Burnt Out and How I Define it

23 Jun 2024

Burnout is often misunderstood as simply the result of overwork, but it runs deeper, stemming from a lack of reward, recognition, and personal satisfaction.

Unlike the common belief that burnout is solely about working long hours, it primarily arises when individuals do not feel adequately compensated, appreciated, or connected to a larger purpose.

For example, a doctor working 18-hour days might not feel burned out if they find meaning in their work, receive fair compensation, and experience professional satisfaction.

Conversely, an office worker with a lighter workload might still suffer from burnout if their efforts go unnoticed, lack personal fulfillment, and they feel disconnected from their team. Thus, burnout is more about the quality of the work experience than the quantity of work itself.

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