3 Types of Burnout

There are three main types of burnout. This may surprise you, as it surprised me when I first learnt about it. In the past, I had thought it was simply when you were working too much for long hours, but actually there’s a lot more to it.

Type 1 - Overload Burnout

Well, it’s in the name… you’re experiencing overload and it’s leading to burnout. You may be working yourself way too hard — to the point of exhaustion. As burnout sets in, you may feel inclined to work harder and harder so you can achieve everything, despite the fact your energy stores are depleting. This may be because you feel obligated to do so by your work-team, your boss, or even because of the pressures and expectations you put onto yourself…

Overload is a common one amongst professionals, and can be especially relevant amongst those in helping professions such as first responders, police, social workers and teachers. But you may also experience it as a parent, or a care giver… overload burnout can strike for anyone, in any role, at anytime.

The physical and mental load that we put on our body at these times is not good for you health and wellbeing – and overtime you’ll get those pesky burnout symptoms that will affect other areas of your life.

Type 2 - Under-Challenge Burnout

With this, you may feel bored or unmotivated in your work. You might feel unnoticed or under-appreciated by your peers or managers. This type of burnout is often experienced when you feel disconnected with your co-workers or leadership; WHICH is a situation that could be even easier to encounter when many of us are still working from home or in a hybrid pattern between home and the office. Overtime, you may lose your passion for your work as it becomes monotonous and unfulfilling.

Type 3 - Neglect Burnout

This could occur when you feel you’re not being given enough guidance in the workplace, you might feel helpless, maybe frustrated, and uncertain.

It’s difficult to meet expectations when they aren’t clearly expressed or if the means to do so are lacking.

You may feel unable to keep up with work demands, and over time, this COULD make you feel incompetent. But in reality, you are perfectly competent, you just don't have resources in the workplace to help you accomplish the tasks required of your position. When I say you don’t have the resources, this could be people resources, such as motivating managers or supportive co-workers – or – it could be physical resources such as time, money and other tools for the job.

Conclusion

When I reflected on my career I realised that I had not only been through overload burnout, but also neglect burnout.

If you recognise one or more of these types, then it might be time for you to put action into motion. Burnout is no fun, and it’s no place to stay. The longer you stay in burnout the more detrimental it will be to your health, to those around you, to your way of thinking and your default working style.

If you’re ready to make a change or want to discuss things further, book a call with me and together we can plan a way for you to move forward.