Advice for a Successful Career in the Accounting Profession

CHAPTER SIXTEENHow to Avoid Burnout

Key Takeaway

Over the course of your career, there will be times where you feel uninspired, worn down, overwhelmed and perhaps “tired of your job.” There are steps you can proactively take to avoid or minimize these situations and effectively deal with them when they do occur.

“Burnout” is a condition defined as “exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation, usually because of prolonged stress or frustration.”³³ While burnout is certainly not a condition unique to the accounting profession (it also frequently occurs in other occupations, such as law or healthcare), many accountants I have worked with during my career told me they were experiencing burnout. A high percentage of them eventually changed jobs and some of them left the profession.

Why do many accountants experience burnout? Well, we know that the profession can require periods of sustained overtime. We also know that accountants are often working under tight deadlines, and that can create stress. Certainly, these factors, among others, can contribute to feeling overwhelmed.

Some accountants let burnout happen to them without engaging in proactive strategies to avoid it. This chapter will offer some tips, ideas, and suggestions on avoiding burnout, or, as I like to say, keeping your batteries charged.

Variety Is the Spice of (Working) Life

Individuals are more subject ...