Can we afford it?

LinkedIn account of Leadership First post on strategy to manage and prevent burnout. Khail Drago summed up his opinion about burnout. He wrote that burnout often affects those who care deeply about their work, as their passion turns into exhaustion when meaningful aspects of their job are overshadowed by stress, monotony, or mismanagement. Burnout is not just about overwork; it’s about losing the connection to what once made the work fulfilling. When purpose and enthusiasm are replaced by relentless demands, lack of recognition, or workplace dysfunction, individuals may feel drained, cynical, and disconnected from their sense of self-worth. This can lead to emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, and even physical health issues such as insomnia or chronic fatigue.

It was a hit on the chest for me because it makes me realize that I do love my role and take seriously of my responsibilities. There were times when the volume of work overwhelmed and it led to a sense of “just finish it by the deadline” which make the process loses its meaning. I sadly think that this situation may be the same in other workplace. So, looking for another place and position become a search of an “enabling environment”. It makes it harder.

Change. Flexibility. Pivoting. But to what extend and depth? Change and adaptation require energy. But when you “push yourself” to make changes to the plan for more than 2 times, what does it tell you about the organization, your positioning, vision, and power (limit)? To make changes while you’re driving, require the driver to shift the gear. In real life, if you make a U-turn while driving 80 km/hour in city traffic will guarantee a swarm of swear if not an accident that make the whole trip impossible and more traffic in the road.

Well, you can say we have a good change management and it’s been a normal practice. The changing of context require a certain agility to adapt. It is beyond our control so we’re forced to hold our breath, make some turns or zig zag and shift gear as a respond. The context gives us the anxiety. “The enemy” in a way achieve its plan.

We’re building helicopter while flying while the opposition is flying drones and control them from remote place. They are creating chaos around us and yes, we have to adapt to survive. We try to shake the ground by changing the narrative to disturb the drones controller. Those are small yet hopeful earthquakes; a constant disruption. The earth plates are moving due to pressure and collide. I am hoping I can hold the ground.

So, Drago continued to write that the solution lies in addressing both external factors like improving work conditions and reducing stressors and internal factors, such as practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with one’s values and passions. Organizations also play a crucial role in preventing burnout by fostering supportive environments that prioritize employee well-being and align responsibilities with individual strengths.

I am still processsing this part because the solution sound like a privilege or luxury. Can we afford it?