By John M Grohol PsyD

Virtually everyone will face the prospect of job burnout at one point. Whether you’re an office worker or a carpenter, a salesperson or a doctor, job burnout occurs when we become dissatisfied with and overwhelmed by our current job and can’t really identify what’s wrong. We’ve gathered together five tips to help identify possible problems and some quick solutions that may help you better bust job burnout.

1. Combat boredom

A lot of people get bored with their jobs, plain and simple. They no longer find the job challenging, or find that the job’s daily routine has become incredibly uninteresting. A job you once looked forward to starting at the beginning of the day now is something you dread.

You can combat job boredom a number of ways. Spice up your current position by asking for different assignments or tasks. Consider a job change within the same company, either by applying for a new position internally or talking to your boss about possible role rotations. If your current company offers you a dead-end to job excitement, consider a new job at a new company.

If you’re really feeling disillusioned with your job, consider changing careers altogether. People do it all the time, even going back to school if need be to pursue something they find more rewarding. Contrary to popular belief, jobs shouldn’t be something you just have to suffer through and not enjoy. The happier you are with your job, the happier you generally will be with life.

2. Avoid focusing too much on your job

Sometimes we end up making our lives about our job. That’s the wrong way around – it should be that our jobs help enhance our lives, either because we’re doing what we enjoy and feel good about, or because they bring us financial security (or a little of both). When your life becomes about your job for longer than a year, you’re at greater risk for job burnout.

There’s nothing wrong with needing to focus on your job and putting in long hours from time to time. Many people do that at some point in their lives. But if you find that you’re sacrificing other things in your life for your job – your social life, your family, or even your own sanity – it’s time to take a serious look at your life priorities.

Seek to “right-size” your working hours once again and put the job back in its proper place within your life. Reprioritize your family and social life, and talk to your boss about your need to find a better balance in your life. Most people understand that the company isn’t your life – and if it’s expected to be, maybe it’s time to find a new company!

3. Avoid office politics

Workplace politics can be exhausting. Trying to figure out how others trying to get ahead might misconstrue your behaviors or words can take up a lot of focus and energy, all at the expense of actual work. It’s best to steer clear of o...