What have business leaders learned from their experiences of burnout; and can it lead to them seeking and finding greater meaning in their work and personal lives?
Burnout has been characterised as a psychological reaction to chronic work stress, comprising of exhaustion; cynicism and reduced efficacy. It’s effects range from short-term fatigue that can be helped by a 2-week holiday; through to severe exhaustion (and potentially depression) requiring a long recovery period and time off work. Ultimately, burnout is a deeply personal experience, with a variety of symptoms and differing levels of impact.
This study aimed to find out what survivors had learned from their experiences. It asked whether they had found greater ‘meaning’ since their burnout experiences, and most importantly if they were now happier in their lives. Put simply, I wanted to know if it was possible to reframe a negative experience into an opportunity for change and growth.
There were six participants. All had experienced burnout within the last 3-years, and were keen to share their insights. They comprised of three females and three males and their ages ranged from 37 to 55. Interviews were conducted on Zoom, lasting an average of 72-minutes. Interviews were painstakingly analysed and the results ‘chunked-up’, generating three headline themes:
- Fundamental need for change
- Building job and personal resources
- Renewed focus and meaning
These themes were supported by 10 secondary categories, but here I focus on the headlines, and rather than outlining detailed results, thought it would be interesting to bring participants’ stories to life in their own words, and get closer to the emotions that people felt. Naturally, the quotes that follow have been assigned gender neutral pseudonyms. Here are some of the things that they reported:
Recognising a Fundamental need for change
“My head was in a constant fight. One side of my brain was chipping away at me, and the other side was trying to fight back. It came to a point where I just couldn’t function anymore. Something had to change.” (Charlie)
“I was getting swamped by the world, and I totally shut down. I went to bed, and I basically stayed there for two years. I could have slept all day, every day.” (Riley)
“I didn’t want that pressure anymore to have to earn that money again next year and the year after.” (Tanveer)
“I’d seen various therapists, and they thought it was the best for my mental health if I went back to work, but they suggested a part-time basis. I was dreading it, but thought yeah, ok, I’ll do that. But over Christmas I thought I don’t want to work as a…anymore.” (Amal)
Building new job and personal resources
“It’s about building up my self-worth, and knowing that I’m important and valuable enough to care for myself.”(Frankie)
“There was a pull to do a degree, but when I went from Bachelor to a Masters, I got a lot more confidence. It gave me that little bit of pride in it as well.” (Charlie)
“I’m now recognizing for myself some of the triggers…and coming up with coping strategies that’s going to stop me from falling back. It’s about being aware and protecting my mental health.” (Hilary)
“What helps is when I give myself a little bit of empathy…and not to be too hard on myself the whole time” (Amal)
“I was blind to what was going on until my wonderful warehouse manager phoned me… Until that moment, I hadn’t even seen that anyone else could see that there was a problem.” (Riley)
“ What I try to do is give myself some-time in the afternoon, to relax, read a book, you know…do something just for me.” (Hilary)
“I think there’s a realization that ultimately, burnout is temporary. At the time I was thinking I can’t go through this for two or three years. But it takes longer than you think.” (Frankie)
“You need to take a while to heal…so time is a huge factor. And here’s no need to be impulsive about change…until you are emotionally ready for it.” (Tanveer)
Renewed focus and meaning
“I’m now doing what I want to do, when I want to do it, and what I am doing is making me happy and purposeful.” (Amal)
“I changed my job and vocation and I’ve become self-employed because one of the things that I need to do is be in charge of my hours as much as I can. And I have more clarity and calm than before.” (Frankie)
“For the first time in my life, I’m clear on my purpose…I have a depth of knowledge and humility that will allow me to support other people..” (Hilary)
“Previously my life was about having a massive house and a property portfolio and driving a big car…I don’t need any of that stuff now. What I do next is going to be worth anything more than what money can bring…I’m going to help others.” (Tanveer)
“My burnout experience will perhaps be different to the next person’s…but, please…I’d advise people to listen to your burnout, see what it has shown you…I think it will point you in certain directions.” (Riley)
“Life with meaning that has a positive impact on other people…that feels like exactly where I need to be.” (Charlie)
In summary
This study explored six individuals’ burnout journeys, to find out what they had learned, and whether it had resulted in them recalibrating their work and personal lives. The results were congruent with prevailing academic theories. It is recommended that future research looks at burnout as an opportunity for change and growth, rather than simply as an illness.
During this study, what became apparent was that the more honest participants were with themselves, the quicker they accepted the need for change, and the more committed they became to making positive changes. In simple terms, ‘the truth can set them free’.
I hope that the above helps to paint a picture of just a few of the many lessons learned by people through their burnout experiences. It was truly humbling to hear these stories, and I am immensely grateful to the participants. They are a true source of inspiration and are proof that burnout can in fact be a good thing!
Whatever your own experiences, I hope that this short articles gives you some food for thought. This research was conducted for an MSc Organisational Psychology dissertation which ended on the 15th July, 2022. If you have any comments or questions, then please email me at clive.cary@city.ac.uk
