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Have any of you ever gone through this? I am taking a US history course on the Early Republic, it is interesting, but my motivation is about a 1 or 2 on a scale of 1-10. I am only going to school PT but I have been, other than a month off here and there, going continuously. Taking some time off doesn't seem justified, but maybe I need it. I even feel like taking a break from the Greek tutor as well.Maybe it's the heat. Any advice would be appreciated.
Take a rest 🙂http://nymag.com/news/features/24757/ Stress vs. Burnout Stress Burnout Characterized by overengagement Characterized by disengagement Emotions are overreactive Emotions are blunted Produces urgency and hyperactivity Produces helplessness and hopelessness Loss of energy Loss of motivation, ideals, and hope Leads to anxiety disorders Leads to detachment and depression Primary damage is physical Primary damage is emotional May kill you prematurely May make life seem not worth living
Ski, why wouldn't it be justified? I think if you feel burnt out, you should take a break. Put your mind on something else. When I was getting my masters over the past few years I took classes in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters continually for about three years, but I never took more than two courses per semester. It wa more fun that way to pace myself and I didn't get overloaded with the “academic” side of learning. I am a big believer that school work is more enjoyable and productive when your schedule allows you to go at an easy pace.
It'll take me a while to get my degree at one or two classes at a time, but like already stated, I can see getting burnt and stressed out real quick. If you aren't in a hurry, take a break. If you are in a hurry, evaluate WHY you are in such a hurry and would that justification warrant the burn out that would result.
Good responses, thanks!Aeth - I was wondering if was stress or depression. If depression, then I wouldn't be interested in anything. The problem is my priorities (as of right now) are changed.Phid - I say it's not justified because I'm only going part time and take one course at a time (except for a few times). But then again, I can count this Greek language as another course.Notch - I thnk you hit an important point. My original thinking was to get this done as quickly as possible, and bust my you know what until complete. I have been asking myself what's the rush. If it takes a year or year and a half longer than I origianlly planned, then so what?My "problem" now is that I'm on this major health kick. I can spend 2 hrs a day in a gym no problem, but struggle to read or study beyond 90 minutes or 2 hours. I could have finished an assignment that's due today, but no. I went to the gym instead because that's my priority. I'll finish the assignment later tonight. I need a break, I'm just afraid that the break may last a long time and what if in a month or two I still feel unmotivated? Good thing I'm over half way done, because I would feel like it is a total waste if I stop now. I can't stop or quit. I have to finish it, but I would like my motivation (for school) back.
I got burned out too, and had to step away from it (and I was almost done!)I have come to understand that there is no need to rush. What do you gain by rushing? Nothing. It will always be there when you get back to it. Just don't beat yourself up over it if you do decide to take a break....and don't take too long a break either because it will be harder to get back at it.
I think people get burned out doing pretty much anything, including things which one loves to do. It's just what happens. I think it's best to remind oneself why you got into it in the first place. Also, having some larger goal in mind can be motivating.I also think that being a perfectionist in any field is a good recipe for burn-out.Ski, sounds like it might be time for you to plan that trip to Greece pretty soon, if you haven't so already. That could put your studies in a whole new light and take your mind off the grind of academic work.
I think with school I'm thinking too much of the larger goal instead of focusing on what needs to be done now. I'm thinking too much of the graduate degree in Greek history I'd like to get, rather than the US history course I need to do now. I can't really afford Greece right now and I'm not so sure I want to go there with all the problems they are having. If public transportation goes on strike, I'll be in trouble. I could use a vacation elsewhere though. Maybe somewhere in the US, like Yosemite or LA or Nashville.
I too got burnt out on school late last year. I took a month off of school and essentially just wasted my time and avoided history except for this forum. I am actually doing the same thing right now before I start writing my Thesis. I went to school pretty much non-stop, except for a month when I moved to Europe, for the past five years. I am taking a two month break right now and then will push through to the end. I would suggest you do the same. If school is not fun, whats the point? It's not like any of us are really going to school except for the fact that we love history. If you push yourself too hard you may start to hate it. It could also be that the current class you are taking just does not pique your interest as much. I had that problem when I took my Enlightenment course, I would not have taken except it was a core requirement.Take a break, even four weeks will make a world of difference. I feel you, sometimes it just gets old and other things seem like a more important use of your time. Just remember what you want to accomplish and remember to take time for yourself as well. The old adage is true that "all work and no play makes johnny a dull boy."
I ended up with an A- in the US Early Republic class. Not bad considering my attitude the past month or so. :-Now I have 2 months off!! Woohoo! Started reading The Peloponnesian War by Donald Kagan. It's really good so far, and I like his writing style a lot (either that, or it's because it's an incredibly interesting topic)
So, whatever happened to that much needed break from history? 😉Congrats on the grade. You don't need to get perfect grades in all your classes...just do your best and weather through the classes that aren't totally up your alley.
