Burnout

Jason B · #1 08-06-2013, 12:56 PM

Any ever experienced severe job related burnout? How did you deal with it? Change jobs? Take a different job maing less money/responsibility? I feel like I'm at the end of my rope (professionally speaking). I read an article on wiki about burnout that speaks about with the exception of a change in values/depression type stuff-I feel like my faith in God has kept me level headed, but mentally/emotionally I am tired, drained, unproductive, and ready to give up and move on. But if I do that I throw all stability out the window, I'd have to move out of my house, find a new job, would probably efect where I go to church, be a huge paycut no matter where I go, etc.

I'm wondering what others have done? Did you leave a job you enjoyed because you got burned out? If you did, did you ever regret it, or were you glad to move on?

PS-yes I've prayed about it. Been praying, and will continue to pray. If you want to pray for me also I won't ask you not to. But in particular I'm asking whose dealt with this before, and did getting away from it help you or hurt you (did you have regrets) in the long run. Especially if someone left a job and immediately saw their income cut in half, if you did that, was it worth it?

NewbieMisfits · #2 08-06-2013, 01:22 PM

Well...

Always know you options... Maybe look into other jobs DONT DONT QUIT YOUR DAY JOB!

Michael The Disciple · #3 08-06-2013, 01:53 PM

I worked a Paper Mill for 16 years once. It was a great job making good money for me anyway. I just got where I dreaded going in every day. I lived in Ohio then.

I got the idea to move to the Somerset Ky area. Lots of chances to hike, camp, shoot, and fish. Maybe there could even be a real New Testament Church there!

Well we did move. Things have not quite panned out here. Yes I got another job. It started at half my former pay. We bought a modest trailer here so no more house payment.

Problem is the Churches here are far less spiritual than they are even in Dayton Ohio. At least seemingly. And of course much fewer.

The place we wound up getting is about an hours drive from the National Forest. Does not sound bad but on what I make now it makes it hard to actually get out and enjoy it. We went from hiking at least once a month down to about once or twice a year.

The worst thing is we have made no real friends here. I do have "work friends" but in 11 years here we have never had anyone come to our place to visit except people from Ohio.

I think if I had it to do over I would not have moved. Seems like it would have been better to keep pushing on at the old job.

Of course if the Lord is leading that's what one must follow.

I have been working with mentally disabled persons since I have been here. That has been quite challenging but quite rewarding at the same time.

My advice for people would GENERALLY be stay where you have family and friends unless you are reasonably sure the Lord is leading otherwise.

NewbieMisfits · #4 08-06-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

I have been working with mentally disabled persons since I have been here. That has been quite challenging but quite rewarding at the same time.

You mean AFF?

(its not hating if I include myself)

Jason B · #5 08-06-2013, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

I worked a Paper Mill for 16 years once. It was a great job making good money for me anyway. I just got where I dreaded going in every day. I lived in Ohio then.

I got the idea to move to the Somerset Ky area. Lots of chances to hike, camp, shoot, and fish. Maybe there could even be a real New Testament Church there!

Well we did move. Things have not quite panned out here. Yes I got another job. It started at half my former pay. We bought a modest trailer here so no more house payment.

Problem is the Churches here are far less spiritual than they are even in Dayton Ohio. At least seemingly. And of course much fewer.

The place we wound up getting is about an hours drive from the National Forest. Does not sound bad but on what I make now it makes it hard to actually get out and enjoy it. We went from hiking at least once a month down to about once or twice a year.

The worst thing is we have made no real friends here. I do have "work friends" but in 11 years here we have never had anyone come to our place to visit except people from Ohio.

I think if I had it to do over I would not have moved. Seems like it would have been better to keep pushing on at the old job.

Of course if the Lord is leading that's what one must follow.

I have been working with mentally disabled persons since I have been here. That has been quite challenging but quite rewarding at the same time.

My advice for people would GENERALLY be stay where you have family and friends unless you are reasonably sure the Lord is leading otherwise.

Thanks Mike. That's what I'm wondering about. I appreciate your honesty relating your experience.

houston · #6 08-06-2013, 03:41 PM

Go to Boston.

The Lemon · #7 08-07-2013, 06:52 AM

Jason,

Not that you haven't done this already but sit down and make a list of pro's and con's.

I have been at the same job for over 14yrs now - I make good money and it is only 4-miles from my home. I have thought seriously on a few occasions about doing something different. I love to work with my hands fixing and making things. I do get to do some of that on my current job, but mostly it is office related.

That all being said, I have a wife and two children and I feel that the financial stability is a blessing to my home - also after 14-years I get a substantial amount of vacation, which I use to spend quality time with my family.

The list will help you identify the positives and negatives and draw a clearer picture as to the motivation for change. Bless you Bro.!

StillStanding · #8 08-07-2013, 07:30 AM

Words of advice given to me years ago: Don't close the door behind you until the door in front of you is opened.

NewbieMisfits · #9 08-07-2013, 08:55 AM

One idea would be to get trained in another field/area with your job. Just tell your employer whats going on and see if you can learn something new, or do something new, either while holding your current position or not.

I did this once and actually got a small raise

houston · #10 08-07-2013, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewbieMisfits

One idea would be to get trained in another field/area with your job. Just tell your employer whats going on and see if you can learn something new, or do something new, either while holding your current position or not.

I did this once and actually got a small raise

He's at the top with no room for growth.