Burnout is Misunderstood

Burnout is often treated like a time management problem.

But research and my experience with executives is increasingly showing that burnout is usually a systems problem — caused by chronic stress, lack of control, and unresolved workplace issues, not just long hours.

Many people don’t burn out because they work too much.

They burn out because they feel trapped, unappreciated, or constantly dealing with conflict.

You can work very hard and feel fulfilled.

And you can work reasonable hours and feel completely burned out.

Burnout is less about hours and more about control, meaning, and relationships.