Corporate Burnout: A Silent Killer

Wake up. Clock in. Clock out. Sleep. Repeat.

Over the past few years, there has been a significant rise in media centered around the struggles of living in a fast-paced, productivity-driven, and career oriented society. This is mostly observed even in Korean dramas, with shows like My Liberation Notes and Summer Strike featuring characters wanting to break free from the shackles of corporate life and social norms. These shows have gained traction from young audiences, with relatability being a huge factor for viewership; many in the workforce are currently experiencing the same thing. 

A recent survey from Cigna revealed that 98% of Generation Z in the working population are experiencing symptoms of burnout. This highly alarming amount underscores the importance of this prevalent issue being brought up in mainstream discussions. Although the word “burnout” has been used in different contexts and comes with various connotations, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as ‘an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress characterized by exhaustion, feelings of negativism, and reduced professional efficacy.’

Burnout can be difficult to recognize, and it can require a lot of time for one to realize they are experiencing its symptoms. It begins from the excitement of landing a job that is a new opportunity presents itself, to receiving your first paycheck, and feeling proud to finally reaped what you sow. The feeling lingers until you do the same thing over and over again, until going to work no longer feels fulfilling. 

It feels like you’re going to work for the sole purpose of waiting for your day off, counting down every minute and every hour like you’re stuck in an endless loop. Corporate jobs are also highly characterized by repetitive routines, and while this can provide a sense of stability, it can be dehumanizing and suffocating to dedicate so much of your time on repetitive tasks only to come home feeling tired and with barely any time for leisure. This cycle is what slowly kills the sense of fulfillment inside your body.

On top of that, factors like the pressure to perform and provide for yourself and your family can be overwhelming at some point. It will eventually cause an inner conflict when you have to make a decision—whether to put your mental health first or choose passion over practicality, and whether the job is worth setting aside and sacrificing your personal aspirations or not.

In worse cases, burnout can lead into an identity crisis, slowly killing the remaining passion and enthusiasm you have left, stripping away a huge part of yourself bit by bit and leaving you feeling empty. This is more evident in people who tend to tie their self-worth to their job. As the relationship with work grows faint, the relationship with oneself gets compromised, too.

Burnout is not easy to deal with; it is something that you cannot overcome with a snap of a finger.  However, it is not impossible. Like Mijeong (the protagonist from My Liberation Notes) who eventually found the freedom she yearned for, and Yeoreum (a character from Summer Strike) who learned the importance of contentment and chose to prioritize her happiness, you too can overcome burnout. It may take months of trudging step-by-step, and figuring things out one-by-one, years even, and that is valid and perfectly okay. 

Having a support system could greatly help as it reminds you that you don’t have to go through the process alone. Small acts of self-care and showing self-love such as buying a nice drink or dedicating five minutes for your personal peace without feeling guilty could also do wonders in going through burnout. Detaching your worth from work and reminding yourself that there are far more significant things that define you help in lifting the weight of pressure off your shoulders and can greatly improve your self-esteem. 

Most importantly, seeking professional help is always a valid consideration as it helps end the stigma and is a huge leap towards self-development. No matter the way we cope with burnout, it is the decision and courage to take the first step and admitting that we need help—that is more than enough.

Felicity Anne Castor is the Lifestyle Editor of 4079 Magazine. She is currently a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Journalism student in PUP - Manila and a writer-intern for Philippine Daily Inquirer's SUPER K.