Don't Ignore Your Burnout!

As someone who has experienced burnout firsthand, I know how isolating and draining it can feel.

The constant exhaustion, the loss of motivation, the sense that nothing you do is ever good enough — it can all make you feel like you’re somehow failing. Even though the real problem lies with the demands of your workplace, it can feel like your own shortcomings are causing it.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and convince yourself that if you just work a little harder, or manage your time better, or meditate more, you’ll be able to power through. But the truth is, burnout isn’t something that can be fixed with simple self-care strategies.

The roots of burnout run much deeper, tied to systemic issues like unfair treatment, unreasonable workloads, and poor support from managers. These are problems that individuals can’t solve on their own — they require organisational change.

I know it can be tempting to just grit your teeth and push through. But burnout doesn’t just go away; it festers and grows, taking a serious toll on your physical and mental health. The cost, both personal and professional, is simply too high to ignore.

If you’re struggling with burnout, know that you’re not alone. And don’t be too hard on yourself — this isn’t a personal failing, it’s a workplace issue that needs to be addressed. Reach out to your manager, your HR department, or even trusted colleagues. See if there are any resources or support systems available. And don’t be afraid to advocate for the changes you need to reclaim your well-being.

Alternatively, if you can’t fix the underlying issues driving your burnout, you need to create an exit plan. It’s not easy, but sometimes the healthiest choice is to leave a toxic work environment behind.

I know that’s not a simple decision — the fear of the unknown, the financial concerns, the worry about letting your team down. But your wellbeing has to come first. Burnout doesn’t just go away on its own; it will continue to take a toll on every aspect of your life.

Start exploring your options, even if it’s just browsing job listings at first. Reach out to your network and see what opportunities might be out there. And don’t be afraid to be honest with your current employer about your struggles, in case they’re willing to work with you on changes.

Above all, remember that you deserve to work in a healthy, supportive environment. Don’t settle for anything less. With a solid plan and the courage to make a change, you can find a path forward that allows you to reclaim your well-being and thrive, rather than just survive.

If you think you’re burning out, here’s a list of resources to start understanding and wading your way to better waters.

Feel free to share additional resources in the comments.

This article was originally published here.