Burnout stages

What if burnout in a career isn’t the wildfire of exhaustion, depression, and apathy it is known for?
What if it is actually a controlled burn designed for healing and growth?

RAGING FIRE OR CONTROLLED BURN

Many careers are characterized by burnout, particularly in the helping professions like nursing, firefighters, police - any first responders (and support staff, i.e., dispatchers, teachers, social services) to a trauma scene. Those professions appeal to people with high ideals and compassionate souls.

But what about the ones calling their own shots? The self-employed entrepreneurs? What causes them to crumble and fold under pressure?

LOFTY GOALS MEET DAILY GRIND

Burnout can also come from too many hours, too much stress, or too little appreciation. They imagine it will get better as soon as they turn some imaginary corner. But the markers of success remain just out of reach and enthusiasm turns first to doubt and then cynicism.

Entrepreneurs may have more illusions of control because they hold all the matches. But in the end, a burn is a burn no matter who starts the fire. Accepting responsibility for our pain and our healing means knowing that we each have the power to manage the heat by shifting our perspective or our presence.

Raging fire or controlled burn? You decide.

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