Are you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained from your work? If so, you're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, burnout has become a common issue, affecting individuals across industries and professions.
Not all work-related stress leads to burnout, but it can happen to anyone. The first step in knowing how to avoid burnout at work is to understand what burnout is and how to avoid it. Let’s take a closer look at both and consider some of the most effective ways to stay engaged and successful in your career long-term.
Stress vs. Burnout: Common Symptoms in the Corporate World
Employees at every level are experiencing record-high levels of stress at work. But stress and burnout are not the same thing. Stress, for example, can be thought of as different types of tension or pressure, and can result from both positive and negative life situations. In some instances, stress can be a helpful motivator to stay focused on a task or to reach your goals.
Burnout, on the other hand, is the feeling of emotional, physical, or mental exhaustion that happens as a result of overwork or being stretched too thin between home and work. According to the World Health Organization, burnout results from high levels of workplace stress that is not being successfully managed. So too much pressure and stress can lead to burnout, especially when it is constant or when employee morale is already low. Other factors that can add to stress levels and increase the chances of burnout include an increase in blurred boundaries between professional and personal life, a common issue for many remote workers.
Did you know that burnout can happen to anyone? While there are some differences depending on age, career level, and industry, a recent Asana study found that overall, 47% of Baby Boomers, 74% of Millennials, and 84% of Gen Zs reported experiencing burnout from their jobs. The pressures of employment are not at a manageable level for most people, creating a virtual epidemic of burnout for most.
How Can I Avoid Burnout at Work?
As too many people already know, burnout can lead to physical and mental health problems, decreased job performance, and strained relationships.
If burnout is so prevalent, what can be done about it?
First, it’s important to recognize the signs of burnout at work. Common contributors to burnout include:
- Long work hours,
- Lack of work-life balance
- Lack of control of your workload
- Excessive workload
- Unclear or unrealistic job expectations
- Lack of recognition
Together, these stressors bring about a deep dissatisfaction and resentment, which in turn very often leads to employee burnout.
Fortunately, there are several proactive steps that you can take to address and minimize potential burnout. These include:
- Establish healthy boundaries between work and personal life
- Prioritize self-care activities
- Take regular breaks
- Openly communicate with supervisors about concerns
- Seek support
While these are essential strategies for managing stress levels, sometimes taking these steps is not an option. In other situations, burnout is caused by factors you can’t control or manage.
If that is the case, and burnout becomes imminent or severe, it may be time for a real change. In fact, you may want to look for a more sustainable career path.
Should You Quit Your Job Due to Burnout?
Deciding to step away from or change jobs or even industries is not easy. Every situation is different, and not everyone has the luxury of quitting without another opportunity lined up.
When your physical or emotional well-being is suffering and you are unable to manage your stress using the strategies above, experts say it’s generally best to start looking for another job.
Replacing one job with another doesn’t always fix the problem. 77% of employees have experienced feelings of burnout at their current job. How do you make sure the next job you find won’t lead you down the same path to burnout?
If you’re looking for increased autonomy, work-life balance, and support, escaping the employee mindset by setting your sights on business ownership may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
The Solution for Burnout Recovery: Regain Control
There are many downsides that come from being an employee. Perhaps this is why so many people today are looking for an alternative to the outdated 9-to-5 grind of traditional employment where they are beholden to a boss that controls their schedules.
One increasingly popular option is taking control of one’s own professional circumstances by becoming a business owner, and one form of business ownership that can greatly expedite the transition to business ownership is franchise ownership.
Unlike startups or do-it-yourself businesses, franchise business ownership offers a range of advantages that can make your dream of going from an overworked employee to a business owner a reality. Some of the top benefits of franchise business ownership include:
Flexible Work-Life Balance:
As a franchise business owner, you have more control over your schedule and business decisions than most employees do – even high-level employees. This autonomy allows you to set boundaries, manage your workload more effectively, and prioritize tasks based on your preferences and personal needs. It also allows you to balance your professional and personal life more effectively and to really be there for your family.
Investment in Personal Growth:
As a franchise owner, you gain new skills, expand your knowledge, and take on the leadership role within your business. In these ways, owning a franchise is also an investment in your personal growth and development. This can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose, mitigating the risk of burnout associated with limited career progression and lack of challenges in traditional employment.
Alignment with Passion and Interests:
When people are passionate about their work, they are more likely to experience job satisfaction and fulfillment, reducing the likelihood of burnout. With so many available options, franchising allows you to pursue business opportunities aligned with your passions and interests. Whether it's in the food industry, retail sector, or home service businesses, franchise ownership can help you engage in work that resonates with your values and aspirations.
Supportive Network:
Research shows that having a supportive community to lean on during times of stress can help relieve feelings of isolation and overwhelm. Franchise ownership comes with the support and resources provided by the franchisor and fellow franchisees. This network can offer guidance, mentorship, and assistance in navigating the challenges of business ownership, so you often do not have to go it alone.
The Path to Business Ownership
If you are like many people, you may believe that business ownership seems out of reach. But the reality is that franchising can be more accessible than you realize. This is especially true in the home services industry, where overhead costs are relatively lower, and you can start small and scale your business up.
If you are ready to create a more fulfilling and sustainable career path that prioritizes your well-being and mitigates the risk of burnout, you can learn more by visiting us online or downloading the Neighborly Franchise Guide.
