Short Final: How Burnout Nearly Ended My Career

It's often said that you never forget your first experience, whether it's good or bad, and career burnout is no different. I've unfortunately encountered this twice in my career. The first instance occurred when I was 23, after finishing my first full year as a Flight Instructor. I had just flown the maximum allowable number of hours (1,000) annually and was completely exhausted mentally, physically, and emotionally. For nearly a month, the idea of being near an airplane, let alone flying one, was unbearable.

Burnout affects many professionals at some point in their careers. It can drain your energy, reduce productivity, and make work feel overwhelming. Recognizing burnout early and managing it effectively can help you regain control and find satisfaction in your career again.

A permanent change of environment may be the best long-term solution for burnout.

Recognize the Signs of Burnout

Burnout often starts subtly. You might feel tired even after rest, lose interest in tasks you once enjoyed, or experience irritability. Physical symptoms like headaches or trouble sleeping can also appear. Identifying these signs early allows you to take action before burnout worsens.

In my case, the physical symptoms were accompanied by a gradual sense of disengagement from anything associated with the profession. I slowly began to lose sight of my long-term goals, frequently blaming my mood swings on a long day or a particularly tough flight. However, I was well aware of the hidden danger associated with that mindset, which made it even more important that I break the cycle, quickly. A momentary loss of focus or inattention while working an office job is one thing, but carrying that mentality onto the flightline could have easily cost me my life.

My second episode occurred during the final month of my airline training. I failed to recognize the symptoms early, and as a result, it was much more severe and difficult to overcome. This level of burnout greatly impacted my ability (and willingness) to perform the job itself. Despite excelling in the course up to that point, I simply didn't want to be there any longer. I was mentally drained, resentful, homesick, and overwhelmed with guilt for not having seen my wife and family for nearly two months. I resigned the following week, but little did I know that my flying career was far from finished.

Your burnout could be affected by more than just your job. Factors such as abrupt or major changes in lifestyle, diet, or sleep habits might also contribute..

Lessons Learned

One common cause of burnout is blurred lines between work and personal time. When work (or school) spills into evenings or weekends, it becomes hard to recharge. Setting clear boundaries helps protect your mental health.

Create a daily routine that includes a fixed time to stop working or studying. Communicate these boundaries with colleagues and friends. For example, friends or family with good intentions might push for a night out when you actually need a peaceful evening to rest and recuperate.

Keep a journal or log to track your mood and energy levels throughout the day. This can assist in recognizing patterns and making small adjustments to your exercise, work, or study routines.

Incorporate Regular Breaks and Self-Care

Taking breaks during the workday or school day is essential for maintaining focus and energy. Short pauses every hour can improve productivity and reduce fatigue. Use breaks to stretch, take a walk, or practice deep breathing.

Outside of work, prioritize activities that recharge you. This might include exercise, hobbies, social time, or simply resting. For example, a 20-minute walk in nature after work can clear your mind and boost mood.

Good nutrition can significantly impact your recovery time, so try to limit fast food intake, avoid eating on the go, and refrain from delaying meals until the last minute.

Isolate the Problem

My recovery from my second burnout occurred in a completely unforeseen way. Soon after leaving the airline, I unexpectedly received an interview invitation from a small startup that catered to high-net-worth individuals traveling along the East Coast. Reluctantly, I went for the interview, secured the position, and within days, my passion for the profession was reignited. It became immediately clear that my burnout wasn't due to the job duties themselves but was instead caused by a culture, lifestyle, and environment that didn't suit me. In short, being an airline pilot was not what I imagined it to be.

Sometimes, our job dissatisfaction stems from specific reasons that can be corrected through minor changes, so it's best to take some time to isolate the issue before deciding to make any wholesale changes to your career strategy. Perhaps the organization's mission no longer aligns with your core values, or your original role has changed significantly. It's wise to measure twice and cut once, so make sure to be analytical in your approach and strategic in your decision-making process to avoid overcorrecting.

In Conclusion

Burnout can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Talking with trusted friends, family, or colleagues can provide emotional support and new perspectives. Sometimes, professional help from a counselor or coach is beneficial, especially if burnout affects your mental health deeply.

Most instances of burnout are temporary and can be alleviated with a break and ample self-care. Taking a step back from work and gaining some perspective by spending time with loved ones or engaging in a favorite hobby can significantly enhance your well-being. My situation arose from a dramatic and sudden lifestyle change, but each person's experience is unique. However, just as different aspects of a profession can motivate different people, those factors might also have the opposite effect. It's important to determine what works best for you and what doesn't.

Finally, try not to make major career decisions when you're physically unwell, emotionally drained, or otherwise not at your best. There might be external factors influencing your state that aren't directly linked to your job or employer. Identifying the initial indicators of burnout is essential, along with consistently practicing self-care and establishing necessary boundaries to restore balance, enabling you to return to your passions and reach your full potential.