The underestimated impact of burnout, recognizing the signs, and protecting yourself

Burnout is very, very underestimated.

Especially in technical roles, where you're dealing not only with the typical corporate stressors, but also complex technical problems that demand mental clarity, emotional energy, and continuous learning.

Over the years in my career, I’ve noticed something consistent: many people burn out long before they realize it—or worse, before they’re willing to acknowledge it.

Burnout Doesn’t Always Look Like a Breakdown

Most people think “burnout” only refers to that crashing point—when someone has a visible breakdown, can’t get out of bed, or suddenly quits a job.

But the truth is: burnout often begins quietly. It starts with subtle changes in your personality, behavior, and mindset. It creeps in, and by the time you notice, it’s already taken a toll.

Here are early signs of burnout that most people ignore:

• Acting out of your normal character (in a negative way)
• Personality shifting or flattening
• Getting snappier — more easily agitated
• Being told (or feeling) that you’re being “mean” or short
• Feeling emotionally dry or cold — a subtle detachment from your work or teammates
• Struggling to complete tasks that are usually easy for you

If you’re experiencing any of the above, you’re already burning out. And if you ignore it, it only gets worse.

The Lingering Effects of Burnout

Here’s the kicker: burnout lasts longer than you think.

A lot of people believe that once they escape a bad team, manager, or project, they’ll just bounce back. But that’s not always true.

Burnout can follow you.

It doesn’t just disappear the moment you change jobs or reduce your hours. It can stick with you, reshape your mindset, and cloud how you perceive future opportunities.

“Just because the fire is out doesn’t mean the damage is gone.”

In fact, you can carry that numbness and fatigue into your next job, and if left unresolved, it can ruin good situations that might have otherwise helped you thrive.

Don’t Leave Burnout to Chance — Protect Yourself Proactively

Here’s the thing: you have to actively protect yourself from burnout. You can’t wait for your company, your boss, or your teammates to do it for you.

Some key actions that helped me reverse my burnout:

1. I set boundaries on working hours

I had difficult but necessary conversations with my boss and team about limiting random or excessive work hours. Predictability matters for mental health.

• I was open to compromise but made it clear I couldn’t stay “on-call” 24/7.
• Even just communicating where I stood helped.
• If you’re already burnt out, there’s no benefit to hiding your feelings anymore.

🟡 Want help framing this conversation? Check out this guide by HBR: How to Talk to Your Boss About Burnout

2. I refocused on work that actually matters

I stopped trying to do everything. Instead, I:

• Worked with my manager to identify time-wasting or low-impact tasks
• Continuously refined my to-do list to stay focused on high-priority work
• Asked: If I only had 3 hours today, what work would I absolutely need to get done?

This clarity was game-changing.

3. I boosted my productivity using tools and AI

I learned to work smarter. That meant:

• Using AI tools to automate or assist with repetitive tasks
• Implementing better note-taking systems (e.g., Notion, Obsidian)
• Blocking distractions with site blockers, and schedule batching

A small productivity improvement can yield massive daily results.

People who get even 10–20% better here can get more done in 3 focused hours than many do in an entire day.

🟢 Want to explore AI tools for productivity? Try Superhuman, Notion AI, or ChatGPT.

How Do You Detect and Deal With Burnout?

Burnout is a slow burn, not a sudden fire.

It’s time to take it seriously — not just when it’s too late, but before it affects your well-being, your relationships, or your career trajectory.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself today:

• Am I more irritable, distant, or less motivated than I used to be?
• Are tasks that were once easy now draining?
• Have I stopped caring about things I used to value?

If yes, don’t wait.

Start small:

• Set one new boundary
• Automate one annoying task
• Take a walk, or a break that isn’t just “lunch at your desk”

Burnout isn’t weakness — it’s a signal. Listen to it.

Further Reading & Resources

• Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski
• World Health Organization: Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”
• Why burnout happens and how to avoid it – TED Talk by Emily Nagoski

Conclusion

Burnout isn’t just a personal struggle — it’s a workplace epidemic.

Recognizing it early, recovering properly, and setting yourself up for long-term sustainability is crucial — especially in high-performance technical roles.

Don’t underestimate the power burnout has to shape your career and your life.

Take control now.
Your future self will thank you.