Struggling with Job Burnout

[aintshesweet]

Hi, friends! I know I post on our forum inconsistently. I wish I had more time to comment on all of the wonderful posts. I want to post something personal and see if anyone can help me.

I am a psychotherapist (counselor) by trade and I have been practicing for over 10 years. I used to absolutely love psychology. Now, I feel like I wish I had a job where I can work and go home. My job, as you can imagine, is very emotionally draining. I struggle with emotional boundaries with my clients, but it is part of my personality. I have always been soft-hearted and caring. So, naturally, I decided to be a mental health professional.

I have been feeling this way off and on for the past few years. But recently, it has become unbearable. I wish that I could just be home reading and exercising. I have tried other avenues with my degree (I have taught psychology for 2 semesters) and I liked it, but also became overwhelmed with teaching and therapy. I've thought about changing careers, but I am not sure what else to do. I am lucky that I can set my own schedule with private practice and I am reimbursed well through insurance companies, but I just don't feel very happy with it overall.

Has anyone felt this way about his/her job? I feel like I am being lazy and ungrateful, but I just feel down.

 

[Spideyman]

(((aintshesweet)))

 

[Moderator]

I would think burnout is common in your line of work but if it's gotten to the point that it is unbearable to you, you're probably not doing good for either you or your clients. Have you considered speaking with a therapist? I mean that sincerely and have heard that therapists sometimes have their own support groups for the very reason you've spoken about. Changing careers isn't as big a deal as it was at one time at least in terms of more people doing it rather than staying in the same field from the start of someone's career until retirement. Perhaps you need a total break from psychology.

And, yes, over the last 27 years I have been in your position more than once about having to do a lot of self-talk to go to work every day. Unfortunately, living where I do does not provide many options for finding a job that would pay the salary and benefits that I currently make and as a single mother and now still supporting myself even though they've grown, I've decided to stick it out. Luckily, the feeling has passed and I've been able to work through it to the point that I can find some joy in the job and having the volunteer moderators has been a huge help with that. Otherwise, Hot Topics and some other aspects of the job that will remain private would do me in.

I hope you find a solution for your dilemma.

 

[Out of Order]

My advice is to play Powerball......

Seriously though. Is it possible to cut down on your case-load for a period of time so you can relax a bit more and enjoy those things you mentioned? Perhaps a leave or extended vacation? Not sure how that would work with your patients, but maybe it's a start for you? Maybe you could think of all the people you have helped over the years as a source of inspiration and renewal?

Have you talked to a friend or loved one about this? Sounds strange, but maybe the counselor could use a little help? I'm not trying to be flip or mean, sometimes you need to talk is all.

Job burnout is more common than most people think no matter what the job........

Oh and the Powerball drawing is Wednesday...

 

[aintshesweet]

I would think burnout is common in your line of work but if it's gotten to the point that it is unbearable to you, you're probably not doing good for either you or your clients. Have you considered speaking with a therapist? I mean that sincerely and have heard that therapists sometimes have their own support groups for the very reason you've spoken about. Changing careers isn't as big a deal as it was at one time at least in terms of more people doing it rather than staying in the same field from the start of someone's career until retirement. Perhaps you need a total break from psychology.

And, yes, over the last 27 years I have been in your position more than once about having to do a lot of self-talk to go to work every day. Unfortunately, living where I do does not provide many options for finding a job that would pay the salary and benefits that I currently make and as a single mother and now still supporting myself even though they've grown, I've decided to stick it out. Luckily, the feeling has passed and I've been able to work through it to the point that I can find some joy in the job and having the volunteer moderators has been a huge help with that. Otherwise, Hot Topics and some other aspects of the job that will remain private would do me in.

I hope you find a solution for your dilemma.

Ms. Mod, I am honored by your reply and I thank you for your honesty! I do see a therapist (as suggested in grad school) and we have talked about it and we originally attributed to my low level anxiety and depression (genetic) and practicing better boundaries with patients. It just seems like a lot of self-care work on top of my job that is already a lot of work. I don't know what else I am interested in doing. I saw a career counselor at my alma mater and I thought I would be interested in proofreading and copyediting, but I felt overwhelmed because of having to brush up on publication manuals on top of my therapy job. I thought that I would enjoy it since I love to read, but I don't want to make something I enjoy a job. I am seeing my therapist this week to discuss it further. Thank you!!!

 

[Cowboy]

I know job burn out well. I left a good job because of it and so that I could finish school. I found something I like more but I only make about as much as I did, maybe a little less. But I have my sanity and I was able to finish school. Now looking for something else but going to be very picky at this point.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't be afraid to try something new, always look for opportunities, and always be content in whatever position you are in. We are a blessed people and our ability to overcome uncomfortable situations is one of our strengths as human beings. Hope things get better for you!

 

[notebookgirl]

I have been feeling this way too!

I am very happy to have people like you who can do this job. It's unfortunate that it does take a toll on you emotionally. My thought is you should look at your own therapeutic tools in your arsenal to see if something would work for you.

You are not alone though — whatever type of job — I think we all experience a little burnout. For me, I feel so isolated during the day because I don't go to an outside office every day. That is wearing on me. It's great to be the work-at-home mom, but also work never leaves — whether housework or my daily duties as an editor.

I do love my job, but I feel this year is the time for me to make changes. Maybe a job change (even though I don't think the opportunity I want will come, believe me, I just interviewed for something, no call is coming) or take a class not related to work.
My goal is to have a life change and new way of thinking. I want to feel accomplished in some other way, start thinking about something else (it doesn't have to be related to work either, I have done a bad job in fixing up my house because I am so involved in work. I want to make where I live and work better) This is the year — and I made a commitment to myself.

 

[mal]

Hi aintshesweet, Change is as good as a rest and we all experience the malaise of routine from time to time. I hope you find a way out of the rut. Why not take a simple walk down the street, now, I ask you very confidentially, aintshesweet. All the best, mal.

 

[king family fan]

(((aintshesweet)))

 

[Moderator]

Hi aintshesweet, Change is as good as a rest and we all experience the malaise of routine from time to time. I hope you find a way out of the rut. Why not take a simple walk down the street, now, I ask you very confidentially, aintshesweet. All the best, mal.

Thank you for that ear worm!

 

[do1you9love?]

I can certainly understand that caring too much in that type of role would wear you down over time. Maybe a new career that allows you to use your psychology background in a different way? Human Resources or Community Service type roles.

Best of luck as you figure things out. (((aintshesweet)))

 

[do1you9love?]

Thank you for that ear worm!

Yeah, I'm doing the same thing now!

 

[GNTLGNT]

...have you considered Correctional Counseling?....I'm talking working with inmates that are incarcerated, as part of the Institutions Mental Health Departments....the "warm & fuzzies" don't get you quite so easily there....

 

[aintshesweet]

Hi aintshesweet, Change is as good as a rest and we all experience the malaise of routine from time to time. I hope you find a way out of the rut. Why not take a simple walk down the street, now, I ask you very confidentially, aintshesweet. All the best, mal.

Thanks, mal! This really made me smile

 

[aintshesweet]

...have you considered Correctional Counseling?....I'm talking working with inmates that are incarcerated, as part of the Institutions Mental Health Departments....the "warm & fuzzies" don't get you quite so easily there....

I actually worked at a juvenile detention center for 4 years. I did psychological assessments and therapy. I became too emotionally involved and I put more pressure on myself to help those kids to not reoffend. I know it wasn't my responsibility, but sometimes it is a subconscious thing for me.

 

[aintshesweet]

Thank you for all of your responses! I have done some research and I am trying to figure out the best balance for me. I don't want to give up being a therapist...I just need to figure out how to incorporate everything into a content lifestyle! I will keep you posted. Thanks for caring!

 

[HollyGolightly]

I could totally see where that would be a hard job to distance yourself from. My cousin has a psychology degree and she burned out quickly in the school system as a guidance counselor. Oddly she found a job working with a company that investigates workman's comp claims. They needed someone who could sit in on client appointments with various healthcare providers and discern stuff. It's way outside the realm of what she thought she could do with that degree but she's been doing it for 25 years, still loves it and makes more than twice what I make. There may be other ways to utilize your degree and have a career with more boundaries. I would be just like you - I'd want to take care of everyone.

 

[GNTLGNT]

I actually worked at a juvenile detention center for 4 years. I did psychological assessments and therapy. I became too emotionally involved and I put more pressure on myself to help those kids to not reoffend. I know it wasn't my responsibility, but sometimes it is a subconscious thing for me.

....I truly understand, but I was referring to adult inmates.....some will still tug at your soft heart, but most it's easy to distance yourself and "mama" won't come out....