Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired. It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that can leave you dreading your job, struggling with focus, and even questioning your career choices. It sneaks up slowly, often disguised as a rough week or a temporary lack of motivation. But if left unchecked, burnout can have serious consequences on both your well-being and your career.

If you’re feeling off but can’t quite put your finger on it, here are some clear signs that burnout might be the culprit.

Burnout Sign #1: You’re Exhausted All the Time

We all have tiring days, but burnout exhaustion is different. It doesn’t go away after a good night’s sleep or a weekend off. You wake up already drained, and by midday, you feel like you’re running on empty. Even small tasks feel monumental, and no amount of caffeine or pep talks seem to help.

#2: Your Performance is Slipping

Tasks that used to be easy now take twice as long. You make more mistakes than usual, and it feels impossible to stay focused. Even if you’re putting in the hours, you’re struggling to be productive.

#3: You’ve Become Cynical or Detached

Do you find yourself rolling your eyes at every team meeting? Have you stopped caring about the quality of your work? Burnout often manifests as detachment—where things that used to matter suddenly feel meaningless. You may also feel resentful toward your boss, coworkers, or even the entire company.

#4: You’re Getting Sick More Often

Burnout takes a toll on your body. Frequent headaches, stomach issues, or even catching colds more often could be a sign that stress is wearing down your immune system.

#5: Work Feels Overwhelming and Unmanageable

If you constantly feel like you’re drowning in work, even small tasks can push you over the edge. This is one of the biggest signs of burnout—when everything feels impossible and your to-do list never seems to shrink.

#6: You Rely on Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Are you drinking more than usual? Overeating? Binge-watching TV for hours just to escape reality? These habits can be signs that your mind is desperately seeking relief from work-related stress.

#7: You Constantly Feel Unappreciated

If you’re putting in the effort but never receiving recognition, burnout can hit even harder. Feeling undervalued can lead to frustration, resentment, and a lack of motivation.

#8: You Daydream About Quitting… Constantly

Thinking about quitting isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you’re doing it daily—even when you don’t have a backup plan—it’s a huge sign that something isn’t right.

What to Do If You’re Burnt Out

Recognizing burnout is the first step, but taking action is what truly makes the difference. Here are some general steps to help yourself heal and recover:

• Prioritize Rest and Recovery: Sleep, relaxation, and time away from work are crucial. Take breaks throughout the day, use vacation time if you have it, and set boundaries around work hours.
• Reevaluate Your Workload: If possible, talk to your manager about adjusting your responsibilities. Prioritize tasks and say no to extra commitments when needed.
• Practice Self-Care: Exercise, eat well, and stay hydrated. Activities like meditation, journaling, or engaging in hobbies can also help restore your energy.
• Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a mentor about how you’re feeling. Sometimes, professional therapy or counseling can be beneficial.
• Consider Your Long-Term Career Goals: If burnout is a recurring issue, it may be a sign that it’s time for a career shift. Reflect on what you truly want and whether your current job aligns with your values and needs.

Wrapping it Up

Burnout doesn’t just go away on its own. If you recognize these signs in yourself, know that they’re very unlikely to just go away on their own; they’re a sign that something in your life needs to give.

Work should challenge and fulfill you, not leave you feeling drained and defeated. By taking steps to minimize the sources of burnout, you won’t just being doing your career a favour; you’ll also be taking care of your most important resource: your health.