The Power of Slow

i didn't pay attention to my burntout, and eventually tumbled into depression
i encourage everyone to be mindful of it and not to be afraid to admit one is burnt out
Noch Noch

For me the 'Just Say No' and exercise are critical.

Another thing I discovered the last three years has been to learn not to dwell on things out of my control. I keep getting drawn into the destruction the current political administration is wreaking on the country. But when I do I get depressed and my life suffers so I bring others down too. I used to feel ignorant when I avoided the news but I realize it does nothing but cause angst and stress so I try hard to avoid it.

Very good article Christine, many thanks

Saying 'no' is one of the hardest things I had to do at work after getting burned out because I felt instead of getting support I was put down as no longer commited enough to the task. I found taking responsibility for it and focusing on people who would be more understanding as helpfull.

I am definitely burned out. I want to do anything but the work that is coming due. I have a deadline next Tuesday and I am doing computer backups, writing emails, etc.

My job requires a long commute certain days. This was added when a company acquired the small company that I was working for. They micro-manage everything. There are so many statistics tracked, and I am constantly interrupted to give reasons for the stats being off that I don't get started on the important projects.

Finally, the only time I can take more than one week off is at the end of the year. But family commitments then make it hard to get away and truly relax. They even made one co-worker who went overseas work one of the three weeks she was gone (off first week, work second week in an office in that country, off third week). It's crazy.

I know I need a new job, but in this economy I'm afraid I won't find anything that pays anywhere close.

Thanks.

Dear MM,

Thank you for your response. It sounds like you need a break. Although I am not a trained psychologist, I will say there are things you can do to alleviate some of your stress. Let's look at the morning commute, for instance. Do you drive or take the train? Is there a way to create a sacred space during that time, in which you listen to relaxing music, meditate (if on the train/bus) or repeat positive affirmations?

Take the "one-good-thing" challenge. When you get up to go to work, tell yourself you will look for at least one good thing about your workplace environment. Maybe it's the nice receptionist who always greets you with a smile ~ or perhaps it is the great food in the cafeteria (okay, a stretch!). Or if you work from home often or not in a team environment, insert times for connection with people who are meaningful to you.

Push back when deadlines become unrealistic. There is power in 'no'.

What I know is when we change our thinking, we change our lives. If the money is what you are after, it is a choice you are making. The question is: is it really worth it? Or are there things you can do to change the situation altogether? If not, it may be time to reconsider where you are currently working. This is your life. You get to decide how you live it.

I am in no way downplaying the effects of the economy. I have a good friend in IT who has been searching for a comparably paying job for nine months. It is tough out there indeed.

Thanks again for writing. Please come back often as I'm not nearly done with this topic yet.

My very best to you,
Christine