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WORK CAN BE challenging for everyone, and we all occasionally feel weary after a long day at the office.

But if your life is a chronic state of stress and exhaustion thanks to work, you’re probably suffering from job burnout.

Sometimes it’s hard to notice when the physical, emotional or mental exhaustion is taking its toll, but it can help to identify some warning signs.

By taking note of these common habits, you can take steps to avoid burnout and reignite your career.

Feeling depleted after work

Consistently lacking the energy after work to do regular things like cooking, going to the gym or spending time with your family is not a good sign.

Disregarding how you treat coworkers or customers

If you’re planning to quit or you’re just sick of dealing with the same people every day, it may be reflected in how you treat your coworkers.

Constantly being asked about your feelings

Do your coworkers often approach you because they’re worried that you’re struggling or down on yourself? This could be a sign that others are picking up on your misery.

Feeling liberated after a Friday at work

You know you’re really stressed when you feel like you’ve been freed when the weekend rolls around.

Explaining your job with “fine”

An obvious sign of burnout comes when family and friends ask you about your job, and whether it’s new or you’ve been there for a while, you respond with one-word responses like “fine”.

Inconsistent sleep patterns

Oftentimes, people that are over-stressed at work will lose sleep over something they they did (or didn’t do) at work.

Setting your alarm too early to use the snooze button

The signs of job burnout can start first thing in the morning, when you feel so tired that you hit “snooze” over and over.

Shutterstock / Elena Elisseeva Shutterstock / Elena Elisseeva / Elena Elisseeva

Losing hope for a turnaround

When you’re feeling miserable at work, it’s easy to forget that organisations are dynamic and constantly changing.

If you’re frustrated by your company or boss, sometimes just waiting it out can be effective.

Clenching your jaw when you walk in the office door

Just walking through the door at work shouldn’t cause your body to contract in this way. This could be a sign that you’re stressed and anxious about your job.

Finding yourself unable to relax

Finding yourself unable to slow down, especially when you’re doing typically relaxing things like getting a massage, is a sign you’re emotionally burnt out.

Noticing coworkers are hesitant around you

If you notice that your coworkers are walking on eggshells around you because they don’t know what to expect, that’s a clear sign that you’re having a tough time.

Dreading a new job search

Even if you know it’s time for a new job, if you’re over-stressed there’s a chance you won’t even take the time to look.

Over-complaining to your partner

There’s no doubt that venting can help, but your problems at work shouldn’t consistently become the problems of your significant other or your close friends.

Being overly cynical

Once you lose interest in the company and stop caring about helping it, you can become an on-the-job liability.

Shutterstock / Alliance Shutterstock / Alliance / Alliance

Rarely feeling like you’re progressing

A lack of progress or feeling like you’re stuck is likely a sign that it’s time for a new job — or at least a holiday.

Constantly feeling overwhelmed

Stress at work is inevitable, but every moment shouldn’t be stressful.

Forgetting your last accomplishment at work

Not remembering the last time you felt satisfied or accomplished at work could also point to job burnout.

Not wanting to explain your job to people

“What do you do for a living?” is a common question in social situations, but it likely becomes annoying to someone who is sick of their job.

Frequently losing your temper

Stress can lead to temper tantrums, when it feels good just to let it erupt on whoever’s around.

Fantasising about quitting

Moving to a new job for a higher salary or better hours is one thing, but fantasising about simply quitting is on the other end of the spectrum.

Dreading every Monday

Just like only looking forward to Friday night, absolutely dreading Mondays shows you’re feeling the pressure.

Living like a vampire

Arriving before dawn and leaving well into the evening is stressful on its own. Being forced to work these hours can make the problem even worse.

Not spending time with coworkers

Burnt out employees tend to shy away from company-wide events because they’ve lost interest in building their network.

Read: Here’s how working in an office can be bad for you

Read:  Bringing mindfulness into the workforce makes good business sense

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