The Many Faces of Burnout
02 of 07It doesn’t matter where the exhaustion comes from. It still counts.
At work
Too much to do. Too little time. Unclear expectations. Little control over how you work. Not being recognised. Values that clash with your workplace. A culture where being “always on” is expected.
Workplace burnout isn’t just about long hours. It’s often about the gap between what’s being asked of you and the resources, support and control you have to meet it.
Running your own business
When it’s your business, there’s often no one to hand it to. Your income, your team and your reputation can all feel like they rest on you. Many business owners say, “The business won’t run without me.”
Sometimes that’s true for a while. But if it’s been true for years, it’s worth asking what it’s costing you.
Parenting
The night wakings. The mental load. The constant decisions, the logistics, the emotional labour of keeping small (or not so small) humans safe and happy. Often on top of work, and with little time to yourself.
You can love your children deeply and still be completely depleted.
Parental burnout is now recognised in its own right, and programs designed for parents can help [2].
Caring for someone
Caring for a partner, child, parent or friend who is unwell, disabled or ageing can be meaningful and exhausting at the same time. Your own appointments get cancelled. Your sleep gets interrupted. Your needs keep slipping down the list. And you may feel guilty for even admitting it’s hard.
Carers deserve care too.
Financial pressure
When money is tight, slowing down might not feel like an option. You might be working two jobs, picking up extra shifts or lying awake doing the maths. Financial stress is a real and heavy load, and advice about burnout needs to recognise how much choice someone actually has.
Several things at once
Most people’s burnout isn’t neat. It’s work and kids. Business and ageing parents. A demanding job and a health condition and a relationship under strain. When it all piles up, it’s not a sign that you’ve failed to cope. It’s a sign that you’re carrying too much.
