Why do I feel so low in my career? Why does a new job simply feel like IT’S ALL TOO MUCH? As a coach, these questions frequently surface during coaching. What’s often behind these questions is sheer exhaustion from prolonged stress. Burnout.

Those experiencing burnout span all industries, from the medical profession, through to pastors. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. As a coach observing people from all walks of life, burnout is far from limited to the occupational environment. Parents and those experiencing major life transitions are visibly suffering too.

The number of people globally at risk or suffering burnout is 38% (2024) and concerningly, New Zealand’s rate is significantly higher than the global average. The consequences of burnout are frightening. Recovery from burnout is far from an overnight fix, often taking years to fully recover, and in some cases, never. The consequences of burnout described by the Mayo Centre include chronic fatigue, insomnia, heart disease, high blood pressure, and being susceptible to a heightened risk of many other illnesses.

How do you know if you are suffering from burnout? The WHO defines this within an occupational context, as:

1. Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion

2. Increased mental distance from your job or feelings of cynicism in relation to your job

3. Reduced professional efficacy

The six risk factors as listed by author Suzi McAlpine who wrote NZ’s first book dedicated to this topic Beyond Burnout, are:

1. Overwork (lack of an appropriately resourced role/organisation)

2. Isolation

3. Lack of reward (including not feeling valued)

4. Absence of fairness (e.g. unfair pay)

5. Values Conflict with the Organisation

6. Lack of Control

Interestingly, what is at times behind a level of career dissatisfaction is in fact a wellbeing issue, ranging from feeling overwhelmed, to burnout. Something I frequently speak with people about is: Without a strong foundation of wellbeing, a new career or job will almost certainly feel out of reach… unachievable and simply all too much. 

There are many avenues to prevent stress evolving into burnout. Many actions you can take that are within your reach with coaching support, to change both the trajectory of your health and your career.

The mental health and rugby legend Sir John Kirwan refers to the ‘Five (Preventative) B’s of Burnout’, these are:

1. Breathing (more conscious breathing)

2. Boundaries (more saying no)

3. Breaks (taking more in your day)

4. Body (looking after your physical body and health and making decisions that support this)

5. Be Kind (to yourself first and foremost). *Make a daily health plan, look after yourself every single day.

Commit today, to making the above ‘five preventative B’s of Burnout’ a firm priority in your life. As a coach frequently working with individuals experiencing burnout, I encourage you to align your life to that which you know supports your health and sends a clear message: YOU matter.