Covid & Career Burnout

Something Silly

In 2019 (according to Business News Daily) the 10 most stressful jobs?and their stress scores were:

1. Enlisted military personnel: 72.58

2. Firefighter: 72.38

3. Airline pilot: 61.20

4. Police officer: 51.94

5. Broadcaster: 51.27

6. Event coordinator: 51.19

7. Newspaper reporter: 49.96

8. Public relations executive: 49.48

9. Senior corporate executive: 48.97

10. Taxi driver: 48.17

Something Serious

In 2020, before Covid blossomed into a full-blown pandemic, for most of us, the workday involved commuting in and out of an office setting, working face to face with co-workers within the normal eight-hour day. If we worked extended hours or answered calls and messages after the workday ended, it wasn’t large by choice. And though professional and personal time could often overlap, it was manageable for most of us.

Covid changed all of that. According to studies recently published in Forbes:

• 76% of U.S workers admit to being burned out.
• 45% of remote workers say their hours have increased.
• 36% of remote workers say their responsibilities have increased.
• 70% of remote workers are working weekends.
• 80% of women and 72% of men managing work and parenting admit to burnout.?

There is no disputing the increase in burnout is unprecedented. Recovery is not always easy, but it is possible.

Here is how to start

The current surge in burnout is not just a matter of managing daily stressors.?With the advent of a worldwide pandemic, daily stressors have increased threefold and in record time. For many people, symptoms like exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and isolation have become normalized. Managing your mental health is possible and critical.?

Balance your energy by having a list of activities that will replenish you physically and emotionally. Yoga, meditation, a massage, a walk around the block, you choose.

Schedule it and do it!

By creating a structure, reducing your daily decisions often reduces your stress.

A tried-and-true psychological ruse is to bundle your energy. What this means is to couple an unpleasant activity with a pleasant one. Hate the morning check-in with a coworker?

Prepare your favorite coffee drink to enjoy during this unfavorite part of your day.

Remember:

• Feeling depleted, exhausted, and even distant is a normal response to stress.
• Make self-reflection a constant and seek to identify the emotional and mental signs of stress you're experiencing.
• Prioritize your basic needs and take daily mental breaks.
• Create and nurture supportive connections with your colleagues, friends and families.

Lastly, seek the support of a trained and licensed professional if you need it. Many therapists are available over the phone and online.

Let’s discuss.?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Joshua Miller?is a Master Certified?Executive Coach,?who sets up Fortune 500 emerging and senior leaders for future success by upgrading their mindset, skillset, and performance so they can lead with purpose.

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