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19 Nov 2019

Burned out but getting back to blogging.

I've neglected posting much the last 2 months. I guess I've been avoiding posting as I did not want to just whinge about work. But a few things have happened, including several bloggers posting about 'burnout' that have prompted me to get back to blogging.

So in the last few months I've had several, serious, critical incidents to deal with that have taken a toll. On top of that I've watched another colleague go off on stress leave and one more about to. Two more staff have resigned and a third will leave at Christmas. I do feel burned out. I also understand that the burnout is a result of workplace factors, not a personal weakness.

I have made changes at work where I can and am just refusing to do work that I don't have capacity for. My manager has been supportive. I have had a few days off, which just gave me some space from the constant demands I know I can't meet. I've said no a lot and written submissions to management which have resulted in meetings and some small changes. I've taken action on what I can change and tried to let go of what I can't.

So, now I am really trying to focus on myself and my wellbeing as the #1 priority. And I am feeling better this week than I was a few weeks ago. I signed up for the 'Noom' weight loss app and that has been good. I feel like I've caught up on sleep and am ready to get back into decluttering, sewing, gardening, reading & walking in the coming weeks.

This video 'Its not burnout, its moral injury' makes some very good points about those of us who work in health professions:


7 comments:

Cheapchick said...

A stressful workplace is so hard, just keep your eye on the prize and one day this will be a thing of the past. Changing the things you can are necessary, and thank goodness you seem to have a decent manager.

Jan said...

thanks cheapchick, eye on the prize is right, thats what I need to focus on.

slugmama said...

I've been feeling a bit burned of with blogging myself. But life ebbs and flows and we'll both find our mojo for it again sooner or later. Take care of what's important first-your health!

Out My window said...

I am sorry about your job stress. Try running a large dance studio. But what you do is so necessary my friend, although I know that does not make it any easier.

Jan said...

thanks kim

Jan said...

yes, the health really is more important, can't buy that!

Lisa said...

Work place stress did me in, I resigned. It won't help my debt repayment, but my sanity was suffering. I hope you get some relief and can take care of you. I fall of the blogging wagon here and there. I think that is the norm. Don't let that stress you out!!