Hi —
I’ve been on my insane work schedule for about 5-6 weeks now and I’m burnt out. I’ve clocked out emotionally, mentally and, at times, physically.
I’m constantly frustrated, detached, cynical, irritated, exhausted, quick to cry, I’m losing my appetite—a series of symptoms that all link to job burnout.
This week, I’m working 106 hours (I have a break on Thursday evening). It’s so much and I want to ask for time off from both jobs, but we’re horribly understaffed at both places.
I have just have 9 days left before I’m done for the summer—but I’m not sure how I’m gonna make it through them. I’m anxious always, stressed, exhausted, and I’m afraid I’m going to snap/go off on a customer or coworker.
Does anyone have tips for recovering from burnout? Or just tips on this situation in general?
Thanks!
Hi butchfiasco,
I too am suffering from 99% percent of what you going through and the symptoms. So I completely understand that it is super overwhelming and a frustrating position to be in, especially when you are doing your best to stay a float.
For me the best thing I did was go to see my GP and request for some time off, just to gain some space and time to relax.
I know you may be thinking "but what about my jobs?" , I too was thinking exactly the same, but soon realised that if i'm not right then I can't be well enough to do other things in my life. Above all, your health comes first as it will only get worse if you don't give yourself and your mind a break.
I have also been prescribed Diazepam to try and keep me calm which is a temporary measure.
I have download an an app call Headspace which helps to focus on breathing and remaining calm to control any overthinking and catastrophic thoughts.
With the time off, I have been going for walks while focusing on breathing and going to the gym for exercise which is gradually helping.
I have not fully recovered yet after 10 days but its slowly allowing me to be much calmer.
I hope this helps and hope that you can find a strategy that works for you.
Kind Regards
Working a schedule like that is a prescription for burnout, Butch.
Stay away from stimulants to keep you going, that's counterproductive long term. You need to ask yourself if it's really worth it to put in 9 more days of that torture-it can't be helping your body.
Soldiers in emergency situations can work for 4-5 days like that-but then they need to sleep for a couple of days. If you've been doing it long term I'm not surprised you're hurting in many ways.
Get some serious rest, that's my solution. Unless you absolutely HAVE to work those hours, get out of it. It'll kill you long term. And I've worked hours like that when I was younger-now that I'm older I recognize how insane it was. Don't do it.