21 Unmistakable Signs That Your Job is Toasting You to Crispiness

3. Your Attitude at Work Has Soured

If you used to be a team player but now feel disconnected, unmotivated, or even resentful, burnout could be to blame. Work that once felt meaningful may now seem pointless, and even small tasks might irritate you. Maybe you’re suddenly snapping at coworkers, rolling your eyes at meetings, or finding it harder to care about projects. If every day at the office feels like a countdown to quitting time, your job could be scorching your spirit. At first, you might just feel a little off—maybe a bit more impatient or less enthusiastic about your workload. But then, the frustration grows. You dread emails, avoid meetings, and roll your eyes at motivational speeches from leadership. The little things that used to make your job enjoyable no longer do. Maybe you were once someone who went the extra mile, but now you’re doing just the bare minimum. Even praise or recognition doesn’t lift your mood anymore. If you’ve started fantasizing about quitting or no longer feel invested in the company's success, burnout may be draining your workplace spirit faster than you realize.

4. You’re Reaching for Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Stressful jobs push people toward unhealthy habits. Maybe you’re drinking more, stress-eating junk food, or zoning out with hours of mindless social media. Some people pick up smoking again, rely more on sleeping pills, or even self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. These habits may offer short-term relief, but they often make burnout worse in the long run. At first, these coping mechanisms seem harmless—an extra drink after work, a bag of chips during a stressful meeting, or a little extra caffeine to push through the day. But when these become daily crutches instead of occasional indulgences, they signal a bigger issue. Maybe you’ve stopped cooking and now rely on takeout. Maybe your one glass of wine in the evening has turned into two or three. Some people start binge-watching TV or scrolling social media for hours just to escape reality. Others turn to caffeine or even prescription stimulants to keep up. If you notice these behaviors creeping in, it’s worth asking: Is your job pushing you to a breaking point?