We’ve learned about some of the common symptoms of burnout and recognized that it is pervasive in its effects. But where does it come from? What is burnout rooted in?

Generally, burnout is a work issue. It doesn’t matter if your work is professional, vocational, trades, ministry, salaried, not-for-profit, stay-at-home parent, white collar, blue collar, 5-figure income, or six.

This graph shows some of the common roots of burnout which include chronic workplace stress and the gap between ideals and reality. Let’s explore some of these ideas.

Gap Between Ideals & Reality

The gap between ideals and reality might be a new theme for you. Once you start to read through these examples, you’ll begin to see where, and how, there may be a gap between your ideals and the realities of work. Go through this checklist to see if any resonate with you;

  • your goals vs work expectations

  • your sense of purpose or calling vs work demands or requirements

  • a sense of good fit and belonging vs changing corporate ethos

  • your idea of team/community vs realities of work from home and remote teams

  • your personal values vs corporate values

Chronic Workplace Stress

Chronic workplace stress is likely what comes to mind when talking about burnout. But pinpointing some of those causes isn’t always easy. Here are some examples to see more clearly what is behind workplace stress:

  • increased workload

  • isolation from colleagues

  • isolation from support systems

  • expectations to do more with less

  • financial concerns

  • decreased control over your work

  • lack of administrative support

Here are a few more that are unique to expats who read this:

  • always being ‘on’

  • low or no, in-country support

  • lack of educational options

  • local laws and regulations

  • shifting identities

  • constant comings and goings

One of these groups may resonate more with you than the other or some of both. There is no need to choose between the two. However, grabbing a paper and pen or a note-keeping app and putting down some of your own ideas would be helpful. These aren’t static. As long as no changes are made, the various areas of your life will remain impacted or get worse.

How To Recover From Burnout

The way through burnout is to slowly do a self-check. Ask yourself, “How am I really doing?” This is the time to be honest with yourself and a trusted person if possible. Remember, burnout may start at work, but it seeps into all the parts of our being.

As we approach what’s next, the first part of the Serenity Prayer comes to mind:

God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And Wisdom to know the difference.

If this is something you’d like to do with someone to guide you, let me know or jump right in and book an appointment with me.