The term 'hustling' has become a popular mantra for many professionals trying to rise through the ranks at work.
But what's often less talked about is the physical, mental, and emotional strain that often comes as a direct side-effect to those not-so-glamorous hours crunching the numbers well into the night.
Virginia Brookes our Director of Resolver Recruitment says the real estate industry has high rates of burnout because of the pressure agents find themselves under.
"In an industry such as real estate where it's totally performance-based, many people put themselves in situations where they're working 12 hour days, six to seven days per week. They live and breathe their job.
"Most of these people don't take any time for themselves to partake in any physical activity or don't take the time to look after themselves, whether it be emotionally or physically," Ms Brookes told WILLIAMS MEDIA.
So the question is, how do you know if you're on the brink of professional burnout?
The telltale signs are:
- Loss of sleep with a constantly racing mind
- Weight gain or sometimes weight loss
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Severe lack of energy where you can't drag yourself out of bed
- Everything feels like it's getting on top of you and you just can’t concentrate
- Lack of productivity and poor performance
- You feel apathetic and a sense of hopelessness
- Increased irritability
- You no longer love your job and you don’t want to go to work anymore
If you've been nodding along with most of (or all of!) these signs, don't freak out, says Ms Brookes.
There are steps you can take, and tweaks to make to your daily routine that can help you stop impending burnout in its tracks.
1. Sleep well and exercise regularly
It seems boring but it's true. The old-fashioned advice to sleep well and exercise regularly can help curb burnout, so get those feel-good endorphins flowing!
"Most people who live and breathe their job don't make any time for physical activity, and don't take the time to look after themselves, whether it be emotionally or physically," Ms Brookes says.
"Make time to have regular massages, do physical exercise and look after your health and well-being."
2. Make time to fully unplug
Many of us have responsibilities and work commitments that go beyond the typical 9-5. With 24/7 access to work emails, it can feel virtually impossible to disconnect and do that whole "work-life balance" thing.
But Ms Brookes says even the agents who are at the top of their game make sure to take time out for themselves.
"Speak to many of the top agents and they will show you a year's calendar where they have organised holidays and social engagements to make sure they are getting a rest and a good amount of time out," she said.
"When you're taking a holiday, make sure you have a decent break with some downtime where you're not running around a million miles an hour."
3. Build a great team
Agents who try and do everything themselves and micromanage their staff will burnout, says Ms Brookes.
"Remember you are only one person and you can only achieve so much," she said.
"Hire the right support staff and let them do their job so you can do yours. Micromanaging will only stress you more, and stress your staff out too. Work smarter, not harder - be systemised, and have checklists.
"Watch what successful people around you are doing and ask for tips on how they structure their daily lives. Don't be afraid to ask for guidance," she added.
4. Schedule time for friends, family - and yourself
Even if your line of work doesn't really leave room for you to completely check out after 5 pm, like real estate where it's not uncommon to work most weekends as well, you can still set aside some time for your friends and family.
"It's critical to maintain your friendships and relationships, as many people put these on the backburner," Ms Brookes says.
Don't forget to make time for yourself either.
"Make sure you make the time to work on yourself, so you can give your best performance at work."
