3 Signs You’re Heading for Burnout. And How to Step Back from the Edge!

Worried you’re at risk of burnout? Dr Richard Duggins, author of Burnout-Free Working takes us through three common warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.

Burnout doesn’t slam into you overnight. It sneaks up over months as a slow build of pressure we dismiss as “just a busy spell” or “normal work stress.” But ignore it too long, and you end up at what I call the Burnout Cliff. This is where exhaustion, detachment, and disillusionment suddenly crash over you like a wave and knock your feet out from under you.

In my work, I meet brilliant, hardworking professionals who’ve been edging toward collapse without even realising it.

The good news? Burnout gives you warnings. That is, if you know what to look for!

In my book Burnout-Free Working, I show how small, early changes can stop you from falling off the Burnout Cliff. It starts with recognising the red flags.

Here are three of the biggest ones and what to do if you spot them.

1. Crippling Exhaustion

This isn’t just tired after a long day tired. This is bone-deep fatigue that doesn’t lift, even after a good night’s sleep. You wake up worn out, drag yourself through the day, and skip the things that usually energise you such as seeing friends, exercising, even eating properly.

You might start working through breaks or letting boundaries slide, just to keep your head above water. This kind of exhaustion isn’t normal. It’s a signal something bigger is going on.

2. Switching Off Emotionally

You start pulling away. From your team. From your clients or students. From yourself. Everyone becomes a task on a to-do list. You’re snappier, more irritable, less tolerant, and even a bit numb.

The emotional shutdown is your brain trying to protect you from overload. But left unchecked, it isolates you and drains the meaning out of your work.

3. Losing the Joy

You used to care. Now? You’re just getting through the day. The work feels pointless, your spark is gone, and your focus is fading. You’re on autopilot.

If you spot these red flags, that’s not weakness. It’s wisdom! Burnout isn’t about being too soft or not tough enough. It’s about what’s happening to you. Not what’s wrong with you.

These red flags are your cue to act before things get worse.

Start small. Talk to someone, such as a friend, a family member, or a colleague. Do something that lights you up, even for ten minutes. A hobby, a walk, a laugh. And start putting some boundaries back in place.

If any of these red flags hit home, please don’t ignore them.

Burnout is common, but it’s also preventable. With the right support, you can pull back from the edge of the Burnout Cliff. You can find your energy, purpose, and joy again.

You’ll find more tools and insights in my book Burnout-Free Working. I wrote it to help you spot the signs early and thrive for the long haul.