Senior Nolan Datz was about to cry.

As an intern, he sat alone in a little corner of a workshop in front of a conveyor belt, ducts gathering in piles waiting to be glued together. The work was physically and mentally tiring, and the combined feelings of stress and loneliness had become too much.

He was burnt out.

According to the World Health Organization, burnout is a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been managed successfully. The effects of burnout can range from physical fatigue to depression and decreased self-worth. Burnout isn’t something to be prepared for, as even in enjoyable jobs, it can still find a way to affect them.

Datz was excited when he got an internship at a manufacturing facility last summer. He believed the internship would push him closer to his goal of welding. The day of the internship arrived and Datz could tell from the start it was going to be difficult.

“It was just a really degrading environment,“ Datz said. “The work and the type of job, it was just very abrasive, fast-paced and just a really mentally challenging environment.”

Datz continued to work at his internship for around a month before ultimately quitting due to the extra stress and mental tolls. The internship, while negative, helped Datz realize that welding wasn’t a career he wanted to pursue.

“I think my outlook has changed, I have more realistic expectations for myself as to what I can do and what I’m capable of,” Datz said.

While burnout brings excess stress and pressure to those affected by it, the jobs causing it still remain necessary in the lives of many students.

Senior Alexa Grubb’s burnout stems from working three jobs throughout the week. Grubb works as a host at Zero Gravity Jump Zone, a caretaker at Second Baptist, and as a babysitter whenever she isn’t working at her other jobs. Grubb typically works 15 to 25 hours a week. This, along with theater rehearsals after school, has left her with little time for herself.

Despite the lack of free time, Grubb keeps on working. Grubb’s jobs give her the money she needs to pay for her car. However, even without the money, Grubb said the experiences given to her by the jobs have made all the time and effort worth it.

“It can get tiring, but it’s pretty nice,” Grubb said. ”I want to major in elementary education, so all the experience with all the kiddos is really nice for me.”

A major reason that people continue to work through burnout is the money they receive from their jobs.

Even while being burnt out from working at Olive Garden, junior Tatum Holloway continues to work because of the money. Holloway started working at Olive Garden after being told by her mom to go out and get a job. Quickly after joining, burnout began to impact Holloway’s day-to-day life.

The strain of getting home at 11 p.m. and then starting homework had a noticeable impact on her schoolwork. Holloway’s grades started to drop. Despite this, Holloway is still committed to making money – going as far as picking up double shifts on the weekends and staying to close the restaurant whenever she can.

“Honestly, I don’t think I will quit for a while until I’m able to become a server because the pay’s good for my age,” Holloway said.

The mental strain burnout causes can be a lot to handle – even overwhelming at times; however, the experiences they bring still lead to positive growth.

“I don’t regret the experience I got,” Datz said, “but I regret the trauma it gave me.”

This story was originally published on KP Times on November 9, 2024.