What I wish I’d known about Burnout
I’m one of those people who is now no longer afraid to admit, accept and share that a few years ago I was very unwell. I burned out in dramatic style – well dramatic for me 😊, and was plunged into the darkest time of my life.
I was so focused on doing my best in my role as HR, helping others with their issues and problems, juggling a huge amount of highly complex, sensitive and challenging topics that I forgot about ME, about MY basic needs, about ensuring I had the strength and resilience to help myself first BEFORE I helped other people.
I tried pushing forward, like I was trying to run through quicksand, fighting to do the best I could do for the employees, managers and project teams I was responsible for. I fought hard to keep a scaffolding up around me, a facade as I couldn’t possibly let people know that in reality I was crumbling inside. Every employee wanting 5 minutes for a chat, every email with a problem to solve, every project that wanted my views felt like another brick in the wall that of course I eventually hit – and I hit is because I’m human, because my belief was that it was my sole purpose to be strong, available, understanding. I couldn’t let anyone down, people relied on me to help and support them, didn’t they? I hit it because I didn’t take responsibility for myself first. I ignored the glaringly obvious signs for too long and paid the price.
So, what do I wish I had known? – here’s some of my personal learnings 😊
Burnout is a ‘thing’! It is real!
It can happen to anyone regardless of the perception the external world has of you
Burnout can simmer away for months, years before hitting crisis point
Pretending your ‘fine’ doesn’t work
Asking for help is life changing
Pressing pause doesn’t make you weak or a failure – it’s essential
Unplugging is the hardest but most rewarding way of preventing and/or recovering from Burnout
Relationships you have will change – some will flourish, some won’t survive and that is absolutely ok
And the most important thing is that it can be prevented!!! #nosh!tsherlock
One of the biggest reasons I have created The HR for HR Club is to ensure that the HR industry has a place that is just for you, a space, a community that is focused on your wellbeing, preventing burnout, reducing overwhelm and exploring the tools and methods of how to start with you first as a way of life not a tick box.
Find out more about the Club by clicking here - https://www.clairebakercoaching.com/our-hr-club
Love
CB
#basicswithbaker #burnoutprevention
