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My first job burnout

niki.zone

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Re: My first job burnout

#61

Post by logfromblammo »

makeitsuckless wrote: post #14
wobbleblob wrote: post #8

I don't mean to be a jerk or anything, but a burnout is something you better not blog about or write about on facebook or speak about in any way that can be traced back to your real name, if you ever want to find another job again. Potential employers will google the names of applicants before an interview, and if the first thing that comes up is your name and photo on a story about your first job burnout, you're goi…

It's generally good advice to think twice before publishing anything under your real name that may affect your life and career. However, just like most people that have suffered burn-out conclude that they should have gotten out much sooner, it's also wise to avoid any employer for which this is an issue. Because that can mean only one of two things: 1) The employer in question is clueless about burn-out, which means…

The HR department exists to protect the company from the employees. They mitigate health risks for employees by buying an insurance policy with the company as beneficiary, rather than addressing any potential risk factors introduced by the company itself. In doing this, they have plausible deniability, unless the employee comes forward to complain. Complainers are subtly encouraged to move on, in a way that is non-actionable in civil courts.

All HR sucks. If the HR at your company does not, treasure and cherish your unicorn. But also watch it carefully, in case it is just a goat with one horn sawed off, that has been dyed pink and dipped in glitter.

Do not rely on employment law to protect you. Anything that can be traced back to you may be used against you. The lack of anything traceable back to you may also be used against you.

Re: My first job burnout

#62

Post by kisstheblade »

Sorry for the kids today! post...

I find it weird that so many young people get burnt out, in relatively simple jobs with no responsibilities (on the job or with kids/family).

A couple of people at my office have had to take a couple months of sick leave because burnout. And they had simple responsibilities and no overtime etc.

I myself have worked normal "IT days" for over 15 years, sometimes it's hectic and sometimes calmer. You only have to know how to relax in your spare time. And yes I work at home also sometimes ("bring my work home") and sometimes think about work problems semi-constantly. But going for a run etc helps to clear your head. Or having a robust night out with a killer hangover!

I think these young people just don't know how to work hard and party hard :) And they are crybabies, also.

Re: My first job burnout

#63

Post by Frondo »

kisstheblade wrote: post #62

Sorry for the kids today! post... I find it weird that so many young people get burnt out, in relatively simple jobs with no responsibilities (on the job or with kids/family). A couple of people at my office have had to take a couple months of sick leave because burnout. And they had simple responsibilities and no overtime etc. I myself have worked normal "IT days" for over 15 years, sometimes it's hectic and sometim…

"And they are crybabies, also."

Funny thing I've discovered in life, understanding and compassion are free. They don't cost a thing, but they're still some of the hardest things to get out of a person.

Have you talked to the people who got burned out? What do they say about it? Your post doesn't sound so much like a "kids these days!" post as, to be frank, an "I'm an asshole" post.

Re: My first job burnout

#64

Post by rifung »

deedubaya wrote: post #38

> My _first_ job burnout This makes me sad. Live to work, not work to live.

I think most would agree that you work to live. I would bet 90+% of people would quit their jobs if they didn't have to make money.

On the other hand, I don't think there's anything wrong with finding a job that you don't hate, pays the bills, and gives you enough time to enjoy other aspects of life.

Personally I found that thinking I should love my job actually made me more frustrated because every time I found something I didn't like with my job, I would think about how this isn't what I want to do and try to find another job.

Re: My first job burnout

#66

Post by kristianc »

dalke wrote: post #11
wobbleblob wrote: post #8

I don't mean to be a jerk or anything, but a burnout is something you better not blog about or write about on facebook or speak about in any way that can be traced back to your real name, if you ever want to find another job again. Potential employers will google the names of applicants before an interview, and if the first thing that comes up is your name and photo on a story about your first job burnout, you're goi…

No, no, a thousand times no. Not talking about things like this, keeping it secret, or (as you just did) encouraging a social prohibition on hiding this information is what leads to a burnout culture. It's the same social taboo that prevents people from talking about their suicidal tendencies, even if talking about it can lead to help. And in a weaker sense, it's similar to the taboo in many private companies in the…

It would also act as a good filter from employers that I don't wish to work with.

Re: My first job burnout

#67

Post by ice303 »

porpoisemonkey wrote: post #57
ice303 wrote: post #50

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, that's right. Lack of sleep, poor eating. All mixed up with a lot of overnight work during a chaotic migration project. The day before that happened I had a sign that I should have taken seriously. I arrived at home, opened the front door, and felt on the floor. I had no strength at all in my legs. I started to cry without any apparent reason. Could not control myself and that never happened to me before.

Were you consuming large amounts of caffeine at the time? I'm wondering if there isn't a common dietary component of burn outs since it probably takes quite a bit of energy to work very long hours. (e.g. High calorie [processed] food, caffeine/other stimulants)

You are right. I was consuming large amounts of caffeine. Usually 4 to 5 espressos per day, 0.5L of filter coffee, plus large amounts of beer on Friday and Saturday nights. At that time, I was in a gym, 3 to 4 times per week. I was told, by the doctor, that it would help me to clear my mind from work. Regarding medication, I was consuming some vitamins.

Re: My first job burnout

#68

Post by gallamine »

kisstheblade wrote: post #62

Sorry for the kids today! post... I find it weird that so many young people get burnt out, in relatively simple jobs with no responsibilities (on the job or with kids/family). A couple of people at my office have had to take a couple months of sick leave because burnout. And they had simple responsibilities and no overtime etc. I myself have worked normal "IT days" for over 15 years, sometimes it's hectic and sometim…

It's easy to forget that populations have a wide range (distribution) of abilities and mental fortitude. Sometimes someone on one extreme of the distribution doesn't realize their privilege and condescends to those on the other end of the distribution.

Examples:

- I can live on 5 hrs of sleep, why can't you?

- I can happily parent 5 children, why can't you?

- I've never been depressed a day in my life, why are you sad?

- I have enough energy for every hour of every day, you're a sucker for needing coffee/naps!

Re: My first job burnout

#69

Post by mtbcoder »

kisstheblade wrote: post #62

Sorry for the kids today! post... I find it weird that so many young people get burnt out, in relatively simple jobs with no responsibilities (on the job or with kids/family). A couple of people at my office have had to take a couple months of sick leave because burnout. And they had simple responsibilities and no overtime etc. I myself have worked normal "IT days" for over 15 years, sometimes it's hectic and sometim…

Why the mistrust? The author did an entire career change after suffering her burnout. That's not a decision to take lightly and surely isn't emblematic of someone who is faking it. Furthermore, she indicated she was putting in 11 hours or so a day in her banking job. That's not a schedule which is lightly endured by anyone, no matter how spirited or strong-willed the individual may appear.

Re: My first job burnout

#70

Post by [deleted] »

Daneel_ wrote: post #60

I've experienced job burnout, but not because of the job. I had changed roles, which meant a change of team leader. Previously, I'd worked quite closely with my team leader, and he'd mentored me, as well as defending me when the inevitable little mistakes come up. He also gave me the freedom to get my work done in the way that suited me best - he had a very hands off approach, provided I got the work done and on time…

[deleted]
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