sacrificing my weekends and sanity in the process. I thought I was in control, but burnout was slowly suffocating me. It’s the constant, gnawing feeling that you’re barely keeping your head above water, and that even the slightest setback could be catastrophic.
The Myth of Self-Care
We’re often told that self-care is the solution to burnout. But what if that’s just a myth? What if taking a vacation, practicing mindfulness, or treating yourself to a spa day isn’t enough to fix the underlying issues? I tried taking a weekend getaway to “decompress,” but it only left me feeling more anxious and overwhelmed.
The Eight Self-Care “Tips” That Don’t Work
- Follow Your Passion: Doing what you love doesn’t mean it’s not work. It can still be stressful and overwhelming.
- Take a Vacation: A temporary escape from reality won’t fix burnout. You’ll just return to the same problems.
- Unwind with a Drink: Temporary relief isn’t a long-term solution.
- Quit Your Job: This might work for some, but it’s not a realistic solution for everyone.
- Treat Yourself: Material goods won’t fill the void left by burnout.
- Set Boundaries: Saying “no” to work might not be an option when you have bills to pay.
- Take a Nap: While sleep is essential, it’s not a cure-all for burnout.
- Change Your Environment: Traveling or decluttering your space might help, but it’s not a sustainable solution.
The True Antidote to Burnout
There’s no easy answer to burnout. It’s a complex, deeply ingrained issue that requires a fundamental shift in how we approach work and life. For me, feeling more in control of my finances and recognizing my bandwidth has helped alleviate some of the pressure. But it’s a constant struggle, and one that requires ongoing effort and self-awareness.
You’re Not Alone
Burnout is a collective problem, and one that affects many of us. Recognizing its symptoms and seeking support is the first step towards finding a solution. Remember, you’re not alone in your struggle.
Leave a Reply