Hey there, fellow hustlers! If you’re grinding away at your job, chasing goals, and juggling responsibilities like a circus pro, you might not notice the warning signs of burnout creeping up. Trust me, I’ve been there—feeling like you’re running 26 hours a day, seven days a week, and still somehow drained. Burnout is real, and it can derail your career faster than you can say “I need a vacation.” I recently came across a killer article on Ivy Exec titled 8 Ways to Spot Burnout Before It Derails Your Career (https://ivyexec.com/career-advice/2025/8-ways-to-spot-burnout-before-it-derails-your-career/), and it’s packed with insights that hit home. Let’s break it down, Mike-style, and I’ll weave in some related wisdom from my blog at BreakfastLeadership.com to help you stay ahead of the burnout curve.

1. You’re Exhausted—Like, All the Time

If you wake up tired even after a whole night’s sleep, that’s a red flag. The Ivy Exec article nails it: chronic exhaustion isn’t just about needing more coffee—it’s your body screaming for a break. I’ve written about this in my post Burnout Recovery: A Step-by-Step Guide (https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/burnout-recovery-step-step-guide), where I talk about how constant fatigue can tank your productivity and health. Start small—prioritize sleep hygiene and take micro-breaks to recharge.

2. You’re Dropping the Ball

Forgetting deadlines? Missing emails? That’s not just a busy week; it’s a sign your brain is overloaded. Ivy Exec points out that burnout messes with your focus and memory. In my article How to Recognize and Prevent Employee Burnout (https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/how-recognize-and-prevent-employee-burnout), I emphasize that these slip-ups can erode your confidence and reputation. Try time-blocking your tasks to stay on top of things without losing your mind.

3. You’re Checked Out Emotionally

Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions? Ivy Exec calls this emotional detachment a hallmark of burnout. You stop caring about your work, your team, or even your own goals. I dive into this in The Impact of Burnout on Mental Health (https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/impact-burnout-mental-health), noting how disconnection can spiral into cynicism or depression. Reconnect by finding one small aspect of your job that sparks joy—maybe mentoring a colleague or tackling a creative project.

4. Your Work Feels Pointless

When your job starts feeling like a hamster wheel—endless tasks with no real impact—burnout is knocking. The Ivy Exec article highlights this as a loss of purpose. I’ve seen this in my coaching clients, and in Finding Purpose in Your Work to Combat Burnout (https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/finding-purpose-your-work-combat-burnout), I suggest reflecting on why you started this career. Realign your tasks with your core values to reignite that spark.

5. You’re Snapping at Everyone

If your patience is thinner than a cheap paper towel, burnout might be to blame. Ivy Exec notes that irritability is common, especially when stress piles up. In my post Managing Stress to Prevent Burnout (https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/managing-stress-prevent-burnout), I share mindfulness techniques like deep breathing to keep your cool. Trust me, your coworkers (and your family) will thank you.

6. Your Body’s Falling Apart

Headaches, back pain, or constant colds? Burnout doesn’t just mess with your mind—it hits your body hard. The Ivy Exec article flags these physical symptoms as warning signs. I cover this in The Physical Toll of Burnout (https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/physical-toll-burnout), stressing the importance of exercise and nutrition to build resilience. Even a 10-minute walk can work wonders—don’t underestimate it.

7. You’re Dreading Work

If Sunday nights fill you with dread, that’s not normal. Ivy Exec says this anxiety about work is a burnout signal. In How to Rediscover Joy in Your Job (https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/how-rediscover-joy-your-job), I talk about minor tweaks—like personalizing your workspace or setting boundaries—to make work less soul-crushing. If the dread persists, it might be time to speak to a career coach or therapist.

8. You’re Numbing Out

Turning to booze, binge-eating, or endless Netflix to cope? That’s a burnout coping mechanism, per Ivy Exec. I’ve seen this pattern in my clients, and in Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Burnout (https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/healthy-coping-mechanisms-burnout), I push for replacing these habits with journaling or hobbies. Find something that feels restorative, not escapist.

What to Do About It

Spotting burnout is half the battle; the other half is taking action. The Ivy Exec article suggests setting boundaries, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care—solid advice. I’d add that open communication with your boss or HR can make a huge difference. In How to Talk to Your Employer About Burnout (https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/how-talk-your-employer-about-burnout), I outline how to approach this conversation without sounding like you’re whining. Pro tip: frame it as a performance issue—you want to do your best work but need support.

Another game-changer? Delegate or outsource low-value tasks. Ivy Exec emphasizes focusing on high-impact work, which aligns with my advice in Time Management Strategies to Prevent Burnout (https://www.breakfastleadership.com/blog/time-management-strategies-prevent-burnout). Free up mental space by saying “no” to non-essential tasks or automating repetitive ones.

Finally, don’t go it alone. Ivy Exec and I agree that professional help, like therapy or coaching, can be a lifeline. If you’re feeling stuck, check out my coaching services at BreakfastLeadership.com—I’ve helped countless folks navigate burnout and become stronger.

Conclusion

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor; it’s a warning sign that your career and health are at risk. Thanks to the Ivy Exec article for clearly laying out these eight signs (credit where it’s due: https://ivyexec.com/career-advice/2025/8-ways-to-spot-burnout-before-it-derails-your-career/). By catching these red flags early—exhaustion, disengagement, irritability, and more—you can take steps to protect your well-being and keep your career on track. Dive into my blog posts at BreakfastLeadership.com for practical strategies to fight burnout, from stress management to rediscovering purpose. You’ve got this, but don’t have to do it alone. Let’s keep the hustle sustainable!

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