Jonathan Malesic, an author and former academic, dives deep into the phenomenon of burnout, sharing his own experiences and insights from his book, The End of Burnout. He highlights the emotional tolls that come with high-status jobs, questioning the disconnect between success and personal well-being. Malesic explores burnout's historical origins and its cultural implications, especially in academia. Through personal anecdotes, he advocates for recognizing self-worth beyond work and suggests practical strategies for fostering healthier work environments.
Emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a reduced sense of effectiveness are the three main aspects of burnout that can lead to chronic fatigue, anger, and self-doubt.
The burnout epidemic is fueled by structural issues in the workforce, such as low wages, long hours, and the prevalence of unfulfilling 'bullshit jobs,' necessitating the need for systemic changes to promote well-being and flourishing.
Deep dives
The Great Resignation: Employees Quitting in Record Numbers
The podcast episode discusses a new post-pandemic concept called the Great Resignation. This term refers to the historically unprecedented number of highly skilled and often well-paid mid-career workers who have decided to quit their jobs. Contrary to popular belief, this trend is not driven by low-paid workers seeking better wages or young employees seeking new opportunities. Instead, it is the late thirties and forties age group that statistically seems to be leaving their careers in droves. The podcast explores the emotional states driving this trend, highlighting burnout as a significant factor. Many workers are feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled at work, experiencing emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a reduced sense of effectiveness. Strategies for navigating and overcoming burnout are also discussed.
Understanding Burnout: Emotional Exhaustion, Cynicism, and Reduced Sense of Effectiveness
The podcast delves into the three main aspects of burnout: emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a reduced sense of effectiveness. Emotional exhaustion in burnout differs from normal tiredness as it is chronic and cannot be overcome simply by taking time off. It is caused by the tension between work ideals and the reality of the job. Cynicism, or depersonalization, leads to irrational anger, short temper, and reduced patience towards others. The feeling of a reduced sense of effectiveness creates a belief that one is not doing a good job, even if it does not align with reality. The podcast provides personal examples and insights from the guest's experience with burnout.
Historical Context and Policy Changes to Address Burnout
The episode explores the historical roots of burnout and highlights the shift in the American workforce in the 1960s and 1970s. Changes in work structure, such as the increasing gap between productivity and wages, the rise of service professions, and the proliferation of 'bullshit jobs,' have contributed to the burnout epidemic. The podcast emphasizes the need for structural changes to honor individuals' dignity, like fair wages, reasonable hours, predictable schedules, and even basic income. It also encourages a shift in mindset by recognizing human finitude and embracing a culture that values flourishing beyond work. It concludes by discussing individual strategies to combat burnout and highlights the importance of collective action to create healthier work cultures.
If you dread getting out of bed in the morning; if you are bad tempered with co-workers, clients or customers; if you leave work feeling an exhaustion that goes way beyond tiredness... it could be that you're burned out.
Jonathan Malesic felt all these things as a successful academic, and reflected wistfully on his previous job working as a parking lot attendant. Could it be that taking a high status, high paying job was making him miserable and pushing him beyond the limits of his endurance? Jonathan shares what he learned about burnout while researching his bookThe End Of Burnout: Why Work Drains Us, And How To Build Better Lives.
