Occupational Wellness is NOT Burnout: Finding the Alternative to Crispy
By Jeannine Moga, MA, MSW, LCSW, Chief Happiness Officer, VETgirl

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education blog, VETgirl’s Chief Happiness Officer, Jeannine Moga, MA, MSW, LCSW reviews occupational wellness.

Current research suggests that the average person will spend 1/3 of his or her life on the job – the oft-quoted equivalent to 90,000 hours. Advances in technology, which tether us to our work even when we aren’t at physically at the office or clinic, likely increase this low-ball estimate.

It’s not a coincidence, then, that burnout was recently added to the ICD-11 (an International standard diagnostic tool for epidemiology and health management) by the World Health Organization . While burnout is not considered an illness or medical diagnosis, per se, it is now being recognized as a “syndrome” that can lead to both mental and physical health issues.

Burnout is work-related stress that has become chronic, often marked by exhaustion (physical, cognitive, and emotional), cynicism, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. People who are burned out may be plagued by thoughts like, “Who am I, and why am I doing this, again?” or “What is the point of working this hard?” Burned out workers may distance themselves from the rest of the team, suffer from impaired concentration and creativity, and may begin to feel numb, even in the face of highly emotional situations. They may also “phone it in” such that they show up to work in body, but not in mind or spirit, so their day to day effectiveness suffers. There is a slippery slope between burnout and depression, the latter of which manifests when the lack satisfaction, meaning, and connection with our work becomes global, reaching its sneaky fingers into other areas of our life.

The root of burnout is often characterized as not having what you need to do your work effectively. In an era when most of us have gotten used to doing more with less (e.g. fewer staff to handle a higher work volume), burnout has become a perpetual problem exacerbated by a lack of control over how and when we work, as well as monotony on the job.

Burnout and compassion fatigue are so prevalent in veterinary medicine. Here, our VETgirl online veterinary blog with Jeannine Moga, our Chief Happiness Officer.

Counteracting burnout – and amplifying occupational wellbeing
Occupational wellness is the counterpoint to burnout in many ways… and it requires that we have balance between the time/energy devoted to work and the time/energy devoted to leisure/personal life. It is also marked by being inspired and challenged by our work, feeling motivated to do our best, feeling largely satisfied with our work (and our work environment), and feeling like our skills and capacities are a “good fit” for the work we do. In short, occupational wellness can be conceived of as work/life wellbeing, a state in which we feel engaged, nurtured, and satisfied with both our work and personal lives, and when neither sphere significantly (or chronically) impinges on the other.

How do we even begin to accomplish this? Here are a few tips:

Be realistic and flexible. We can’t be all things to all people, at all times – and this truth requires that we level with ourselves about what kind of energy is needed to maintain what is most important to us. This might mean making sacrifices in some areas – such as giving up personal time while investing in an internship, or cutting down on work hours when a family member is sick. When balancing your work and personal life, make careful and intentional choice that are congruent with what you believe and value. Also be realistic about what any human being can accomplish in a 24-hour period. Unless your supply closet includes a cape and magic wand, accepting human limits will be part of the process here.

Establish boundaries. Boundaries take many forms (including physical, emotional, and financial) and usually involve determining what we are willing – and unwilling – to accommodate. They often involve setting clear expectations, as well as the use of the word, “No.” When we have good boundaries, we define where our energy goes – and have a lot more energy to devote to the people and activities that are important to us. Saying no (to that extra patient, holiday shift, or bonus project) is uncomfortable. But ask yourself this: will you be resentful, angry, and exhausted if you say yes out of obligation, fear, or social pressure? If the answer is “yes,” it’s time for boundaries.

Ask for what you need. This may include more challenge when work has become monotonous, or updated software to increase efficiency, or flexible work hours such that you can attend your kid’s soccer games. We must advocate for ourselves and then make choices that are congruent with both our reasons for being in this profession, as well as our long-term personal and professional goals. You are your best tool, and occupational wellness is only realized when you are well-honed and fit for your work – and when your personal life recharges you in necessary ways.

  1. Daniela Dorantes says:

    Thank you for this. As a new grad I feel constantly drained and exhausted. Do you or anyone have any advice for veterinarians in their first or second year of practice?

  2. Katie April says:

    Try to find what makes you exhausted and make boundaries, do it less and don’t be scare to say NO! Try to find what makes you the must happier in your job and do it more! 🙂

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