Career Questions and Answers
If you are suffering job burnout, is it okay to mention that to your boss?
Asked by coffmanlk
These are some great answers but let me add a little more info. I am a medical transcriptionist. basically it is the same thing every day for 8+ hours. I have sought outside help and I have done/been doing the suggestions. However, it has been about a year or so and I still have the same problem. I think it started with my previous employer who cheated all of us out of well-deserved money and then closed down the department to outsourcing. I am with a new employer now, but still have the same issues, but not being cheated anymore, so that is good.
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Best Answer:
Only if you already have another job secured!
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Sure, just like it is ok for him to mention he doesn't need you around anymore.
Answered by Niche Jerk
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Yes, however be careful how you explain the problem. May I suggest "I feel I have learned all I can from this position. Might there be another opening in the company I could transfer to currently?"
Answered by thirsty mind
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if you do that then you find your self out of a job.but it is okay to see a counsellor.
Answered by cassidybabe
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Generally mentioning burnout in a Kinsey environment is akin to being assessed, wrongly or rightly, for which management assesses correctly or poorly, the reasons below as plausible means to releasing staff:
a) employee should have known the job requirements before accepting the job;
b) if job requirements not known, should have enquired at interview stage;
c) lack of knowledge of how to pace job requirements;
d) lack of knowledge of how to priortise urgent as opposed to important tasks;
e) doing tasks not required of you, despite good intent or profit motive;
f) lack of knowledge of job specifics therefore requiring more effort and/or overtime;
g) an interested person in the job seldom tires and therefore burnout is not an issue;
h) an interested person would have enquired senior staff to solve difficulties when encountered, thereby avoiding subsequent overtime and effort;
i) management and shareholders first, staff secondary;
To mention to the boss, per se, is therefore not healthy for job prospect.
Whereas in a flat structured environment, such as in design related houses like architecture and animations, the above is unlikely.
Reason being everyone is involved in the process daily; Kinsey environments assume the final product is ready to go without knowing deeper aspects if it is really a good product, therefore execution is paramount and is highly anti-intellectual.
If you are in a fast pace job, some tricks of survival are:
a) Use your annual leave to take long breaks, preferably a different environment and different activities to your daily routine to "refresh" perspective on an otherwise routine and monotonous environment based around home, office and the usual encounters. Engineers in companies like Creative and Microsoft go for breaks as long as several months to a year, and return to work the following year;
b) If you cannot take annual leave, and your office is open minded, break during different times of the day. Even Wallstreet traders comeout at midday or mid afternoon to hit the gym before going back to the trading floor;
c) Have a compassionate doctor, take sick leave. That is not to say skiving, because eventually poor health will rear its ugly head and work performance drops, which inturn means more time on the job, and so the vicious cycle goes on.
Answered by pax veritas
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Yes. I work 6 days a week and I am the only employee. The dr. I work for is great but she can come and go as she pleases but I am stuck here 8 hours a day 6 days a week. I need to tell her I am getting burnt out and I think that she ahould understand. I want to love my job, but I can't when I am overwhelmed.
All I do on my day off is sleep beacuse I am beat and that is no way to spend my ONE day off.
Answered by love-moz
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i have... my boss replies with a "we all are... were all putting in, helping out each other here and there... were all overloaded with work.. I understand how you feel....."
Answered by dd
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It depends on the relationship you have with your boss. If I were suffering burnout, I would let my boss know. First, however, I would ensure that all major projects were as wrapped-up as possible, that there was someone else who could cover anything urgent while I was gone, and that I left things where someone else could easily located needed files/information. Then, and only then, I would go to my boss, tell her I needed a break, and firmly state that I was taking a week off - in a week and a half. Or two weeks. NOT tomorrow, unless you're in really serious trouble. If you've done your best to ensure the flow of business will continue, then it's unlikely you'll get fired or demoted. Of course, you could always just go to a shrink and get some meds for depression, then you couldn't be fired for needing time off - it's medical. OK, OK, so I'm kidding about the shrink thing. I don't know what kind of job you do, but you should make sure that someone can cover your hours, if that's an issue, or that there is maybe one person who knows how to get ahold of you in an EMERGENCY. This should be someone you trust to know the definition of an emergency that requires your action. I mean, if the place burns down, you're not going to be able to do anything more than anyone else - and they can call 911.
So, evaluate your job, make sure it's burnout, not a complete and total hatred of your job - that requires more thought. Then put in motion a way to keep from hating your job forever. It will benefit both you and the company you work for.
Answered by katieelson
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I probably would not. Most bosses don't want to hear it.
Instead of making it his problem, you need to solve it.
If you're working too many hours, cut back. Set limits. Don't feel bad when you do take time off.
If you're just bored to tears of the project you're on, address that: ask for a reassignment, apply to a new dept in the company, and/or delegate some of the work to others.
Answered by Funchy
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Only if you're looking to leave! Take a couple days off... recharge your batteries and then go back to work. I know working the daily grind sucks but without it you wouldn't have a home, food, clothing, transportation, entertainment.... When viewed in perspective 40 hours out of 168 in a week isn't so bad for all the stuff it provides you with!
Answered by annathespian
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I think it is essential to mention it to your boss...how can he or she help if they don't know anything is wrong. Just explain why you feel burned out....it could be he doesn't realize he is asking too much of you. I'd go for it.
Henry David Thoreau said that he mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation
Don't be one of those. Speak up for yourself and get relief...It might mean moving to another job, which could be a good thing....but don't just suffer...do something..
Answered by dreamdress2
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I would suggest you see a doctor or psychologist first to get a diagnosis. Then you will be able to prove it.
Answered by maryb02816
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If you are valuable to your employer, yes. But use tact. Think it over, and have some ideas in mind, in case he asks you. Unless you just want to leave the company, then just give notice!
Answered by ravin_lunatic
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I would not suggest mentioning to your boss in that way. Unfortunately employers look as thier employees as being replaceable no matter how good you are at your job, they can always find someone better who they can probably pay less. Maybe you can ask her for extra things to do aside from your normal job duties. If it is so bad though, I would consider taking a few vacation days, and maybe looking for something different from what you are doing now.
Answered by thedothanbelle
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Not unless you have a doctor's cert to back it up.
Answered by Coffee Cup
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Careful! It depends on your work environment; your work culture. Many employers offer access to programs called employee assistance programs, or something like that, where they offer private counseling free for a couple of visits.
A good employer will care about burnout. It reduces productivity and brings the morale down of coworkers. Complaining about burnout doesn't do much for you or your employer unless you can offer a constructive solution: this means anything that doesn't increase overhead, reduce revenue, or decrease customer satisfaction.
Answered by Ernie
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It depends very much on your line of work and how your work relationship with your boss. If your boss knows you are burned out from doing the same old same old everyday, he could move you or fire you. First make sure your boss likes the job you do and that he can depend on you no matter what. If you have a good working relationship with him, you will know very well if you can bring this up with him, even better than those of us answering your question.
Good luck with everything.
Jon
Answered by Jon
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It sounds like you need a break....if your able to, I would just book a cpl days off without even mentioning anything. Although whatever circumstances are leding to your job burnout might want to be addressed. Too many hours? Too many responsibilities? Chaos and no organization around the workplace. These are all things that can be resolved to make your work atmosphere less overwhelming. Depending on how secure you feel about your position and your relationship with your boss is how you should apporach them.
Answered by mis_x_ta_c
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i think it is a very good thing to discuss with your boss but you should start the conversation out in a positive way before you tell him/her that you are getting burnt out. i think employers have a right to know how their employees are feeling and there may some type of a comprimise that can be made to obtain less of a burn out status but you'll never know unless you open up and talk.
Answered by cimtrbl2
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It depends. I've done it with my previous bosses. One would refer to my bad days as Is This A Tuesday. This was because on the previous job I quit, walked out on a Tuesday. She did not want me to do that to her. And if was we talked about it.
My present boss is opened to it. We have an Employee Assistance Program and when things go astray, we can use it. I have not used it but when ever I need off, unless our surveyors (hospital) are due I get that time off.
How do you think your boss will handle it?
Hold it over your head -- assist you -- you know your boss better than we do.
Answered by Dr. Education
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Good question I would say it depends on your relationship with you boss if it is causal enough to express this and request some tI'me off but also express how important the job is to you I love this question cause im burned the hell out!
Answered by ~Pleasure N Pain~
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I would not mention it in the form of a complaint. I would say that maybe I need a break to prevent possible burnout. I would probably say that I need to recharge and put a request in for time off.
Answered by Finestchyna
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Yes, but it's not WHAT you say-it's how you say it. I suggest taking a vacation, getting some more sleep and trying to reduce stress. I would suggest talking to your doctor to see if he can help also. It could be a medical reason eg chronic fatigue syndrome.
Answered by ☼♀♥♠♣J.W. ♫♪♦♥
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Yes, I think you should ask for a day off to just spend relaxing, reading, walking in a park or doing something special for yourself. Sometimes that's all you need to get back on track. If that doesn't work, you could ask for a change in duties to break up the monotony. Ask for new assignments, something to stimulate you and challenge you.
Answered by going2bok
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Yes
Answered by nicole420692k
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I wouldn't mention it unless i had a sudden eurge to be jobless .
Answered by topekat
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Oh you bet, just like it's OK to mention just where he can stick that so-called job.
Answered by yahoohoo
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no. but you need to look at what is making you feel burnt out and then talk to them about how you can change to make things better...don't say you are burnt out. approach it more tactfully.
Answered by a_latinalady
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if it's effected your work, yes - tell
Answered by flowerpet56
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Never self-disclose in work relationships. Never.
Answered by patois
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I'd say it depends on your motivation for saying so. If it's just to whine or complain, or to give the hint that you're looking for other work, don't say anything. But if you are looking for new challenges and responsibilities, then sure, you could say it in a positive light and be okay.
Answered by monger187
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Why do bosses give raises? to increase moral. is it good to tell your boss that recently you've been burned out, well what type of boss are they. compassionant, or ruling with an iron fist. a compassionant boss might sit down with you and try to find a reason why you felt this way and try to fix things. an iron fist boss might say what you want to quit??!!!! andf start looking for your replacement. this is a tough call, because we don't know your boss. in one hand you tell them and they may or maynot try to help the situtation, in the other hand, you don't tell your job preformance drops and your boss approaches you to do what they gotta do.
my advice, find out why you lost intrest in your job, pay, boring, time consuming; see if you can fix it. if you need to get a new job start looking for one now, when you got something secure lose your old stick with your new. same for more pay, look around for better, when you got it tell your boss you need better pay, can't get it dump them, and start again.
Answered by jimmy
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To be completely honest if you have a friendly relationship with your boss and he or she would understand. Either way you should not risk it call in sick, dont feel guilty about it you deserve it, but besure know one knows.
Answered by llrsister
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It will be depend on your job position, its security and your boss mind too. Do it when you are sure about these items. You can find helpful opinions on: http://humanresources.about.com.
Good luck
Answered by hassani_ir
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bad move in my opinion...schedule some time off and/or get a new job, but don't let on to an employer that you are having difficulty performing your job, or you may not have one much longer...
Answered by Nancy Kay
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Generally, discussing dissatisfaction with your supervisor will not aid you. Your manager may think you are telling them you are looking for a job and in effect begin planning to replace you.
Answered by david42
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it depends on your boss. If he is kind and cares about employees, he will not get mad and may try to compromise. But if he's mean, don't bother. And if it gets really bad, try and find a better job!
Answered by scooter
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No. Never admit to burnout. Do, ask for a vacation instead.
Answered by Call Me Babs
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Its all in how you say it. Ask if there is a new position you can try out for because you need new challenges. Turn your burn out into a chance for promotion.
Answered by BURGIN24
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Nooooo- unless you have an EXTREMELY good relationship with your boss. I have had that situation once where my boss was my very best friend, but otherwise, forget it.
Answered by JenF
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Sure!! we're all humans. All you'r telling him you'r tired!! You are not thinking about quiting are you?
Answered by alfonso r
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Seriously look at the job. Is your boss pushing too hard or is he/she being reasonable and you just can't handle it? (Don't have the skill/ can't handle the stress, etc.) If they are pushing unreasonably hard for an extended period of time, why do you want to stay? If you're only answer is that it's a big project to move to another job, get over it and start looking. If there is enough about the job that you want to stay and you're boss is pushing too hard, you might try to get another job within your company, or talk with your boss about the job. But not from the point of "Oh, I'm so burned out..." Approach it from the point that the job is not set up in a way that it can be done efficiently. You had better have some good suggestions to improve that before you go in to talk to him/her.
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the last habit is called "Sharpen the Saw", which basically says that you have to take time to step back, and recover so you'll be sharp enough to do your job. Sitting quietly, yoga, chi lel chi gong, and exercise can help with this but you need to make the time to do it. If you go home to a madhouse of kids and televisions and stress...
Try to come up with ways to get your job done more efficiently, this will reduce your stress and look great on your review (or your resume for your next job!)
Bottom line, look at this carefully... There's a lot you can and should do before you go to your boss. This is good advice for a lot of things in life. 80% of what will solve your problems is in the mirror. Good luck.
Answered by jim
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no way dude
Answered by FortMinorFreak99
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Not only is it OK, it is highly suggested. The sooner you let your boss know you have an issue, the more time they have to try and resolve it. Don't wait until it's too late.
Answered by worldslastid
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It depends. Why do you want to tell your boss.
Are you mentioning this to your boss to excuse your recent performance or to request a reduction of your workload in the future?
I think asking for a vacation to destress is better. It would be unwise to use the word "burnout. It implies you are unable to do the work he/she is paying you to do.
Answered by triquetra1754
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The best advice I ever got was "never vent on your boss". Mentioning burnout is akin to venting. Their perception of you will be completely different after you do that. Managers want things presented to them as problem-solution. If you want to change something that's how you do it. But don't tell them the problem is burnout and the solution is xxxx. Find a creative way to phrase it so that it appears you are looking for a challenge or a change of some sort that will be good for everyone.
Answered by Chris
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If you have been there for while and are comfortable talk to your boss and just tell them that you feel you are getting too complacent in your j\ob and can you maybe get a different set of duties to switch up. Or even suggest that you are very competent in the division or department you are in within the company you would like to learn all aspects of the department or even another department so that way you can be an indispensible asset to the company. A change of pace and new setting can make you feel burnt out. I would put it somehow where the company is best if you move around a little.
Answered by DispatchGirl
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Of course it is. I'm sure he/she will understand. Unless your boss is very... mean.
Answered by Hi I am a living human being. HI
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Only if they are really pleased w/you and w/your work and you have enough time saved up for a vacation. With out either of those in place I would not say anything about being burn out, You may be given a complete leave of never having to be burned out again notice, which SPELLS: TERMINATION after they of course find your replacement. Just a thought I am on the outside looking in with NO JOB, Please be care full it is NO FUN, At lease you have a job. With out saying anything to your boss just take some time off if you have enough time to do so. Take care
Answered by sweettoni37
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i guess not
letting people know that you were turned down by countless jobs makes them think you are a lousy worker
but a good thing to do during a job interview is get a really extended vocabulary
smart people get good jobs
Answered by macgyver
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