Burnout is all too common, especially in IT where we have to take on the tasks of others who were laid off. We all go though it at some point. That feeling that comes on a Monday or after a vacation, or just on a random Tuesday afternoon when all the clocks seemed to have broken. So it may have come as no surprise to hear of that disgruntled airline attendant who berated passengers, grabbed two beers, and slid down the emergency exit into instant fame.

Job burnout is common malady, especially in IT where we often take on the tasks of others who were laid off. We all go though it at some point. The feeling typically occurs on a Monday or after a vacation; even a random Tuesday afternoon when all the clocks seem to have broken. So for some, it came as no surprise to hear of that disgruntled airline attendant who berated passengers, grabbed two beers and slid down the emergency exit into instant fame. 

But this guy had it all wrong. The service sector is NEVER about the individual, no matter how much pressure the job presents. There wasn't one person on that plane that wasn't under stress that day; not the pilot, the rest of the crew, or any of the passengers. On the job, all of us must to do more with less and a veteran of twenty years should¿ve known better. As a passenger I wouldn't applaud that flight attendant.

The media donned this guy a working class hero. As a day in/day out working class grunt, I've had days when, after I hang up the phone on a user, I tell them off. But I only do this when the user can't hear me. I¿m always a professional.

There are hundreds of people right now who would love the job of this JetBlue veteran and would perform it with a smile. So I¿ve listed a few tips to help overcome job fatigue. Take a calm breath and read:

Remember the Excitement of that First Week?

Your first response to everything was, "Yes!" People were so glad to unload routine responsibilities and you were so glad to take them. After a while you settled into a routine.

Keep Learning

Even if a job becomes routine, it doesn't mean you need to be. You can always stretch your skills to something you find interesting. In fact, boredom or frustration should serve as an inspiration to start learning new IT skills that are trending. Find time to study new skills and/or attend classes. It's a luxury flight attendants don't get.

We're Blessed in IT

Reports show that IT is a growing industry in a very depressed economy. Most of us also enjoy upward mobility within our organization. If you solve problems, managers will want you around. A flight attendant can't work his way up to navigator.

Like that flight attendant, there are a lot of people who would like to take your job. So appreciate your job and then maybe you'll find moments you love it.

-- Dino Londis