What is burnout? Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines burnout as "exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration." Service oriented jobs such as teachers, healthcare workers, and policemen, have a high rate of burnout. Why? The definition contains the answer. Prolonged stress.!! When you feel emotionally drained, physically exhausted, and lacking in joy or happiness for more than a few days, you are in danger of burnout.

There are several factors that contribute to the stress that leads to burnout. 1) Working long hours with little rest; 2) Working hard and not receiving acknowledgement or gratitude; 3) Little chance of promotion; 4) Being in the wrong career; 5) Feeling that you have little control or say in the job you do.

Signs and symptoms

Stress and burnout have many of the same symptoms. Obvious physical symptoms include: