The Reason Why You Can Burn Out Even If You Love Your Job

When you're dealing with burnout, it's easy to feel disconnected from the things that once motivated you in your career. You might feel like you're in a constant state of exhaustion, or perhaps you struggle to find meaning in your work.

If this sounds familiar, understanding the Motivation-Hygiene Theory might just help you regain clarity and move forward with purpose.

This theory, developed by psychologist Frederick Herzberg in the 1950s, is a useful framework for understanding what drives us in our work and what drains us. It can provide valuable insights into why burnout happens, and how you can restructure your career to avoid it in the future.

What is the Motivation-Hygiene theory?

Herzberg’s theory divides the factors that influence job satisfaction into two categories:

1. Motivators: These are the factors that lead to positive feelings and motivation. They inspire us to go above and beyond and find meaning in our work.

   • Examples: Achievement, recognition, personal growth, the nature of the work itself, and responsibility.

     
     

2. Hygiene factors: These are the factors that, if inadequate, lead to dissatisfaction or discomfort. While they don’t necessarily motivate us to excel, their absence can contribute to burnout.

   • Examples: Salary, job security, working conditions, a supportive boss, company policies, relationships with colleagues, and work-life balance.

     
     

How does this apply to burnout?

Burnout is often caused by an imbalance between the motivation factors and the hygiene factors in your career. You might feel like you're constantly striving for success, but without adequate hygiene factors (like rest, reasonable expectations, and healthy boundaries), this drive can quickly turn into exhaustion and disengagement.

It’s important to understand that while motivators can inspire us, they cannot compensate for a lack of hygiene factors. In other words, even if you love your work and feel passionate about your role, if you’re not taking care of your physical and mental well-being, burnout will likely follow.

Finding the right balance

Understanding the distinction between motivators and hygiene factors can help you take a more strategic approach to your career recovery. To truly rebuild your career after burnout, consider these steps:

1. Address the hygiene factors

   
   

   These might seem like "basic" needs, but they’re essential for a sustainable career. Ask yourself:

   • Are my working conditions supportive (both mentally and physically)?

   • Do I have a healthy work-life balance?

   • Are my workload and expectations realistic?

     
     

If any of these hygiene factors are lacking, addressing them first will create the foundation you need for motivation to flourish.

2. Refocus on motivators

   
   

   Burnout can dim your sense of achievement, purpose, and joy at work. To reignite your passion, reflect on what you truly value in your career. Ask yourself:

   • What aspects of my job excite me?

   • What do I feel proud of accomplishing?

   • What responsibilities do I want to take on that align with my strengths?

     
     

By identifying what motivates you, you can begin to realign your work with your intrinsic values and desires.

3. Preventative maintenance

   Once you have a clearer understanding of your motivators and hygiene factors, think about how you can implement these insights long-term. If you continue to prioritise both hygiene (boundaries, balance, self-care) and motivators (purpose, recognition, growth), you’re less likely to fall into burnout again.

   
   

Activity: Identifying your motivators and hygiene factors

Take 10 minutes to reflect on your current role by answering the following questions. Consider both your motivators and hygiene factors:

1. Motivators:

   • What parts of my job make me feel excited or accomplished?

   • What tasks do I look forward to or feel proud of?

   • What personal growth or learning opportunities would I like to pursue in my career?

     
     

2. Hygiene Factors:

   • What aspects of my job make me feel drained or frustrated?

   • Are my working conditions supportive of my well-being?

   • Do I feel my workload is manageable and my boundaries respected?

   
   

Once you've identified your motivators and hygiene factors, start making changes to improve the hygiene factors first, this will help create the space for your motivators to thrive again.

By understanding and addressing both motivators and hygiene factors, you can begin to recover from burnout and build a career that not only sustains you but also inspires you. The key is balance: nurture your motivation while ensuring your hygiene factors support a healthy, sustainable work life.

Understanding the balance between motivators and hygiene factors is a powerful step in rebuilding your career after burnout. If you’re ready to create a career that aligns with both your passions and your needs, I can support you in making sustainable changes.

Book a Breakthrough Session with me today, and let’s explore how you can create a career that nurtures both your motivation and your wellbeing. Together, we’ll develop a personalised plan for recovery and success.

Find out more and book a discovery call here.