burnt out from work?? ~~"

marlboro · 09-04-2010, 10:28 AM

Hi folks... First time posting for guidance and support so bare with me if I'm over the place trying to explain my situation.

Im 25 now and currently working for a global IT company for the past 2 years. A couple of years back I was financially stressed, my lifestyle was living by paycheck to paycheck each week and that was when I earned a role in this large firm as a contractor. Never have I took a sick leave nor a day off for the past year n half and during this time I was motivated, determined and became much more financially stable. Every once in a while I would reward myself - have a joint and jus relax.

All good things comes to an end. For the past 3 months alot have changed, my motivation has just fallen dramatically and with all the meetings, escalations and deadlines at work the pressure is hitting me very hard. Besides talkin to my partner on the weekend I wud light up and just totally space out and disconnect myself from my friends by not pickin up my mobile (i think this is mainly due to not wanting to say "no" when asked to go out). I have already taken more than 4-5 days off work for the past 3 months and in addition I have taken Thurs and Fri off as well. Jus the thought of my Outlook inbox is enough for me to avoid work altogether.

I guess what i'm trying to say is has anyone gone thru these rough patches of life relating work? if so.. what was ur method pulling thru? And lastly, I'm finding it extremely hard to go into office and tell lies on how i was feeling sick all of a sudden to my colleagues and manager when infact i know for sure i'm jus avoiding work since i cant handlle the stress. The worst thing is.. sometimes i dont even want to explain to them. thnks for reading!

~1~ · 09-04-2010, 11:08 AM

I'm totally burned out on being unemployed so, I guess it's human nature. Buck up, life is what you make it and although money can't buy true happiness, it does make misery so much more tolerable.

Jenna_Grows · 09-04-2010, 12:08 PM

Marlboro.. I can relate. I struggle with burn out too...1200 in the inbox.. i mean.. come on..that's not even funny.

Helps me to close my door and plan out my week Monday mornings so I don't get so overwhelmed. I silence the phone and spend 30 minutes on email each morning, then move to categorizing "to do's" into 4 levels of importance....starti ng with the things on fire. Kind of plans out the week so I can focus on each project rather than the amount of projects pilled on my desk. Some days its a step backwards and I don't get to anything on my list but the next day...its back to the plan..

Also, I find it helps with motivation when I make time to attend a training series or something like that. (Franklin Covey is a good one). Gets you out of the office and some of them really help when it comes to facing a crazy workload or dealing with staff.

Can you pull a team together to assist you or are you solo?

Good luck!

The Rev · 09-04-2010, 03:30 PM

There was this point where I realized that the only reason I was working was to sustain myself to work. At that point, I couldn't do it anymore. Had there been some productive gain to my work, some reasonable comraderie on the job, some sense of group purpose, I might have felt differently. But, like alot of work places, everyone competed with everyone else; there was no trust or real friendship. It was also miserably run, so most of the work done was a waste of time. I think most workplaces are like that, too.

Your work solved your financial problems. Now, maybe it has no purpose anymore, other than to pay your bills, kept you fed and rested, so you can maintain the stability necessary to keep going back to work.

The Rev

marlboro · 09-04-2010, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by №1

although money can't buy true happiness, it does make misery so much more tolerable.

Thanks for your support and advices.

hey Jenna, will try ur method to prioritise my work load - I've tried asking for the group for help but they're not very helpful - All i hear from them is "i have a meetin in 5 so wont help till couple days later". I guess I can class myself being bullied at work in a way since I'm the youngest guy in the team.

Rev, you're spot on about the competitiveness at work which is also frustrating. I always thought being in a large firm wud be a great environment to work in but right now I'd rather deliver pizza on a scooter just like when I was 18 -19 yrs old.

Enough rant for now! The above quote is so true and I just need to buck up and get on with it.

Thanks!

wellfleation · 09-09-2010, 08:06 PM

It sounds like you need more pats on the back for all the work you do. If they are simply taking advantage of you now b/c of the economy, like a lot of Co's are, then just hang in there until things turn around and then move on.

Personally, I like my job and I've been there for almost ten years. I'll be vested in a few months - at the 10 year mark.

SmokeaJoint · 09-09-2010, 08:25 PM

marlboro, what I do when work and responsibilities add up is, write down what there is to do in order of priority. Go to work and tell them as much of the truth as you can w/o losing your job. Bosses can understand stress. As long as you make it clear you are ready to get down to work, and that you have resolved your issues, I'm sure it wont be a problem.

I get overwhelmed easily, especially when there's a huge list I have to tackle. It helps to not look at the big picture, but to just focus on what needs to be done today. Whether you categorize by deadline or difficulty or whatever, condensing the list day by day makes it feel so much more manageable.

Best o Luck man, hope it all comes together for you.

Jenna_Grows · 09-15-2010, 05:10 PM

I had to reread this thread today in hopes of finding some reason to get up tomorrow and go back there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rev

There was this point where I realized that the only reason I was working was to sustain myself to work. At that point, I couldn't do it anymore. Had there been some productive gain to my work, some reasonable comraderie on the job, some sense of group purpose, I might have felt differently. But, like alot of work places, everyone competed with everyone else; there was no trust or real friendship. It was also miserably run, so most of the work done was a waste of time. I think most workplaces are like that, too.

The Rev

This post really hit home. What did you do about it? I don't have any idea how to get off this wheel.

Mikey · 09-15-2010, 05:22 PM

eugh
i work on a farm
and every morning i'm stiff and sore
and i feel burnt out everyday

SmokeaJoint · 09-15-2010, 10:48 PM

^Ohhh pwnage!

Jenna_Grows · 09-16-2010, 06:54 AM

I would like to work on a farm.. Don't think I could handle the physical labour but it would be great to spend my days outside.

I know that if I focus on the negative, that's what I will draw. I tried to focus on the positive...not what I don't want but focusing on moving to what I like there. There just isn't much that I like about my job. Seeing the bullshit clearly but still having a huge debt load to service each month frustrates me. I don't wanna do this my whole life so I can look back and go.. what a waste of time.

And

What the heck does "pwnage" mean?

SmokeaJoint · 09-16-2010, 08:40 AM

Its ownage but with a p. Like, "oooh you just got told!". Maki sensi?

wellfleation · 09-16-2010, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenna_Grows

I would like to work on a farm.. Don't think I could handle the physical labour

I could have but didn't want too. I've worked in restaurants since from age 13 - 22. That sucked but was good $. During such time I also did roofing (was the grunt who brought up the bundles and snapped a lot of lines), construction (grunt), and landscaping. It was my exposure to these shitty (for me) jobs that motivated me not just to go to college but to do very well. I know others who love working outside and with their hands and are perfectly happy. Some of these people own their own small companies or are in a trade where they earn more bank than me. Do what you want - find out what you want to do and go for it.

Jenna_Grows · 09-16-2010, 09:18 PM

Pawned... I always think of prawns when I see that word, then my mind drifts off to shrimp.. then Red Lobster.. I really like Red Lobster.. those cheese buns are insane...see where this is going? prawns for everyone!

Thanks for your response Wellfleation... I've been trying to figure that out. I was a cleaning lady for a day years ago...cleaned two houses... grossed out and quit after the 5th toilet. I'll sleep on it and maybe something will come to me..

09-04-2010, 10:28 AM	#1 (permalink)
marlboro Old School Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Whoop Whoop Posts: 66 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	burnt out from work?? ~~" Hi folks... First time posting for guidance and support so bare with me if I'm over the place trying to explain my situation. Im 25 now and currently working for a global IT company for the past 2 years. A couple of years back I was financially stressed, my lifestyle was living by paycheck to paycheck each week and that was when I earned a role in this large firm as a contractor. Never have I took a sick leave nor a day off for the past year n half and during this time I was motivated, determined and became much more financially stable. Every once in a while I would reward myself - have a joint and jus relax. All good things comes to an end. For the past 3 months alot have changed, my motivation has just fallen dramatically and with all the meetings, escalations and deadlines at work the pressure is hitting me very hard. Besides talkin to my partner on the weekend I wud light up and just totally space out and disconnect myself from my friends by not pickin up my mobile (i think this is mainly due to not wanting to say "no" when asked to go out). I have already taken more than 4-5 days off work for the past 3 months and in addition I have taken Thurs and Fri off as well. Jus the thought of my Outlook inbox is enough for me to avoid work altogether. I guess what i'm trying to say is has anyone gone thru these rough patches of life relating work? if so.. what was ur method pulling thru? And lastly, I'm finding it extremely hard to go into office and tell lies on how i was feeling sick all of a sudden to my colleagues and manager when infact i know for sure i'm jus avoiding work since i cant handlle the stress. The worst thing is.. sometimes i dont even want to explain to them. thnks for reading!

09-04-2010, 11:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
~1~ Successful Failure Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: where 'they' can't see. Posts: 10,925 Thanks: 466 Thanked 1,581 Times in 925 Posts	I'm totally burned out on being unemployed so, I guess it's human nature. Buck up, life is what you make it and although money can't buy true happiness, it does make misery so much more tolerable. __________________ "And those who are successful, be always on your guard. Success walks hand in hand with failure, along Hollywood Boulevard" Ray Davies --------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Click Here Asshole

09-04-2010, 03:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
The Rev Clear Light Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: In my head, somewhere. Posts: 17,865 Thanks: 5,018 Thanked 5,420 Times in 2,865 Posts	There was this point where I realized that the only reason I was working was to sustain myself to work. At that point, I couldn't do it anymore. Had there been some productive gain to my work, some reasonable comraderie on the job, some sense of group purpose, I might have felt differently. But, like alot of work places, everyone competed with everyone else; there was no trust or real friendship. It was also miserably run, so most of the work done was a waste of time. I think most workplaces are like that, too. Your work solved your financial problems. Now, maybe it has no purpose anymore, other than to pay your bills, kept you fed and rested, so you can maintain the stability necessary to keep going back to work. The Rev __________________ Budforce - My Friend August 29, 1973- May 25, 2012

09-09-2010, 08:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
wellfleation Old School Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Methuen, MASSHOLE Posts: 3,854 Thanks: 196 Thanked 601 Times in 427 Posts	It sounds like you need more pats on the back for all the work you do. If they are simply taking advantage of you now b/c of the economy, like a lot of Co's are, then just hang in there until things turn around and then move on. Personally, I like my job and I've been there for almost ten years. I'll be vested in a few months - at the 10 year mark. __________________ FIGHTPOWER

09-15-2010, 05:22 PM	#9 (permalink)
Mikey Seasoned YaHookan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: gulf islands bc Posts: 7,443 Thanks: 1,144 Thanked 2,246 Times in 1,475 Posts	eugh i work on a farm and every morning i'm stiff and sore and i feel burnt out everyday __________________ RIP Gov

09-04-2010, 12:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jenna_Grows Old School Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 946 Thanks: 311 Thanked 315 Times in 191 Posts	Marlboro.. I can relate. I struggle with burn out too...1200 in the inbox.. i mean.. come on..that's not even funny. Helps me to close my door and plan out my week Monday mornings so I don't get so overwhelmed. I silence the phone and spend 30 minutes on email each morning, then move to categorizing "to do's" into 4 levels of importance....starti ng with the things on fire. Kind of plans out the week so I can focus on each project rather than the amount of projects pilled on my desk. Some days its a step backwards and I don't get to anything on my list but the next day...its back to the plan.. Also, I find it helps with motivation when I make time to attend a training series or something like that. (Franklin Covey is a good one). Gets you out of the office and some of them really help when it comes to facing a crazy workload or dealing with staff. Can you pull a team together to assist you or are you solo? Good luck!

09-16-2010, 06:54 AM	#11 (permalink)
Jenna_Grows Old School Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 946 Thanks: 311 Thanked 315 Times in 191 Posts	I would like to work on a farm.. Don't think I could handle the physical labour but it would be great to spend my days outside. I know that if I focus on the negative, that's what I will draw. I tried to focus on the positive...not what I don't want but focusing on moving to what I like there. There just isn't much that I like about my job. Seeing the bullshit clearly but still having a huge debt load to service each month frustrates me. I don't wanna do this my whole life so I can look back and go.. what a waste of time. And What the heck does "pwnage" mean?

09-16-2010, 09:18 PM	#14 (permalink)
Jenna_Grows Old School Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 946 Thanks: 311 Thanked 315 Times in 191 Posts	Pawned... I always think of prawns when I see that word, then my mind drifts off to shrimp.. then Red Lobster.. I really like Red Lobster.. those cheese buns are insane...see where this is going? prawns for everyone! Thanks for your response Wellfleation... I've been trying to figure that out. I was a cleaning lady for a day years ago...cleaned two houses... grossed out and quit after the 5th toilet. I'll sleep on it and maybe something will come to me..

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