How to Know If You’re Really Experiencing Burnout from Work
Burnout isn’t about a few late nights or busy weekends. It’s something more subtle that develops gradually. Instead of the usual “are you tired all the time?” approach, here’s a more nuanced way to assess whether you’re truly burning out:
1. You’ve Stopped Responding to Change
When you’re engaged at work, unexpected requests and genuine changes capture your attention. Burnout eliminates this responsiveness. If urgent deadlines, new projects, or even positive developments leave you feeling completely unmoved, this is a key warning sign. You’ve essentially switched off from your work environment.
2. Your Work Has Lost Personal Meaning
Tasks and projects that once felt connected to your goals now feel completely disconnected from who you are. When you can’t trace any line from your daily work to your personal growth or values, burnout is likely present. This isn’t just boredom—it’s a fundamental disconnect between your work and what matters to you.
3. You’re Avoiding Emotional Honesty About Your Situation
Instead of saying “I’m stressed,” try being more specific about what you’re actually feeling. Are you fantasizing about the fire alarm going off? Do you feel trapped? Burnout thrives when we hide our real feelings behind professional language and performance metrics. The more you avoid naming what genuinely bothers you about work, the deeper the problem becomes.
The Reality Check
You’ll know you’re experiencing burnout when your workdays feel consistently flat, your job loses relevance to your life, and your honest feelings about work seem too uncomfortable to share with colleagues. If you recognize all three signs, you need more than motivation—you need a fundamental reset.
At Depth & the City, we specialize in working with high-achieving professionals who face these challenges. If you’d like to explore what a reset would look like for you, get in touch and book a 1-hour introductory session, online or in-person.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
