"Burnout vs Boreout: How to Find Meaning in Our Work and Lessons Learned from Becoming a Manager"

"Burnout vs Boreout: How to Find Meaning in Our Work and Lessons Learned from Becoming a Manager"

In today's fast-paced and demanding work environment, it is not uncommon to experience feelings of burnout or boreout. Both of these conditions can leave us feeling exhausted, empty, and unable to cope with the demands of work and life. However, what I find interesting is that it is not always the quantity of work that leads to these feelings, but rather the lack of control.

Many individuals suffering from burnout tend to be high-achievers who thrive on having a sense of control over their work. When this control is taken away, whether it be in the form of goals or deadlines imposed upon them, it can be incredibly difficult to cope. The same can be said for those experiencing boreout, where the lack of meaningful work can leave them feeling disengaged and unfulfilled.

So, how can we find meaning in our work and combat these feelings of burnout and boreout? One key aspect is to align ourselves with our work. Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself why you initially started working at your current company or on your current project. Rediscover the passion and purpose that drove you in the first place. By aligning your work with your values and goals, you can find a renewed sense of meaning.

Another approach is to brainstorm and identify the sources of the lack of meaning in your work. Is it the projects themselves that lack purpose? Is it the work style or the dynamics within your team? By pinpointing the specific areas that are causing you to feel unfulfilled, you can begin to explore potential solutions. It is important, however, to not make radical decisions while feeling burned out or bored out. Instead, start with small changes and experiment with different approaches. Sometimes, it is not about finding your purpose, but rather building it over time.

Now, let's shift our focus to the lessons learned from becoming a manager. One of the first challenges encountered when transitioning into a managerial role is the shift in responsibility. As a manager, your primary focus shifts from the product to the people. This can be a difficult adjustment, especially if you were previously more task-oriented. What has worked for many managers is giving their team slightly more freedom than they are comfortable with. This not only empowers the team members but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.

Another challenge faced by new managers is the change in the feedback loop. Whereas before, feedback and results could be seen within days, as a manager, it can take months to see the impact of your actions. This can lead to a feeling of uncertainty and a lack of value measurement. However, it is important to remember that as a manager, your focus is on building a culture that results in the best products. Celebrate every win, no matter how small, and trust that your efforts will have a long-term impact.

Lastly, managing people can be a lonely experience. The relationships with colleagues and peers can change, and this can lead to feelings of isolation. To combat this, it is crucial to find your peers and celebrate wins together. By connecting with others who are going through similar experiences, you can create a support system that helps you navigate the challenges of management.

In conclusion, finding meaning in our work and navigating the challenges of becoming a manager require self-reflection, experimentation, and connection with others. To combat burnout and boreout, it is important to regain a sense of control and align our work with our values. As managers, focusing on building a culture and celebrating wins can help combat feelings of uncertainty and isolation. Remember, finding purpose is a journey, and it is through small actions and connections that we can ultimately build it.