WORKPLACE BURNOUT:
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU
ARE READY TO RETIRE?
Workaholics who put in 12-14 hour work days including
commuting both and forth to work in bumper to bumper traffic
are often the worst people for considering when to retire, but
usually the ones in need of it most. Usually there are physical,
emotional, and intellectual indicators exhibited by the individual
which provide strong evidence for recommending either
retirement, early retirement, or at least a major shift in lifestyle.
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INSTRUCTIONS: Print out this article and check off indicators
that apply to you in each of the three categories. Then score
yourself out of 100 and see how you fare as a "potential workplace
burnout."
PHYSICAL INDICATORS
o High Blood Pressure
(Combination of Weight, High Cholesterol, Anger Management)
o Diabetic Type II
(malfunctioning pancreas)
o Overweight and Rising
(Too many calories for the energy expended)
o Indigestion or Heartburn
(consuming acidic or poorly-tolerated foods during business
lunches while emotionally embroiled in business topics
activates excess stomach acid.)
o Tension Headaches
Sometimes accompanied by a sore neck and shoulders
o Increase in Rashes, Eczema, or Psoriasis
(immune system overloaded)
EMOTIONAL INDICATORS
o Fits of anger almost daily
o Feeling overly stressed while on the job
o Non-communicative with staff members
o Feeling increasingly isolated at work
o Feeling of depression while at work
o No joy in going to work in the morning
o Difficulty concentrating on work
o Having vision whiteouts
INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES
o Surfing the Internet for Retirement Information
o Surfing the Internet for Extended Vacation Information
o Increasingly Involved in Non-Work Activities at work
when work is clearly available.
SCORING YOUR RESPONSES
The first three (blood pressure, diabetes II, and rising weight) are
worth 10 points each. All the other check marked items are worth
five each. Add up your score. It is out of 100.
If your total is .......
45 or less .... You can go back to work. But start thinking about
fitness classes, dieting, and more vacation time.
Also make an appointment for a medical
checkup.
50-70 .... You are borderline burnout. Your lifestyle needs
immediate intervention (diet, sleep patterns,
more vacations, visits to the doctor.) Also should
also consider looking for another job, part-time
job, or early retirement. Physically, emotionally,
and intellectually, this job is slowly wearing you
out.
75-100 .... Physically, emotionally, and intellectually you are
burnt out. You are in serious danger of suffering
a mental breakdown, or suffering a heart attack
or stroke that sends you to the hospital. Your
body can only take so much. Then it gives out.
Put plans in motion as soon as possible to retire.
Then do a complete make over on your lifestyle.
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
PHYSICAL INDICATORS
If you have checked off the first three in the list of primary
physical indicators, there is a high possibility that you are in real
danger of a heart attack, stroke, or both.
The rashes, headaches and heartburn are secondary indicators
that the workplace stress, and eating behaviour, such as power
lunches, and excess coffee or liquor consumption are becoming
more and more harmful to your system. If you have 5 or more of
the physical indicators, starting planning an early retirement.
EMOTIONAL INDICATORS
If you have three or more of these indicators, you are very
stressed by being at work, and are becoming increasing
unhappy there. Start thinking about alternative lifestyles such as:
working somewhere less stressful; working part-time; working
for yourself; or early retirement. No amount of financial
compensation is worth being constantly depressed and unhappy.
INTELLECTUAL INDICATORS
Having checked off two or more of these minor indicators tells
you that your interest in the workplace is diminishing.
Intellectually, you are less and less contented with the activities
provided by the workplace.
Copyright 2004 Rob Kelley
The Complete Guide to a Creative Retirement