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How To Avoid Burnout as a Designer
The secret formula to keep your sanity whilst kicking as*es.
As a seasoned designer, I have had my fair share of burnouts over the years. I know firsthand how exhausting and demotivating it can be to constantly push yourself to meet deadlines and exceed client expectations. Burnout is a very real problem in the creative industry and it can happen to anyone, regardless of experience level.
In this article, I will share my personal experiences with burnout and offer some advice on how to avoid it.
Firstly, it’s important to understand what burnout is and how it can manifest. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged periods of stress. As a designer, you may experience burnout when you have to deal with tight deadlines, demanding clients, and repetitive tasks for a prolonged period. The warning signs of burnout can vary from person to person, but some of the most common ones include:
- Feeling emotionally drained and unable to cope with stress.
- Lack of motivation and interest in your work.
- Difficulty sleeping or staying focused.
- Chronic fatigue or physical exhaustion.
- Physical and emotional detachment from colleagues and clients.
- Increased irritability and short temper.
- Decreased productivity and creativity.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action and address them before they worsen.
Here are some tips on how to avoid burnout as a designer:
1. Set realistic goals and manage expectations
One of the main causes of burnout is the pressure to meet unrealistic goals and expectations. To avoid this, make sure you set achievable goals and communicate clearly with your clients and colleagues. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to speak up and ask for help. This can mean delegating tasks, pushing back on unrealistic deadlines, or re-negotiating the scope of a project.
