3. LEARN WHEN TO SAY NO TO WORK.
If you face an unrealistic workload or some
other persistent problem in your workplace, discuss your situation with
your employer. Whenever possible, offer solutions that meet both your
needs and those of your employer. Reassure your employer of your
commitment to your work, and explain what you are willing to do; but be
clear and firm about what you are not able to do.
Use foresight and be realistic. If you want to
work less, your employer may expect you to accept less compensation.
Anticipate risks such as the threat of job loss, and be prepared to
respond. Remember that your prospects for finding a different job are
better while you are still employed.
Even when you have reached a mutually agreeable
work arrangement with your employer, you can expect to be pressured
again to take on more work. What can help you to remain firm? Keeping to
the commitments that you have made. Doing so might give you leverage to
ask your employer to do the same in return, including keeping your
workload within the agreed limits.
4. RENEW YOURSELF.
Even when your work is free of major problems,
you may still have your share of stresses, difficult people, and
unpleasant situations. So make time for sufficient rest and balanced
recreation. Remember that recreation does not have to be expensive to be
refreshing to you and your family.
Cultivate interests and friendships apart from
your work, and avoid defining yourself by the type and amount of work
that you do. If your
identity and self-worth come primarily from your work, then you will
find it difficult to minimize the role that work plays in your life.
Can you really make the changes needed to deal
successfully with burnout? Yes, you can.
