Burnout in midlife

This week I want to talk about something that touches so many of us, especially in midlife, but is often minimised or swept aside: burnout.

I've been talking to a lot of people this year who are having a really tough time so I wanted to share some of what I've been learning in case it's useful to you too.

Where the word came from

The psychologist Herbert Freudenberger first used the term in the early 1970s to describe what he saw in nurses, social workers, and volunteers at a free clinic. These were purpose-driven people, full of energy and ideals, who after a year would become emotionally exhausted, apathetic, and detached. He called it “burnout”, a term already used in the drug world to describe total depletion.

It struck me as fascinating, and not accidental, that burnout was first observed in people working in highly purposeful, socially-oriented roles. The kinds of roles many of us in the charity and public service world are doing.

What burnout feels like

Burnout is not “being tired.” It’s more than that. It’s when motivation evaporates, and even things that you normally enjoy feel heavy. It's like the fun has gone from life.

Dr Rangan Chatterjee has noted seven early signs: constant fatigue, inability to focus, irritability, disrupted sleep, physical niggles (headaches, digestion and issues), withdrawing from others, and simply feeling like you’re running on empty.

In midlife, we often dismiss these warning signals as “hormones,” “stress,” or “just getting older.” But naming something matters as it is often the first step in addressing it.

Why midlife is such a pressure point

Responsibilities can pile up all at once in midlife:

• Peak career demands, often without the extra support
• Being part of the “sandwich generation”: caring for children and ageing parents simultaneously
• Health changes: peri/menopause, shifts in resilience, disrupted sleep

It’s no surprise many of us feel overwhelmed. And if burnout goes unchecked, the cost isn’t just to us. Relationships, creativity, and our organisations are all affected too.

Remedies

Fortunately it's not all doom and gloom. Researching the topic, there are simple things each of us can do that can help.

Foundations: start with the body. Sleep, nourishment, gentle movement that restores rather than punishes (see my yoga link below).

Boundaries: define off-switches at work, protect daily rituals, and practise saying “no” without guilt.

Mindset: remember burnout is a signal, not a failing. Rest works with productivity, not against it.

Connection: whether through coaches, friends, or peers, talking to others about what are likely to be shared experiences really helps.

And, women, do go and talk to your doctor about your symptoms in case they could be menopause-related. I did some work with the brilliant Menopause Charity recently and they have some excellent (and trustworthy) information.

Where joy comes in

If you’ve been reading this newsletter for a while, you'll know that every week I share my “joy of the week”, often a flower, a sunset, something small that's lifted my heart during the week. A few weeks ago I even wrote about the business case for joy.

Joy and rest aren’t nice to haves, they are vital antidotes to burnout.

They help us reset our energy and perspective, helping us to work and live well.

Useful links 🔗

This is interesting: 95% of generative AI pilots at companies are failing because "Not the quality of the AI models, but the “learning gap” for both tools and organizations." If this is an issue in big companies, I can only imagine this replicated in the voluntary sector.

Don't forget to order your spring bulbs! (I always do) If you're anywhere the Midlands of England, this is a beautiful place.

What am I reading? 📚

I'm reading another story about a bookshop, The Midnight Bookshop. It requires quite a heavy suspension of disbelief, but it's an enjoyable enough distraction from world events.

What am I watching? 👀

I'm doing a 30 day Yoga and Pilates morning challenge with Kassandra.

I'm sure I've mentioned before but I started daily yoga as a way of coping at the start of 2020 and it's a habit that's stayed with me ever since. Ten minutes most days and I HIGHLY recommend.

What am I listening to?👂

Easy come, easy go by Lava La Rue has been this week's ear worm.

And now I love the video too!

Joy-giving things 😍

Apologies for the rubbish pic but we actually managed to view a celestial happening!

There was a lunar eclipse last weekend coinciding with the full moon and, amazingly for this country, the cloud cleared just enough for us to see a little bite out of the side of the moon.

Wishing you all a brilliant weekend

Lucy x

If it’s your first time reading this newsletter, find out more about me here.

I write this newsletter because I believe in sharing ideas that help us work towards a truly equal world, particularly in the workplace.

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ChangeOut is created by Lucy Caldicott. You can find more about my work at ChangeOut.org. If you’re looking to have a chat about culture, leadership, purpose, equity, or a facilitated team discussion about any of those things, get in touch. You can also find me on Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, and, LinkedIn.

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