Burnout - notice the warning signs...

Here are some potential reasons why a lot of people are reaching a point of exhausation and have to take an enforced break.

1. You're on the wrong path: this can be really difficult to acknowledge. You have spent years on a career path that no longer interests or stimulates you. The fact you have put so many hours into it makes it feel like you can't turn back now. Sometimes we supress thinking about this possibility because it might mean deciding on a big change and this is scary.
2. Enthusiasm has turned into obsession: you love what you do but it becomes all encompassing. You stop making time for restoration and rejuventation. You may become distant from friends and family because of passing more and more time on a never ending "to-do" list. This might be as a result of too much ego being tied up in what we do rather than who we are as the whole person.
3. Falling into the effort trap: believing that a feeling of great fatigue in the evening is a clear sign that we are working hard and effectively. This is not true. There is a massive incorrect assumption being made here. The assumption is that you are getting the right things done. Falling into this trap looks like: *Replying to emails at all moments. *Rushing to zoom meetings one after the other (never questioning whether it's necessary). *Finishing that last couple of work tasks (takes an hour away from your precious evening downtime).
4. Inability to say no or be vulnerable: "I can do this if I drop/delay task 'x, y or z' because right now I'm working at capacity" - a very honest and assertive line which could save you from a lot of stress. "I need some help" - for some people this is very difficult to say because we never want to feel fallible or like a burden to others however it's one of the kindest things we can do for ourselves. It can help relieve stress, feelings of isolation and can actually help us build stronger relationships.
5. The impossible superior and/or poor communication: some people feel in life that no matter what they do they will never make that certain somebody happy and it may cause them to work themselves to a standstill in a futile attempt for approval. This can play against you hugely when it comes to burnout and it can zap your energy towards something you previously enjoyed. It is true that there are times when people expect too much from others without showing empathy or flexibility on their demands - waiting for them to self reflect is not a good idea - proactively having a discussion with them about the demands is key. Then based on their response you stick or twist. But you MAKE A CHOICE with confidence you did something to try and improve the situation.