Ask the experts

Career coach Letesia Gibson answers your questions on workplace burnout

Q I am exhausted. I’m in the middle of a big project at work, and I can’t see things getting better any time soon. Every day is hard. What can I do?

A It sounds like your spiritual and emotional energies are being compromised. When we live with compromise in things like our values, expectations, sense of reward, and control or fairness, is exhausting. We cope with this by going on autopilot, withdrawing, and giving up.

Immediate relief will come from getting into your body more often. It will feel counterintuitive to do more when you feel tired, but gentle movement, like walking or yoga, will help to regulate your nervous system, giving you fresh perspective and a feeling of being in control again. Getting out of this dorsal state is necessary for change.

This experience of work isn’t working for you. Being truthful about your mismatch with it will give you clarity on what about it needs to change. That kind of honesty is easy to say and hard to do, but the energy you’ll get back will be worth it.

Q I think I need to leave my job, but it never seems to be ‘the right time’. I can’t afford to leave without another job lined up, so I’ve been putting it off. Can you help me?

AIt’s great that you’re intending to leave a job that’s burning you out. But ‘the right time’ will never emerge while in that draining zone. We have to create the fertile conditions for the new strength and motivation to grow, and the first step is putting you first, more often. Write down the good parts of the day. Practise saying ‘no’ more often. Commit to carving out time to start a transition plan. Can you cut down your hours, or take some holiday? Before the new job, you need to get clear on what you actually need to thrive in the next role. When you know this, you’ll be ready to start looking for a new job, and see what new energy you have for change.

Q I’m worried about a colleague. They have become detached and seem to have lost their ‘spark’. How can I support them?

A needs is to be truly seen, and when a person becomes disconnected, they have become invisible – even to themselves. When this is done with kindness and compassion, it creates a much-needed space for connection.

Tips include keeping things simple. Let them know that you see them in this struggle, and that you are there for them. Have soft eye contact. Be gentle with your tone of voice. Choose a place and time that fits this more intimate moment. Avoid speculating why this is happening, or trying to fix it. Be ready to listen. Don’t get hung up on needing to do something, or expecting them to ask for something in return. The very act of seeing them is a powerful support in itself.