Michelle Dobson | Head | Brand | Pnet | mail me |
Burnout and unhappiness at work are more common than you think. According to a survey from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, 60% of respondents wish they could afford to quit their jobs.
Additionally, 50% of respondents feel unhappy about returning to work each Monday. Some 13% report burnout. These are alarming statistics. However, it is within your power to change things if you are in this group.
So, what does it mean to feel burnt out or disengaged at work? It is that feeling when your energy, motivation and mental well-being slowly seep away. It shows up differently for each person. Some common symptoms include exhaustion and irritability. Others include difficulty switching off when you go home at the end of the day or a general feeling that what you do no longer matters.
Over time, this state of being can harm your wellbeing outside of work and damage your career progression. Your personal relationships, physical and mental health, and long-term career outlook may all suffer. Therefore, it is essential to take action when you begin to feel disengaged or burned out. This may involve talking to your boss or seeking a new role. Breaking free from burnout is about taking responsibility before dire consequences appear further down the line.
What are the root causes of workplace unhappiness?
Many people feel that their workplace is no longer a safe or happy place to be. Rising costs of living, stagnant salaries, longer working hours, and low workplace support have pushed more South Africans to a breaking point. Productivity demands are increasing. At the same time, in some workplaces, teams are shrinking.
When you add poor management, lack of recognition or unrealistic workloads, it is no wonder employees want to walk away. And it is not just about money. Many South Africans want to escape unclear growth paths and workplaces that treat overtime and burnout as a badge of honour.
Some of the most common reasons professionals are leaving include:
- Lack of recognition or development opportunities.
- Unpaid overtime and an always-on culture.
- Toxic team dynamics or poor management.
- Workloads that grow without support.
- Salaries that don’t reflect effort or inflation.
You don’t need to feel stuck
Many South Africans are worried about leaving their jobs in today’s tough economy. Yet you do not need to wait around for things to maybe improve. Leaving a workplace where you feel stuck, undervalued, or overworked is about protecting your well-being. It is also about improving your career.
For a growing number of professionals, job satisfaction now means:
- Healthier workplace cultures.
- Fair pay and realistic expectations.
- Purpose-driven work that aligns with their values.
- Flexibility, boundaries and support for mental health.
- Leaders who listen and invest in people.
Finding a role that ticks these boxes starts with a clear plan. First, clarify what matters most to you. This could mean getting a more interesting role, better pay, improved benefits, a workplace with a healthy culture, opportunities to learn and grow, or achieving work-life balance. Then you can start looking for that dream job. Breaking free from burnout often begins with this clarity.
Refreshing the information in your CV, your profile and other online platforms is essential. Keeping your details updated ensures you stand out. Highlight your latest achievements and experience. Showcase both hard and soft skills.
Moving forward
It is equally valuable to reconnect with contacts, attend industry events, and join relevant online communities. You can also research potential employers to target those that align with your values and ambitions. Breaking free from burnout becomes easier when your career goals match your workplace environment.
Our latest advertising campaign, called “Helping Hands”, aims to address the frustration so many people feel at work. We want to remind professionals that they do not have to feel stuck. There are many great opportunities out there. With lots of open roles for ambitious people, exploring these opportunities could be your first step toward a new beginning.
