Avoiding Burnout

Being a Scholar can be a Blurse

Being an independent scholar can be a blurse .  It can be both a blessing and a curse.

It can be a blessing because you have total freedom to research, write about, and talk about whatever it is you think is most interesting to you or useful to other people.  And you can do it at your own pace and share it any way you wish.

Being an independent scholar can also be a curse.  Every scholar goes through ups and downs.  If you haven't created a support system of colleagues, mentors, and resources, the bumpy stretches could get discouraging.

Being an independent scholar can be incredibly rewarding, but we can't expect every day to be perfect.  The problem is when the unrewarding and frustrating days start to become more and more frequent.

Here's some resources, advice, and action that have helped others  1) avoid burnout, 2) relight the flame, or 3) find what's missing so they light a new fire.  You're not in this alone.

Some Thoughts that Might of Interest

Adapted From the Mayo Clinic 

Adopted from Mayo Clinic article - Job burnout: How to spot it and take action (11-21-18)
Adopted from Mayo Clinic article - Job burnout: How to spot it and take action (11-21-18)

Books Related to Burnout

"This Isn't the Life I Imagined" 

"Those of us hungry for belonging and impact may be better off building a better life rather than finding a better job."

  • Pay attention to the parts of work you love the most. What are you doing when time passes inexplicably quickly? Designing a presentation? Talking strategy? Reading new research? Helping students decide their best academic path? To the degree possible, do more of what you love and are good at doing.

  • Seek to demonstrate mastery of something outside of work. Not getting grants? Struggling to get published or promoted? Feeling professionally successful, but just bored? Do something that offers a sense of completion and accomplishment outside of work. Run a 5K race. Produce an amazing crop of basil. Help a 7-year-old get to grade level reading through a literacy program. There are plenty of ways we can remind ourselves that we have varied gifts and talents.

  • Work less, but work better. When things are not going well, it is tempting to work harder to overcome what seem to be intractable roadblocks. Going to a movie, taking a walk with friends, or making a complicated pan of lasagna can provide a mental reset that replenishes the creative energy we need to tackle vexing challenges​

  • Get some sleep. So often, we feel a sense of despair because we are physically and psychologically exhausted. Attending to our need for rest can adjust our perspective and sense of optimism.

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Note:  About ⅓ of these topics below are "academic" or school-related, but they are included because they make a broader point that could be useful to you.