Job Burnout

There are times in every working person's life when the enjoyment and challenge of the job seem to be lost. Boredom, apathy, and frustration seem to rob the person of energy and dedication. This problem appears to be escalating in modern times, to the point that psychologists have given it a name: burn-out.

In order to deal with burn-out, you need to identify the factors which are contributing to your dissatisfaction. First, try to decide whether the problem is with you or with your circumstances. There may be facets of your job which are creating special stress for you. If not dealt with healthily, this stress can cause you to "burn out." On the other hand, the problem may be within you: you may have grown beyond the limits of the task, so that you are ready to cycle on to a more challenging position. Your feelings of frustration may be a sign that it is time for a career change.

Whenever a situation begins to be intolerable, there are three choices which are open to us: to escape from the circumstances, to change the situation, or to change the way we view the situation. The first step to dealing with your frustration may be to decide whether you really are in the field which is right for you. Conditions change; your needs change. Even a vocation which you once enjoyed may lose its satisfaction. Few people today expect to choose a vocation and stay with it for a lifetime.

However, if you decide that the problem is not with the vocation but with your present position, then you are faced with trying to change the situation to produce greater satisfaction and fulfillment. Try to pinpoint the factors that are causing stress for you. Which aspects of the job are unsatisfying or frustrating? Are there ways to change these factors? Can you restructure your time or responsibilities in order to reduce the stress? Are there problems in relationships on the job which need to be addressed?

Talk with your coworkers to see if others are feeling the same kind of stress. It is possible that in your effort to meet your own personal needs, you will produce some positive changes for the whole organization. This might in turn reflect well on you in your career, in addition to providing some relief for your dissatisfaction.

If you don't want to leave the situation and you cannot change the circumstances, then it is necessary to change the way you view your situation. You may need to develop a more positive outlook, perhaps through some of the motivational literature which is so popular today. Relaxation techniques could be of great value in reducing stress, and there are many helpful books on the subject of job burnout. Consider your personal goals and focus on the ways your vocation is helping you to move toward those goals. This can provide motivation when you feel that you are bogging down under the routine.

A community of friends who are sensitive to your feelings can provide an environment of acceptance and encouragement for you. By exchanging mutual support and sharing ideas, you can each begin to determine what really is important for you, what brings you fulfillment. A small group within your church congregation may provide that kind of support.

Another possibility would be to develop some sources of gratification aside from your employment. Hobbies, sports, volunteer work, involvement in some meaningful relationship or activity can infuse fresh meaning and enthusiasm into your life.

But remember that happiness comes from within, not from without. Your personal circumstances can provide an environment which either facilitates the search for meaning or blocks fulfillment. But the ultimate source of your own happiness must come from your own creativity and determination to fulfill your potential.

Don't forget the most important resource of all: a vital relationship with God. He understands the frustration and uncertainty you feel. He created you with the potential for fulfillment and joy, and he will guide you in making these choices, as you open yourself to His loving presence.