Q: My wife is worried that I am about to burn myself out.
We have a small farm that I am slowly building by supplementing our income with work at a demanding job in the oil patch. We have two small children whom we love but who require time and care, and we try to keep active in our little church. Do you think that this is too much?
A: We do not usually consider the farming community when we are talking about occupational burnout. Perhaps we should, but probably not in your case. Fatigue is different than burnout, and as tired as you are, I read in your letter enthusiasm for your farm, your family and your community.
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People who are burned out are not enthusiastic. They are cynical, not believing that the world will ever get better, and they have lost confidence that anything that they do will make any difference.
They participate with no commitment, and certainly no energy. They have, in fact, given up.
People who are burned out worry a lot. They generally feel unappreciated, are irritable, dread going to work and they often look as though they are overwhelmed. Many are on their way to major depressive episodes.
Burnout is not necessarily caused by overwork. It is more likely caused by not receiving recognition for the work that has been done.
Our agricultural economists are predicting a favourable year for this summer’s farm economy. This is the first continuing sign of optimism that we have had for a number of years.
We have had droughts, floods, poor prices, BSE scares and trade problems for too long in the immediate past. Many of our friends and neighbours worked hard, only to watch their net worth dwindle.
They were not getting the rewards for which they worked. Some were not able to retire as they had planned and others were not able to support their children as they had hoped.
Farming, of course, brings with it more rewards than net worth. Farmers who have survived the difficult years find alternative rewards for the efforts they make on their farms.
Some find rewards just by working the land, others get the same by working with their animals, some like being outdoors and many enjoy their independence and autonomy.
The more they were able to enjoy alternative kinds of rewards, the less likely they would burn out in the midst of financial uncertainty.
Don’t let your fatigue get the better of you. You have your family, your dreams, your community and enthusiasm. I am not too worried about you burning out.
