UX overload
Coping with burnout in UX
How do you avoid burnout when your occupation forces you to juggle responsibilities?
There is no denying that technology is rapidly changing. Whether it’s advancements in data science, accessibility, or user experience, these advancements don’t happen on their own. Rather, we accomplish them with hard work, long hours, and commitment. However, with all these advancements also comes prolonged feelings of stress, emotional and physical fatigue, a lack of motivation, and in some cases insomnia and depression. In other words: burnout.
If you’ve experienced these symptoms along with increased stress at work, there’s a good chance it was burnout.
A study conducted by Indeed.com in March of 2021 surveyed 1,500 people of different ages, educational backgrounds, and occupations. The results were concerning — they reported that 52% of Americans experience burnout regularly.
While concerning, this isn’t shocking information. Burnout isn’t a new phenomenon, and I think many people would agree that over the past decade, burnout has become a normalized part of our jobs. And, if you’re anything like me, burnout is less of a phenomenon and more of a perpetual state of living.
However, given the variety of survey participants, one thing is very clear: Burnout doesn’t discriminate. We are all equally at risk of facing burnout’s wrath.
Defining and Identifying burnout
For those of you who weren’t previously familiar with the term ‘burnout,’ or the lucky individuals who have never experienced the previously mentioned symptoms, allow me to provide a little more information:
The World Health Organization defines burnout as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” It is characterized by three symptoms:
- feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;
- increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and
- reduced professional efficacy.
For all the visual learners reading this, burnout can feel something like this:
(Mr. Crocker from the Fairly OddParents is my personal burnout spirit animal.)
While some symptoms of burnout can be shared, everyone is different. So, your burnout may look and feel different than it does for your peers.
This policy applies to what triggers burnout as well; Different jobs may have specific elements that trigger burnout.
General triggers
There are many elements of your day-to-day life that can trigger burnout. As previously stated, no person is the same, and therefore what triggers your burnout may be different than what triggers someone else’s. However, researchers at the Mayo Clinic have identified some factors that influence burnout across the board.
- Feeling out of control.
- Unclear job expectations.
- Extremes of activity.
- Lack of social support.
- Work-life imbalance.
UX and Burnout:
No one can deny that a career in UX is a gift; It provides one with opportunities to explore and hone a variety of skills, exercise both creative and logical thinking, partake in a collaborative environment, and contribute to shaping the future of technology.
Sounds dreamy, right?
For the most part, it is! However, just like those in any other occupation, UXers are susceptible to burnout.
While a lot of triggers for burnout are pretty universal — there are a few that are specific to UX.
In fact, while looking for resources (or a “miracle cure”), I stumbled upon a Medium post written by Olga Wojnarowska, a fellow UXer. In her article, Wojnarowska interviewed many of her colleagues to discover burnout triggers that are specific to UX. Her findings are as follows:
1. A lack of understanding and awareness of UX in an organization. Working within a company that does not understand the benefits and roles UX plays within a product production and success, can make designers feel undervalued. Moreover, constantly advocating to have a metaphorical “seat at the table” is an exhausting process in itself.
2. Working on never-ending projects. Dedicating a lot of time and energy on a project, and never seeing your efforts come to fruition can feel discouraging. In my own experience, writing content specifically for new or in-the-works products can be draining. As soon as you perfect your work and see it come to life, you’re on to another iteration. Your work gets cut or becomes irrelevant, and you have to adapt it once again. While this removes any fear of your work not being perfect, since you know you’ll have another shot, it can make you wonder “when will it end?”
3. A lack of control. Feeling questioned at every move through the design process by non-designers (business representatives, developers, product engineers, etc.) doesn’t make for a productive work environment.
The phrase, “there are too many cooks in the kitchen,” comes to mind.
Not feeling trusted or influential when it comes to making important decisions that affect your work can make you feel out of control, and is a sure cause of burnout.
4. The ambiguity of UX. There is an undeniable power in the ambiguous nature of UX. Ambiguity in design allows for innovative thinking, flexibility, and collaboration; However, it can also lead to designers feeling overwhelmed and directionless.
Now that we understand burnout a little more, It’s time to get out of that funk 🕺 with the help of these tips and tricks:
1. Time management is key!
I was recently told about the Pomodoro Technique by a mentor, and it has changed how I approach both my work life and my day-to-day tasks.
The Pomodoro technique is a time management technique created by Francesco Cirillo, that effectively combats procrastination and mental fatigue. The best part? The only things you need are your to-do list and a timer!
The way it works:
- Pick a task from your to-do list
- Set a timer for 25 minutes & work on said task until the time is up
- Take a five minute break
- Repeat the process!
After every 4 pomodoros you complete, take a longer, restorative 15–30 minute break!
If you’re interested in learning more about the Pomodoro Technique and why it is so effective, I recommend reading this article by todoist.
2. Set boundaries for a better work-life balance.
Thanks to COVID, our work life and home life have become one and the same. Working from home has its perks (like never having to put on ‘real’ pants), but it can challenge the notion of work-life balance.
Re-learning how to establish a healthy work-life balance is a challenge, and one that many of us haven’t taken the time to perfect yet.
Thinking about work non-stop isn’t fun, and can be detrimental to your performance… not to mention your health.
I’ll admit, this is something I personally struggle with. I have a hard time taking breaks, logging off of my computer at 5pm, and have found myself thinking about UX way too much (like when I’m watching TV or reading a new book).
And if i’m being honest, working overtime or through lunch doesn’t really seem to help my productivity; Rather it just has allowed me to fixate on the minute details of whatever project I’m working on.
Forcing myself to take breaks and log off at the end of the workday has honestly been so beneficial for both my work and mental health!
3. Explore your personal interests, invest in a new hobby, exercise, or just spend some time outside (and away from your computer).
Finding solace in a new or interesting activity might be just what you need to overcome your burnout!
You can take a class to learn a new skill, join a local recreational sports team, or finally follow-through with your New Year’s resolution to exercise (even if we’re already in August).
Everything has the potential to add value to your life and your work, even, if not especially, your non-work related interests. Taking time away from your computer, and reorienting that stress into a rewarding, low-risk activity will help you feel refreshed when it comes time to log back on.
4. Communicate
Talking about your burnout with coworkers, managers, close friends, and loved ones can feel like a daunting task in itself. Asking for help or even seeking validation can feel vulnerable, but in my own experience, honest communication has offered me the most relief.
It’s important to remember that you’re not alone! Most people have experienced burnout at least once in their life. And while this might be common knowledge, it can be hard to remember when you’re experiencing burnout. Getting out of your own head, putting words to your feelings, and sharing those feelings with others can be incredibly liberating, and even validating.
Have a story of your own? Write with us! Our community thrives on diverse voices — let’s hear yours.
