Have you ever felt like you're physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted from all the stress that comes with your job? Or that you have to put in an extraordinary amount of effort to drag yourself through the daily tasks of your job only to feel relief rather than satisfaction or accomplishment at the end of the day? If so, you might be experiencing career burnout.

What is career burnout?

Career burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that occurs when an individual experiences prolonged stress in their work environment. It is characterized by a feeling of disengagement, cynicism, and a sense of reduced accomplishment and efficacy in one's job.

How does being neurodivergent impact career burnout?

Humans are not robots, so anyone facing high amounts of stress and feelings of unfulfillment will in time find themselves burnt out, but those of us who are neurodivergent may find ourselves succumbing to burnout faster or more often than those who are neurotypical.

Those of us who struggle with time management, organization, and task prioritization or have difficulty sustaining attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, can find it challenging to meet the demands and expectations of the workplace consistently.

This can result in feeling overwhelmed and an increased workload, as individuals struggle to meet deadlines and find themselves in a perpetual cycle of playing catch-up. So many neurodivergent individuals are already facing higher levels of stress before factoring in the typical stressors of high work loads, poor management, understaffing, harassment, etc.

Tips to prevent career burnout:

1. Prioritize Self-Care

We hear this all the time but self-care is important to our wellbeing and must be a non-negotiable part of your routine. You must care for your mind as well as your body. Take the time to participate in the things you love and bring you a sense of fulfillment. .

2. Set Boundaries

It’s time to draw the lines in the sand. Off the clock is off the clock! Your time should be your own.Avoid checking emails or work-related tasks outside of those hours, and make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment outside of work.

Additionally don’t take on work that is outside your job description. Be firm in the fact that you were hired for a particular role with specific responsibilities.

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3. Delegate and Seek Support

We all need a support system. Communicate your needs and limitations, and collaborate with others to share the workload. Reach out for help when you feel overwhelmed, as it can prevent burnout and promote a more balanced work environment.

4. Take A Break!

Take time for yourself before burnout can set in. You are entitled to breaks and sick time. Don’t let the idea that you have to work yourself into the ground and never miss a day to prove your value overtake your wellbeing.

Short breaks can help improve focus and productivity and vacation or leave time can allow you to completely disconnect from work and recharge.

Final Thoughts…

Being neurodivergent and a successful and balanced professional is not an easy task when career burnout creeps up on you. The constant struggle to meet workplace demands, coupled with existing difficulties in time management and attention, can contribute to a faster onset and higher frequency of burnout.

In order to prevent burnout it is important to prioritize self-care, set reasonable work-life boundaries, seek support, and take much needed breaks. Remember, you have the power to prioritize your well-being and thrive both personally and professionally.

Take care of yourself, seek support when needed, and maintain a healthy work-life balance to prevent career burnout and foster long-term success.

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Meet The Writer!

Hi! I’m Madeline Jefferson. I am a freelance writer, editor, and designer who has a wide breadth of experience and knowledge on many subjects including: fiction writing, religion, law, politics, history, literature, chronic illness, and mental health. I have a B.A. in Religion and Middle Eastern Studies from Washington and Lee University. As a freelancer I offer services such as: blog writing, copywriting, ghostwriting, manuscript editing, and print and digital design. You can find me on: LinkedIn; Twitter, Instagram; and on my website: https://www.madelinejefferson.com/.

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Career Burnout and Neurodivergence: Tips To Being A Successful And Balanced Professional