Still feeling the burnout blues. The more I think about how it will be years before I am able to work less the more depressing it gets. :/
Husband is having a hard time at his job too. In the past week or so nearly everyone he is friends with quit for various reasons. He's suddenly lonely and also feeling like it's a dead end job. It pays pretty good, but it's not fulfilling work. Jobs are so limited where we live though, he can't seem to find anything he is interested in. He says he wants his job to make a difference, or help people.
I know everyone gets tired of working occasionally, but It's hard right now. Especially since it is hitting both of us at the same time. Ugh.
Mortgage payment hit, bringing the total down to $46,593.39.
That seems like a huge amount that will never be paid and I'll be a slave to the work force forever.
How do you guys get through burnout?
Burnout Blues
August 3rd, 2016 at 01:12 pm
August 3rd, 2016 at 04:28 pm 1470241711
Since you are both feeling burnt out, maybe planning a fun weekend will help revive you both?
I think your mortgage is tiny.
August 3rd, 2016 at 05:20 pm 1470244859
Your mortgage debt is about 10% of mine! How's that to cheer you up?
August 3rd, 2016 at 08:26 pm 1470255986
As for your mortgage, it's not insurmountable. We just paid ours off, and not too long ago it seemed so big and impossible. All you can do is keep plugging away. Little bits of extra to the principal here and there really do add up.
As for jobs/fulfillment. Jobs are about getting a check. Keep getting that check. If you need to feel fulfilled and make a difference, find a charity to support in your off hours. Or, have coworkers help you support that charity. (i.e. we coordinate a school supply drive for the kids at the homeless shelter. we also have a soup kit assembly day for the local food bank. Win win).
August 3rd, 2016 at 10:40 pm 1470264057
Decide and make a goal and work towards accomplishing it. If it's burnout then perhaps cut back on saving and make some spending a priorities. Also decide if what you do is important to you. What will it take to change careers or do something different. Ask questions and make a plan to change jobs or careers if it's important to you. If you aren't happy doing what you are doing then maybe it's time for a switch.
I'm sure it seems like I'm all talk. But seriously we've BTDT and have the T-shirt. It's not easy but it can help you figure out what you want out of life. I am happy just moving. DH is THRILLED with his new job. So it's up to you. You don't have kids so you have time at night to sit, talk, and think. Use it to find out what is your zen.
August 3rd, 2016 at 11:45 pm 1470267932
I would remind your husband of all the good things his "pretty good" paycheck brings you, not just the money to pay the bills, but the health benefits, too, and paid vacation. Having been laid off more times than I can count, I would just urge him to buckle down and find other ways toward fulfillment if not through the job. Not everyone can have a job that is personally fulfilling..sometimes you have to find that for yourself.
Like the old song/saying goes, you don't always appreciate what you have until it's gone.
August 4th, 2016 at 02:16 am 1470276989
August 5th, 2016 at 08:27 pm 1470428866
As Snafu pointed out, exercise can lift one's spirits. I never would have believed that, but I am truly a believer of that. I exercise regularly and it does make a huge difference.
One thing I do that used to drive my husband crazy, is I move stuff around in the house. Sometimes it is just simply like some photographs. Sometimes it is a piece of furniture. But it gives me a different perspective and I see things in a different light when I feel like things are in a rut. I explained to DH when I move things around it makes it look new to me and I'm not tempted to go and buy something I don't really need.
I'm sure that mortgage seems like a lot, but fortunately you don't have to pay it off in two months...you are making an investment in yourselves by buying some place you want to live.
August 6th, 2016 at 03:32 pm 1470497566
I understand burnout. When I was single and had had enough of teaching, I was able to double down and save a bunch of money which gave me the financial wherewithal to quit and withstand over eight months of no real employment,,several moves, and helping out a family member. (All this about the time I joined SA!) I had options though because I was single and not tied to an area.
If I was teaching again and faced burnout again, I think I would do what I could to separate work life from real life. Easier said than done, I know. Maybe loosen the budget a little to give some space for time away. Even if it means that some of your other goals will take a little longer to achieve - it may be better to do so in order to refresh and avoid burnout - which could have long term consequences to goals and plans.