When Work Feels Like a Never-Ending Grind

Burnout is often seen as a result of too much stress at work. But what if it's more than that?

Recent studies suggest that burnout is not just about stress or a person's ability to handle it. Instead, it's about a mismatch between what a person can do and what their job demands.

The Mismatch Theory

Think of it like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It's not just about the peg or the hole. It's about how they don't match.

This idea comes from philosophers like Merleau-Ponty and Arendt. They argue that burnout is not just a mental or physical issue. It's a deeper problem. It's about feeling disconnected from the world around you.

The Shift from Meaningful Work to Endless Labor

Arendt talked about how modern life has shifted from meaningful work to endless labor. This shift can make people feel like they're just going through the motions. They feel like they're not really part of the world. This feeling of alienation can lead to burnout.

Finding a Solution

So, what can be done?

Understanding burnout in this way can change how we diagnose and treat it. It's not just about managing stress. It's about finding a better fit between a person and their work. It's about making work feel meaningful again.