Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a major increase in “burnout” – exhaustion from jobs causing extreme physical and mental stress. Burnout mostly happens when we’re unable to set healthy boundaries at work.
Setting boundaries is critical – burnout impacts our mental AND financial health!
Burnout manifests as emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or decreased work performance. Burnout encourages impulsive purchases or “time reducers” like Uber Eats or online shopping.
It can lead to career changes, unemployment, or getting a demotion – all of which can negatively impact future salaries and retirement options.
Women especially faced extreme burnout throughout the pandemic, as they often had to balance work with the majority of household and childcare responsibilities. In 2021, 42% of women reported consistently experiencing burnout – one in three women considered quitting her job.
Boundaries to prevent burnout look like taking time off, refusing to work overtime, not bringing work home, and communicating care needs to coworkers and supervisors.
Workers who ask themselves, “What do I have capacity for right now?” and say “No” to extra work experience major benefits. Workplaces often push back on boundary-setting, however, so it’s important to stand strong.
No one wants to look back and regret major career decisions made during periods of burnout. Setting and maintaining work boundaries will save time, money, and future well-being!