Teary. Overwhelmed. Feeling like all the boxes are stacking up in my mind, yet no relief in sight.
Burn-out was in the distance.
I did it to myself a few years ago, and I lost a job because I didn't pay attention to the signs. Would I want that experience again?
Burning yourself out is easier than you might think, especially when you have put a lot on your own plate. Saying no to projects is not an easy thing for me. Nor is asking for deadline extensions. Nor is letting someone know who was relying upon me that I may have bit off more than I could chew.
Yet, I began to recognize the symptoms this past week. I was near tears, almost immobilized, and didn't know what to do about the stress. All signs pointed to being near burnt out. I felt overwhelmed. First things first, I put my computer to the side. My big, bulky, hot machine sat to my left as I figured out what I needed to take off my plate.
It wasn't long before I wrote a couple of editors, asking for a deadline extension. I wrote another, letting them know I needed more details about an assignment so I could figure out if it was even right for me. And confessed to another, who is more of a friend, that I needed help with what was on my plate.
And you know what? The world didn't implode. I didn't get a handful of editors picketing in front of my apartment complex. I may have caused some disappointment, but it wasn't devastating to myself or my career.
Of course, it's important to avoid burnout. Yet, sometimes, though, you don't even know you're almost there. That's why it's important to recognize your personal symptoms. They may be the same as mine. You have so much on your plate, yet you can't do a thing. On top of that, you get emotional. On the other hand, maybe you get irritable and snack too much. Maybe you barely eat at all.
Whatever your symptoms, recognize them. And learn from it. And try not to repeat the process of waiting for burnout to linger closely before you do something about it.
Since then, I've incorporated more breaks during my work day, and I'm re-evaluating what's on my plate to see what needs to be removed or replaced with something that I actually (gasp) enjoy working on.
Nicole Pyles is a tired writer living in Portland, Oregon. She has written for numerous publications including Better Homes and Gardens, The Spruce, Mental Floss, Tom's Guide, and more. Many of her stories have been published. Follow her blog at https://worldofmyimagination.com.
4 comments:
Nicole,
I hope things are getting back on an even keel. As writers, I think it's hard for us to say no because in the back of our head we're saying, "What if you never get another job?" But then, as you say, we end up unable to do any of our work. I'm glad you were brave enough to recognize that you needed to take a moment and prioritize. When I turn down a job - or ask for help - I can go into a weeks long worry fest. While the editors probably forgot about it in the blink of an eye. Thanks for this great post.
Thank you Jodi! Ugh, yes that's the struggle for me too. While I end up relieving stress by taking something off my plate, it often leads me into greater worry that this was a writing opportunity I needed to make ends meet. But, taking a step away definitely helped my psyche!
Thank you for the word of encouragement Renee! Speaking up for help is a MASSIVE struggle for me. And I've taken the time the last couple of weekends to really enjoy my weekend and only do what's absolutely necessary for my freelance work. It's made such a difference to my mental health!
I'm so glad to hear that you did what you needed to do to take care of yourself! That is essential.
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