Types of Burnout

There are many different types of burnout. Below are the 5 most common types.

Overload Burnout

• Doing too much/Overloaded

• Heavy workload

• Working harder and harder

• High level of dedication

Under challenged Burnout

• Doing too little

• Feeling under appreciated

• Feelings of boredom

• Feeling under-stimulated with tasks that are repetitive, monotonous and/or unfulfilling

Worn out/Neglect Burnout

• Feeling helpless, hopeless, incompetent and unable to keep up with responsibilities

• Not given enough structure, clarity, direction or guidance

• Difficult to keep up with demand and/or expectation

Misaligned Burnout

• Feeling as though your values and principles are not aligned with the company

• Feeling empty and hollow, not just exhausted

• Time off doesn’t restore motivation

Digital Burnout

• Feeling like you are always on

• Mental fog or forgetfulness

• Socially withdrawn

• Caused by prolonged screen time, frequent interruptions by digital devices

• Overwhelmed by technology

My take:

When we list the various types of burnout we notice a great deal of overlap and even rewording to the point that they could all just be amalgamated. However, there is one type that I disagree with and that is under challenged. Being under challenged simply means that you are bored, not burnt out. Sure, some symptoms may be similar but so are many other things that affect your health. When a person is under challenged, they have built up energy waiting to be released so they tend to recover quicker than someone that is burnt out. It is easier to find something to stimulate your mind, then getting out of a bad place. It also doesn’t wear you down or affect many areas in your life like burnout does. Anyone who has experienced burnout knows how difficult it is to get out of it. It is difficult to find the energy that is needed to recover. Plus, the longer you have been burnt out, the longer and harder it is to recover.

Like many concepts these days I think we over complicated them. Which results in academics creating many different types of burnout and for every situation. In my view, this ultimately waters down the actual definition. Burnout is simply being overworked and exhausted. It’s about being in a chronic state of stress and not allowing the body to rest and heal. In turn this will affect your physical, emotional and mental well being. I honestly don’t think we need all these different types. Instead we should focus on the root of the problem and recovery.