The LIGHT Center, T-90, College of the Redwoods (476-4290) - October 2, 2000

Sometimes I wonder if it’s the phase of the moon, or maybe my own biological rhythms. You know the feeling, the one where despite sleeping reasonably well you arrive at work exhausted. Before you can sit down at your desk, twelve people have already stopped and asked you a question or requested that you do something. You have time to do none of them. Well, I’m exaggerating.

I personally have found this semester difficult. There are a number of high needs students on campus. We are stretched to the limit, with staff hours down from last year. We are not alone as most areas on campus strive to do the most they can for students with the resources available to them. Is there a solution to this situation? Probably not in the short-term. It is important however to be cognizant of the fact that feeling stretched and tired on a prolonged basis can lead to burnout. I realize this is a trite and overused term, however it does describe what virtually everybody faces at one time or another in their work career.

Dr. Beverly Potter in her book "Overcoming Job Burnout: How to Renew Enthusiasm for Work" discussed some of the more common factors that result in a trip down the road to burnout. These include:

1. Ambiguity –When one does not have clear guidelines as to what falls into their job description or someone else’s, this results in ambiguity. It can result in "biting off way more than you chew", or being uncertain as to whether a task is your responsibility or someone else’s.
2. Poor Feedback – When one does not receive on-going, constructive feedback, it is difficult to alter work habits. One must know what they are doing well or poorly in order to grow in the position.
3. Boredom – When the work to be performed is tedious and/or repetitive, or when there is not enough of it (not my problem), boredom can ensue.
4. Powerlessness – We all feel powerless at one time or another. However, when we have no say in what happens in the workplace, a sense of frustration over our state of powerlessness can develop.
5. Alienation – Yes, I am tired of the "alien jokes". Sometimes we find that someone in the office or workplace just "doesn’t fit in". Alienation can result from verbal, non-verbal, or behavioral cues. Very often we can alienate a co-worker without even being aware of having done so.
6. Overload – When we are striving to serve the students as best we can, we tend to overload our plate. This can result in feelings of inadequacy at not being able to do everything, as well as anger at ourselves for making errors that, having had more time, would not have resulted.

Please send any comments to trish-blair@redwoods.edu

Author Unknown

So, how does one avoid the burnout scenario? I guess winning the lottery wouldn’t hurt, or even marrying an independently wealthy person. As unlikely as those options are, here are some that are more manageable.

Don’t blame yourself for past errors. We all make plenty of them everyday, however learn from them and let them go. Don’t dwell on the error.

If you don’t have time or opportunity to go to the gym, make a point of taking a walk at lunch or after work. It makes both body and mind feel somewhat refreshed.

This person is someone who can help you stay focused. It should be someone you trust and with whom you feel comfortable enough them to just be yourself. Discuss your goals, progress, and setbacks. That person can be a sounding board.

Humor is a great way to reduce stress. Put a humor board in your office where people can post jokes, pictures etc.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by deadlines and the things that have yet to be accomplished. Try to focus on the accomplishments that have already been achieved. Celebrate those as a group once a month by having a lunch or get-together.