We’ve sensationalized burnout to the point where it’s hard to talk about it. We’re not sure what it means anymore. I’ve written in the past about imposter syndrome and burnout, and why it isn’t your fault and I still believe that.

However, with the amount of “normalization” we give many topics comes a lot of glamourization. It’s largely individual.

Your own head has become a potato salad of so many ideas, that you almost have none.

Especially in UX, it’s hard to take breaks at times. Between work, studying, our design spaces, it can be hard to disconnect. This space is so full of information and moves so fast, it can be overwhelming to take a break.

It’s not fun

It’s not as fun or quirky as we’ve made it seem. It actually really sucks. Especially in a creative field. The entire premise of UX is solving problems. It’s being able to find an issue then its solution. In the midst of burnout, it becomes so hard to think. Simple issues feel impossible to solve. Your own head has become a potato salad of so many ideas, that you almost have none. It’s hard to work through.

The amount of “normalization” we give many topics comes with a lot of glamourization.

It makes working arduous

It’s a difficult spot to be burnt out, while still working. I can say now, more than ever, I’m feeling incredibly burnt out. The issue is, the job doesn’t stop. Trying to design when you’re on a clock and dry on ideas puts you in fight or flight mode. It becomes less about solving problems, and more about getting things done. It’s a reality of working in commodified UX. Which, unless you’re working on passion projects, is a lot of it.

It’s not your fault but you have to fix it

You’re responsible for bouncing back. Which can be difficult if you’re not able to disconnect or take a break. Your responsibilities don’t disappear when you start being unable to fulfil all of them.

Okay so, how do I deal with burnout?

Ask for help

This is easier said than done. But it doesn’t have to be “help”, in a professional capacity. Ask for help in other parts of your life, so that you have more space to take time for work. If you can get extensions at work, on assignments, from coworkers: ask for it.

Though designers work in such collaborative spaces, we’re often so afraid to admit we need backup. The competition is so stiff, we’re always trying to one-up each other and prove ourselves. But really, a project is better with more time and help. So, ask for it.

Task break-downs

Try breaking down everything you can into smaller bite-sized pieces. Then for each of those small bite-sized pieces, allot a specific amount of time to working on that bite-sized piece.

Separate your work and your day into chunks. Try not to see a big project, and jump headfirst without seeing its individual parts. Spend specific parts of your day on specific elements. Not only will it help get through the task, but it also mitigates the anxiousness that can come with a huge task or a tight deadline.

One step at a time.

Listen to your burnout.

Balance your life

The world of tech and design has a way of becoming all-consuming. It can be very difficult to release yourself from constant design work, news and trends. Or take breaks from job hunting, interviewing, studying etc. Burning out can largely be caused by a lack of work/life balance. If you’re too deeply emersed in the design world, you could be neglecting some of your basic human needs. You can:

1. Disconnect
2. Go for a walk
3. Listen to a non-design related podcast
4. Take a nap

You need to maintain your health and wellness outside of your career.

Don’t be afraid to quit

Listen to your burnout. Sometimes, it’s telling us something. It could be telling you your workload is too heavy given the amount of time you have in a day.

It could be telling you your team, management or school program is placing too much pressure on you at this point in time. If you’re unable to make adjustments to what’s burning you out, remember you can walk away. Find new options that work better for you and your current place. It’s not the end of the world.

Burnout sucks. I’m aware different situations have different consequences, and it’s not always so black and white. Just know, if you’re feeling burnout you’re not alone. The last year has been personally and professionally difficult and we’re all feeling it but we’ll all get through it.