13 questions to ask yourself to find out if you're burnt out at work

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Fatigue, Tired, Frustrated, Burnout, Sad

jazbeck via Flickr

There's a big difference between job burnout and daily stress.

It's easy to misunderstand job burnout as daily work stress, but identifying the difference between the two is key.

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If you're simply tired or frustrated with your job, a nice relaxing weekend or a vacation can make a huge difference. But if you're burnt out - a state of chronic stress that leads to exhaustion, detachment, and feelings of ineffectiveness - the situation is more serious and can require a job or career change.

Elizabeth Scott, wellness coach and author of "8 Keys to Stress Management," has developed a list of questions that can help you figure out if you could be experiencing job burnout:

  • Have you found yourself to be increasingly critical or cynical about your job?
  • Do you have feelings of dread about going to work?
  • Do you find it difficult to stay productive and focus on your job?
  • Are you easily irritable or constantly exhausted?
  • Do you spend most of your time at work bored or overwhelmed?
  • Do you find yourself impatient and snapping at others?
  • Do you feel that you're under an unhealthy amount of pressure?

  • Are you noticing that job satisfaction is practically nonexistent?
  • Do you feel a lack of control at work?
  • Do the requirements of your job seem confusing or overwhelming?
  • Are you using food, alcohol, or drugs to cope with the stress from your job?
  • Has your appetite or sleep schedule dramatically changed?
  • Are you often experiencing negative physical symptoms like headaches, back aches, or digestion issues?

If you find yourself answering yes to many of these questions, there is a chance you are approaching or experiencing job burnout.

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"Some of these symptoms are also connected to depression and other health issues, so it is important to talk to your doctor or therapist if you experience these," Scott said.

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