BizQuiz: Can you battle job burnout? (Answer 3B)

3) B-Wrong.

We all need to vent-always privately-on the rare occasion (rare, right?) that a co-worker or client really gets under our skin. But complaining about a recurring problem is a waste of your time and energy. It's time to take action-you can do it.

Sit down and have a calm conversation with the manager responsible for scheduling. Tell your manager you're struggling to balance work and personal life. Remember to be reasonable about what needs to be done to cover shifts and keep a positive attitude. Bring a solution with you when you come. Here's a terrific example veterinary consultant Debbie Allaben Gair, CVPM, gave in a recent article (click here to open that article in a new window): “I am unable to work late every night. I am willing to work late three nights a week for 90 days while we get through this tough time. By August 1, I really need to get back to one or two late nights a week. Would that be helpful?”

When you bring your ideas for a solution, the conversation changes from a complaint session to a problem-solving session. You'll feel better about taking the initiative-better than you would swapping late-night whines with your work friends.

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