BizQuiz: Can you battle job burnout? (Answer 4A)

4) A-Wrong.

Good on you for avoiding the negative venting to co-workers, but points off for trying to duck difficult discussions. If you've got a legitimate complaint, something that's making it hard for you to work and care for clients and pets, you need to address it. Pinpoint the problem that's bothering you and take steps to resolve it.

When you speak to the co-worker in question, keep personal issues out of it, be supportive and team-focused, and maintain a friendly tone of voice. Here's an example veterinary consultant Debbie Allaben Gair, CVPM, gave in a recent article: “When people talk to me while I'm on the phone, it drives me crazy because I can't concentrate on helping the client. If you need to correct what I'm saying, please tell me after I hang up. Then I'll call the client back if necessary.”

You can never guarantee the co-worker's behavior will change, but taking the high road and addressing the issue sensibly and fairly will make you feel a little more connected and refreshed-guaranteed. Hey, it beats sulking silently.

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