Chapter 07 — Work & Career
Am I burned out?
Burnout has three signs: exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix, cynicism about work you used to care about, and a creeping sense of ineffectiveness. It's not weakness — it's a chronic-stress injury. Vacation can't fix it; only changing the conditions that caused it can.
Follow-up questions
How do I recover?
Reduce load (real reduction, not just rescheduling), restore sleep, rebuild non-work identity, and renegotiate scope. Most full recoveries take months, not days.
Should I take a sabbatical?
If you can afford it and your workplace allows it, often yes. 6–12 weeks is the minimum to feel different; 3+ months to be different.
How is burnout different from depression?
Burnout is usually situation-specific (lifts when you change the situation); depression follows you. The line is blurry — a clinician can help sort it.
How is burnout different from stress?
Stress is 'too much'; burnout is 'empty'. Motivation drops; cynicism rises; recovery takes months, not a weekend.
When to take medical leave?
When work is affecting sleep, appetite, mood, or health for weeks. Ask your GP.
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