Millennial Burnout Is Real. The Question Is: Do You Have It?
We want to do it all. At what cost?
We want to do it all—but what happens if doing it all drives us to a place where we can't get anything done?
Millennials are not invincible—but we love to tell ourselves we are. I recall multiple occasions when concerned friends and family members warned me, "Careful you don't burn out!" And I recall as many occasions when I just shrugged it off before heading to my next commitment.
For most millennials, it starts in high school when you’re expected to take on countless extracurriculars. College is no breeze, but you get through it with the grades your parents expect and with a smattering of internships you somehow tuck between classes. Your friends are right there with you, juggling it all and joking that “overworked” is the new “normal.”
But then there’s adulthood.
I dove head-first into my first job while handling two apartment moves, a hectic social life, and then—because I wasn’t stressed enough—I took on additional volunteer work. My high school and college self could handle juggling, but I quickly realized I hadn’t accounted for the real world pressures of independence and a competitive work environment.
The trouble with burnout is that it strikes when you least expect it. You're overworked, overstimulated, and striving for excellence in a world that sets the bar high. And as a millennial, you’re setting your own bar even higher.
“The trouble with burnout is that it strikes when you least expect it.”
We know ourselves better than anyone, yet we internalize societal pressures and put aside our needs. We want to strengthen our personal brand, maintain an active social life, all while striving for that sweet work-life balance—when balance means we just sort of never stop working.
We. Are. Tired.
And who can blame us? Fortunately, though, we can change that. Here are signs you’re nearing burnout and some ways to stop it before it happens.
SIGN 1: Someone asks what’s most important in your life and your answer is ‘everything.’
We want to do it all. But what happens if doing it all means sacrificing healthy sleeping and eating habits? Not worth it.
You know the word “prioritize,” but a lot of millennials struggle with the concept. There's so much to do, and in the Digital Age, it feels like everything needs to be done immediately. Ever have someone give you a hard time about not texting them back immediately? I hate to break it to you, but you can’t do it all at the same time. You’ll burn yourself out, guaranteed.
SOLUTION: SLOW DOWN + STREAMLINE
I say it's time to cut some of the dead weight. Start by taking a look at your schedule for the next week. Is there anything you'll be doing that fills you with dread? See if there's a way to maneuver yourself out of it. Our entrepreneurial tendencies mean we often say “yes” to every opportunity. But people will be supportive of your need to take a step back. Be honest about your concerns, say no, then stick to it.
Next, try making a to-do list. It may seem archaic, but listing out what needs to be done per day and then checking those items off your list can give you a great sense of accomplishment. It will also allow you to visualize what’s most important and what can be left for another day.
SIGN 2: You panic if you leave your iPhone (and thus instagram) at home
As millennials, we've been raised with limitless information and countless ways to communicate. We’re encouraged to build our identities on social media, reinforcing our public image with well-edited photos of party going and staged selfies. That’s a lot of pressure, and it’s time consuming. Suddenly, the need to share means we’re permanently plugged into our devices.
SOLUTION: DON'T GIVE IN TO THE PRESSURE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Remember that you exist in the present and that person is enough. If your work life isn’t contingent on your social presence (meaning you’re not working as a social media marketer), reevaluate your participation on social platforms.
How often are you pulling up Twitter or Instagram to share? Try actually counting how many times a day you open the app. The results might be staggering, but you’ll have to face your problem honestly.
That time can be better spent sleeping, cooking healthy meals, or exercising. Yes, these options may initially seem less appealing (thanks to social media, too many of us have no sense of how to be alone), but they can drastically improve your overall health and energy levels.
Put your phone in another room before you go to bed so you won’t be tempted to check it in the middle of the night or immediately when you wake up.
Consider committing to only checking Instagram (or Twitter or Facebook) once a day.
Disable your push notifications. They’re both tempting and distracting. You’ll be more productive without them.
The next time you plan a fun activity or take a trip, commit to not photographing it. Instead, just focus on enjoying it.
SIGN 3: You know your body needs a quiet night in, but when friends text, you wind up going for yet another night out. that’s five days in a row.
This may seem like an obvious point, but we often forget to take care of ourselves. We get a text from a friend asking to meet for dinner as the workday comes to an end. Instead of heading home to get an early night’s rest, we talk ourselves into meeting for happy hour and feel pressured into the next bar or restaurant down the street.
SOLUTION: MANAGE EXPECTATIONS AND PRACTICE SAYING “NO”
It’s difficult to tell your friend no because you want to sleep. Chances are, they’ll put on the pressure and make a few jokes at your expense. But that extra time for self-care is crucial to avoid burnout. You will miss many more happy hours if you’re completely exhausted, depressed, stressed, or even physically ill. As hard as it may be to make time for it, self-care is crucial.
If you’re like most millennials, you may need to actually schedule your nights in so you don’t make plans on top of them. Put them on your calendar and stick to them.
Consider limiting drinking to weekends. Late nights are exhausting, but you’ll only feel more run-down if you’re dehydrated and hungover.
For the friends who tend to pressure, make advanced plans and offer them the specific days you’re available. Then they won’t expect you to text on the nights you’re not.
Single? Delete your dating apps. If you’re feeling frantic and exhausted, you’re not going to be your interesting self anyway. Make your self-care your priority until things calm down. Trust us, Tinder will be there when you get back.
Whether you’re on the cusp or already drowning in a pool of burnout, it’s never too late to take your life into your hands. Reflect on how you got to where you are, cut yourself some slack, then use our tips to get back on track. As millennials, we hate the thought but: sometimes we need to take a step back to move forward.
Do you think millennial burnout is a real thing? Why or why not? Chime in below.
An original version of this article appeared on Career Contessa.
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Rock the Vote President Says Young Female Voters Are Louder Than Ever
From equal pay to reproductive rights.
This November marks one of the most historic elections. Ever. Not only did Hillary Clinton make history when she secured the win as the first female nominated by a major political party for President, but Millennials, the biggest and most diverse generation the United States has ever seen are primed to be a driving force at the polls. In 2008 and 2012, voters under 30 were a crucial piece of winning the presidential election. They stand to make the same impact this election year.
It's something that Rock the Vote, the non-profit, nonpartisan organization committed to galvanizing youth to vote has been encouraging since 1990.
It was 26 years ago when a bikini-clad Madonna motivated generation MTV to vote. Wrapped in an American flag and rapping about former Presidents Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, she delivered the first PSA for Rock the Vote.
Today, according to Rock the Vote, the diversity of Millennials is not simply reflected in age, background, ability or race, but in the way Gen M approached problems, finds opportunities and envisions the future. 80 million strong, it is a generation that wants a better, more just future for all. Young women are a driving force behind that vision. According to RtV "anyone who ignores the importance of young women in this election, does so at their own peril."
"Anyone who ignores the importance of young women in this election, does so at their own peril."
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In a poll released earlier this month with Rock the Vote's partner USA Today, they found that 73% of women between 18 and 34 strongly disagree with banning an entire religious group from entering to the United States. They've also found young women across the country who are engaged in issues that matter to them, like defending access to reproductive rights, reforming the criminal justice system, and securing equal pay.
Young women are poised to make a big difference in the world by voting for candidates who will elevate the issues they care about across every office, not just President. It's why Create & Cultivate has teamed up with Rock the Vote. From encouraging young women to register to talking about issues that matter most, we asked Rock the Vote President, Carolyn DeWitt about the importance of this election, the power of the vote, and a generation that's only getting stronger.
Why is it important for Rock the Vote to be at Create & Cultivate?
It’s so important for us because we know that young women are some of the most passionate and engaged people in this country. Young women are playing a more vocal role than ever before in their families, communities, politics, business and across every facet of American life. Create & Cultivate is a place for young women to come together and learn how to carve out a life for ourselves that makes us proud. At Rock the Vote, we know that participating in elections is also a way, one of the most important ways, that women can shape our futures.
What kind of galvanization have you seen from young women this election cycle?
Young women are getting louder about the issues we know affect our lives. From demanding equal pay for equal work, pushing back against sexism and defending our access to reproductive rights, this election cycle has been one where women are speaking truth to the powers that be. We may want different things, we may have different visions of where we want to be in life, but we are empowered to fight for it and we are only getting stronger.
What do you think a female POTUS would do for the future of our country?
This is a really big milestone for our country—one that has been long overdue. Across the globe, we currently have a record number of female world leaders. This is important because women often approach challenges differently and are often more likely to consider the direct impact of policies on women. But more than that, we are seeing that issues are the driving force behind engagement in elections. Young women are becoming more independent. We want to go to college and not experience crushing debt. We want to get paid what we’re worth in the workplace. We want to turn the tide on climate change and leave for our kids and grandkids an environment that is healthy. No matter who is president come November, we are going to keep fighting for these issues.
"Young women are becoming more independent. We want to get paid what we’re worth in the workplace."
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Do you remember the first time you voted and what that feeling was like?
The first time I was eligible to vote in an election, I was living in Kenya. It was a midterm election. I wasn’t particularly interested in politics; in fact, I would say I was completely turned off by politics. But, I had seen the impact of democracy and the power those in office had over their country and its people. I witnessed that the right to vote, especially free from intimidation was something I had that those around me didn’t. I had visited countries and knew people who had died fighting for a democratic system. I couldn’t take that right for granted. I went to the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and completed an absentee ballot.
Why is this election so important for young women?
There is a lot at stake this election. It’s easy to forget how far women have come in the last few decades and that it wasn’t that long ago that women didn’t have rights over their bodies, protection against domestic violence or harassment in the workplace or equality in places of education, including school athletics. This election, we’re not only fighting for progress, but we’re also fighting against regression. We are more independent and stronger than ever, but there is still work to be done from access to reproductive rights to equal pay. We are also more likely to play active roles as advocates for our families, our friends, and our communities and will fight for the issues that impact the lives closest to us. We know that when we work together we can change the course of our country and build an inclusive system that works for all of us.
"When we work together we can change the course of our country and build an inclusive system that works for all of us."
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What have you seen and learned as a business woman that you can share with our audience?
I’m so grateful that I have had the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today, leading Rock the Vote during this critical time in our nation’s history. I have experienced the democratic process here at home and abroad, in an effort to build more just and equitable institutions. When I was in South Africa, I met with various leaders who helped end apartheid and set up a democratic state and the victims who were imprisoned under apartheid. In Kenya, I was part of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission to build a more democratic state. As an adult, I’ve been the primary advocate and caretaker to a family member with disabilities. Whether as a mother, daughter, sister, neighbor, or employer we often play the role of caretaker and advocate for those in our lives. To me, that means it’s even more critical that we use our voice to express our values in the democratic process. I will always be working to build and protect democracies and fighting for a political system that welcomes everyone’s perspective.
To register and Rock the Vote click here.
Share why you're voting this election in the comments below!
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The RealReal Is Changing the Way Millennials Shop
Real Women, Real Style. Real freaking Real.
For the modern career woman, a wardrobe that works for her is clutch. If she also happens to have a Proenza Schouler lunch clutch for afternoon power meetings, all the better. But the woman who thinks she doesn’t have the salary to fund a Saint Laurent wardrobe, should think again. Because though you might not be in the position (yet) to ask for a promotion, you can give one to your wardrobe.
So how does one craft a closet that keeps up with fashion and doesn’t break the bank? It’s RealReal simple.
The RealReal is the must-shop luxury consignment site, offering the largest selection of pre-owned items across women's and men's fashion, fine jewelry, art, and home. With 4.5 million members, it's quite literally the real deal, it’s changing the way modern millennials are approaching fashion.
THE NEW, SMART WAY TO SPEND
Forget fast fashion, this is smart shopping. With items up to 90% off retail, the first thing you can do is fill your wardrobe with 7 key items that never go out of style.
For under $1,000 dollars you can nab these essentials for spring and summer: Frame Denim, Equipment Silk Button-Down, 3.1 Phillip Lim Straight Leg Pant, Stella McCartney Blazer, Elizabeth and James Long Vest, Loeffler Randall Textured Leather Ankle Boot, Raquel Allegra Tee.
These are basics that you will wind up replacing far less than those inexpensive items that tend to get ruined quickly.
We also tend to take better care of clothing that we know is worth more, and won’t fall apart in after a couple of wears. The bonus is, you won’t be playing host to a hoard of knock-off, inexpensive pieces taking up coveted space in your closet.
WHY IT MAKES THE MOST SENSE TO CONSIGN
The RealReal makes the consignment process so incredibly streamlined for a busy working woman. No lugging an old IKEA bag full of clothes you no longer want to a shop.
You can choose free in-home pickup or free shipping, and the turnaround is fast. Priced-to-sell, items are photographed and merchandised and typically sold within 3 days.
Which means you can:
GIVE YOUR BOSS SERIOUS WARDROBE ENVY
She might even start to wonder if she’s paying you too much. (She’s not.) Swapping out your clothes is like borrowing from a besties closet. If you replace two items per month, instead of stockpiling clothes you end up donating, you end up saving money by seemingly splurging.
Sellers receive up to 70% of sales, which means you can turn that right around and invest in a new piece. Like that Chanel Boy Bag you have both eyes firmly fixed on.
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Listen Up: 5 of Our Favorite Podcasts
The last few days here in Los Angeles have been super hot. The kind of hot that makes even the smallest task seem complicated, sweaty and entirely un-doable. We've been passing the time by cracking non-stop cans of Lacroix, sitting in front of a cranked-to-the-max AC and listening to podcasts. Here, five favorites that are helping us keep our cool.
The last few days here in Los Angeles have been super hot. The kind of hot that makes even the smallest task seem complicated, sweaty and entirely un-doable. We've been passing the time by cracking non-stop cans of Lacroix, sitting in front of a cranked-to-the-max AC and listening to podcasts. Here, five favorites that are helping us keep our cool.
99 Percent Invisible
Based out of Oakland, 99 Percent Invisible was created and is hosted by Roman Mars, a radio veteran with an impossibly cool name. Ostensibly, design is the thread that runs through each episode, but the topics are far-flung and anchored around interesting stories, complex personalities and objects you might be familiar with, but have never really thought about.
Favorite episodes: The Mystery House, Palm Reading, PDX Carpet
Reply-All
A podcast about something near and dear to our hearts: the internet. Dun-dun-duh! But rather than only discussing trends and technological advances, Reply-All looks at how people use the internet and unearths often hilarious, often heartbreaking stories, about how the internet permeates our lives.
Favorite episodes: Craigslist, Jennicam Revisited, The Man Who Refused to Email
Millennial
As the title suggests, this podcast is about being in your '20s and all the good—and bad—times that come with it. Host Megan Tan recants her millennial struggles in real time, and whether she's listening to Jay-Z to hype herself up while applying to jobs or laying bare the truth that going after your dreams isn't always sexy, the show is nonstop 'I've been there' moments.
Favorite Episodes: Brunchies, Nothing To Lose
Rerun
Though it's only three episodes old, Rerun has the potential to become one of our go-tos, as it's a cannonball into the nostalgia pool. In each episode, Buzzfeed Executive Editor Doree Shafrir taps a special guest to rehash and discuss a special episode of a classic (think classically trashy or classically nostalgic) television show. So far, they're batting 1000 with Freaks and Geeks (co-hosted by Tavi Gevinson, no less), Daria and America's Next Top Model.
Call Your Girlfriend
Billed as "a podcast for long distances besties everywhere," Call Your Girlfriend is girl talk of the highest order. You want reviews about period underwear? They've got it! What if you don't care about underwear, but really want a review of the Taylor Swift tour? Well, they've got that too. Hosted by two of our favorite ladies on the internet, Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow, this is like chatting it up with your BFFs—who just happen to know everything.
Favorite episodes: Appropriate Emoji, Comfortably Chic,
Did we miss any that you love? We want to know! Let us know what you've been listening to in the comments below and we'll check 'em out.