Source: Partner’s Report

High stress, particularly that caused by the recent tax season, can cause burnout, “a physical, mental, and emotional response to constant levels of high stress. Burnout produces feelings of hopelessness, powerlessness, cynicism, resentment and failure—as well as stagnation and reduced productivity. These stress reactions can result in levels of depression or unhappiness that eventually threaten your job, your relationships and your health” (see: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/burnoutsignssymptoms.htm).

If you experience five or more of the following, you may be suffering from job burnout:

• Activities you once found enjoyable now feel like drudgery.
• You are more cynical or bitter about your job, your boss or the company.
• Non-work relationships (marital, family, friendships) are affected by your feelings about work.
• You dread going to work in the morning.
• You are easily annoyed or irritated by your co-workers.
• You are envious of individuals who are happy in their work.
• You care less now than you used to about doing a "good job" at work.
• You regularly experience fatigue and low energy levels at your job.
• You are easily bored with your job.

(Adapted from Recognizing Job Burnout The Counseling Corner by the American Counseling Association, written by Audrey L. Canaff)

Coping with Burnout

• Develop new skills. Become involved in new activities in the firm.
• Become a teacher—teach others to do what you do. It will confirm your abilities and enhance your self-worth.
• Start planning for succession to your role. This also requires teaching.
• Network with other professionals who are in positions similar to yours.
• Become involved in something outside the business, about which you are passionate.
• Compare what you do every day with what you think you should be doing. Use this as a basis for setting new priorities and delegating.
• Get a physical examination.
• Put some humor in your life.

For more information, see the Help Guide at: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/burnout_signs_symptoms.htm.

From Partner’s Report—the Monthly Update for CPA Firm Owners, May 2006, p. 1. For subscription information contact Institute of Management & Administration, Inc., 3 Park Avenue, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10016-5902. One-year subscription $349. 212-244-0360, [email protected].