I'm feeling burned out.

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by SurfDoctor, May 19, 2012.

Loading...
  1. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I have always enjoyed my online courses but recently I am feeling really tired and I'm losing the joy of learning, so it's becoming a drudgery. I'm over half way through an EdD program and I'm thinking about taking some time off. My school offers an EdS degree as a half-way point in the doctoral program and I may bail out with that. Not sure what I'm going to do at this point. Think I'll take the rest of the summer off at the very least.

    Has anyone else faced burn-out in their classes? If so, what did you do? How did you revitalize yourself?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 20, 2012
  2. Koolcypher

    Koolcypher Member

    I know the feeling brother, I feel your pain :crazy::Eyecrazy: I was like that last year, I wanted to bail out of my program, being in the military is no big plus either. I was at a tipping point, my military career was coming to an end, I was ready to PCS (move to another location), looking for a new job, dealing with family, plus school, the stress was just overwhelming. So I took some time off, my family and I took a much needed vacation. We decided to travel to Nicaragua, my wife and I decided to leave all of our technological gadgets behind, no laptops, no cell phones, no ipads, ipods, nor any portable video games for our son. We all decided to take a favorite book each. An off we went, we had a wonderful time, we rented a cabin, went hunting, went fishing, horse back riding, and most importantly of all, we reconnected as a family. At first we were worried about our son not liking the trip, he is 8 years old. Also, we were worried that we were completely disconnecting ourselves from the grid sort-of-speak. Let me tell you, it was worth it, I felt so recharged and being away from it all gave me a new sense of purpose and direction, I realized that I needed the time off to connect with my family, we had a blast. I'm not saying take off and go to a third-world country. However, I do recommend some time off from it all.

    Go camping, surfing, anywhere were you are limited to technology, it feels weird at first, it is a creepy feeling, the technological withdrawal is crazy. However, after a couple of days, you will not miss it, trust me. Once we got back, I felt energized, and ready to tackle anything. I was able to finish school ( I was taking classes simultaneous at Chatham and Northwestern :Eyecrazy:), move, get a new job, and so on. However, I would not have been able to accomplish all of this had I not taken the time off. Sometimes, we are too focused on whatever it is that we are doing that we forget to slow down, to take it easy, stop and smell the roses (sorry for the cliche), but it is true. Take the summer off, relax, play, recharge and most importantly have fun with your family. Take care, hang in there brother. :yup:
     
  3. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Yes, that sounds awesome. I just recently made plans to go on a kayaking trip around Santa Cruz Island this summer. It's only for a weekend though, now you've got me thinking I should extend the trip a bit.
     
  4. Julie1014

    Julie1014 New Member

    Sounds wonderful! Enjoy. Burnout sucks, especially when it comes to something you typically enjoy. It sounds like some type of break is in order, at least for the summer. Last year I was under tremendous stress, and I went on a meditation retreat for the weekend by myself. It was the best! Good luck to you, whatever you decide!:smile:
     
  5. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Been there but I was near the end and just pushed through. If I would have been at mid-point, I would have taken a break!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 20, 2012
  6. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    No. You are losing the joy of programmatic learning, which isn't quite the same thing. No fears, man, you are a lifetime member of Nerds R Us :wave:

    I think you know exactly what you need, and that is some long overdue rest.
     
  7. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I think you are right. Thanks for that.

    Here is the true test of a nerd: Do you know what gagh is without looking it up online? If you do, you are a true member of the inner circle of nerds.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 20, 2012
  8. ryoder

    ryoder New Member

    It is nice to have the EdS option isn't it?
    I too am "burning out". Its just not as desirable of a goal as it used to be and the cost is the biggest part of it. I realized that I not only like to learn, but I like to complete courses fast. Now that I have to go slow to maximize reimbursement, I have lost the thrill of taking a day off of work and working all weekend to power through coursework. It seems I have two speeds, full throttle and idle.
     
  9. KLite

    KLite New Member

    I bailed out of a PhD program only to enrol in another one (different university, different committee, different topic, but same field) a few months later. One year on, I'm still feeling motivated about my course mainly because my committee has been extremely helpful and patient with me.

    So my two cents is this: think of the underlying causes that is making you feel this way. If its just a break you need, go for it and then get your bum back on working your EdD. If its some other deeper seated factors, then you may want to reconsider your options.
     
  10. RevPeter

    RevPeter Member

    Part way through both my MPhil and DMin I faced total burnout. In the MPhil I very nearly bailed with a higher diploma (basically equivalent to half the programme), but in the end I decided to work as hard and fast as I could to get it done. In the DMin I took a few months off mid programme, then worked really hard to finish a few courses quickly. Once I could see the ABD line in sight it gave me encouragement to press on. When I was into my final course it was a freewheel to the end.
     
  11. DxD=D^2

    DxD=D^2 Member


    Hi SurfDoctor,

    I can relate to you. Honestly, I think what it is, is the fact that you and I are both doing back to back semesters w/o a break in between. I a break will be beneficial for you, and me. From time to time, I take a few days off to regather my senses but I keep pushing forward. I know that there are a lot of stresses with education. I am the not fastest reader so my stress is comes when I have read a large amount of pages to cover one module's assignments for the week. But just keep it up, keep fighting, keep pushing yourself! Don't settle for second best! You're more than a conqueror... You can do it! Rely on the strength to keep you through it!

    "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." - 1 Corinthians 9:24

    P.S. I'll PM you.
     
  12. graymatter

    graymatter Member

    I took off a full year after the suicide of my best friend (long story). When I returned, I almost got pinched because the next course date fell after the 365 day mark. I had to meet with the Dean who told me he would waive the need to reapply, etc. In the end, the registrar required that I reapply (though I didn't have to pay a fee) and I still have an uneasy feeling that I'll be walking up to get my diploma and they'll tell me that I'm one course short (because a required course I took was changed to an elective with another course put in its place while I was "out.")

    In the end, I'm glad that I took the time off (though I'd be Dr. by now if I hadn't).

    ABD for the 3rd semester. Feeling burned-out even today. ;)
     
  13. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Thanks for that. I'm thinking that, if I'm feeling burned out just taking the classes, I may not have the stamina to do the actual work of a doctorate, which is the dissertation.
     
  14. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Surf Doctor, I feel your pain my friend. I find myself in a similar situation where I'm in my 4th year of continuously going to school with no breaks other than the holiday break in December, and it's starting to get to me. I have a residency scheduled for early next month that I'm hoping will give me the boot in the ass I need to re-charge the batteries, because I surely need it at this point.

    One strategy I've found that helps is to designate one day per week as "school free" day, where you don't think about school, don't discuss school, and especially don't log in to your online classroom. Spend the day with family, with friends, with yourself all alone if you want. Take naps all day, watch TV, go people watching, get drunk, whatever it takes to get your mind off of school.

    Then, the next day, it's back to the grind. :dead1:
     
  15. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    That is a really good idea. I have been working for so many days straight without a break that I honestly can't tell you when I have taken an entire day just to goof around. I have gone mountain biking a few times but have worked before and after. Day off.....hmmm...what a concept.
     

Share This Page