Young CA Dies from Work Pressure: How to Avoid Burnout?

Ans:

Dear Dinesh,

I understand you are overloaded, like many people in the corporate world.

The first step to streamline your work is to clearly list down the tasks that you do and how much time it takes.

Then sit with your manager and explain to him the support you want from the management in terms of resources like manpower, online system, etc.

You are a valuable resource and if you can systematically explain the situation, then I am sure you will be heard and allocated resources to optimally carry out the critical tasks related to ESH of your organisation.

Many of the ESH activities are legal requirements, so the company will definitely support you.

 

Ans: Dear SK, I can only imagine the agony that you are going through and I have been coaching many people on this since the time the lockdown began.

None of us knew what the Pandemic would mean and what it would do to our businesses or work or home. It has managed to create new situations that we have no idea of how to handle.

This has caused a lot of anxiety and strain and we have perhaps begun to imagine the worst.

But what if I tell you that the situation is changing and so will the situation at your office?

Will you be inclined to believe that?

Even the top management is behaving in a wayward manner as this is all new to them; especially working from home for many and not much facetime which I guess as a Sales guy you are used to.

Since the response from the markets are not so good, it is bound to show up as a poor performance on your record, this is a valid concern…but to go into work, everyday keeping this in mind may not be effective even with the smallest of tasks as the anxiety keeps you on the edge not doing much but worrying to save your job.

Also, what happened to your colleague may not happen to you. So why focus all your energies on something that may not happen?

Instead, simply focus on ‘realistic’ targets that are achievable at this time.

Also, since you have joined only early this year, I do feel, it is imperative for you to know really your hierarchy and reporting structure. If there are conflicts at the top and you are bearing the brunt, either you need to roll up your sleeves and ace the politics that possibly others are facing too or simply do what you can.

Step back and observe what is going on and for this, you need to be a little calm to understand the WHY of 4 bosses!

It may all but be an imagined stress and it might just need a bit of a tweak to be in a better rapport with each of them.

Sometimes, what is little, becomes big in the mind as it is cluttered with a lot of if and buts with either lack of information or simply creating stories out of apprehensions and fears.

Please take care of your health and this helps keeping the mind in a better space to deal with what is going on.

Ultimately, tell yourself: “NOTHING IS WORTH STRESSING OVER SO MUCH. Everything falls into place, once I take charge!”

Take charge and take care of your health. Best wishes.

Ans: It sounds like you are experiencing burnout from your job, which can be a serious issue if left unaddressed. Here are some steps you can take to help manage your situation:

Take a break: If possible, take some time off work to recharge and focus on self-care. Even a short break can help you feel refreshed and more motivated to tackle your job responsibilities.

Set boundaries: It's important to establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Try to limit working outside of regular hours and avoid checking emails or taking work calls during your free time.

Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend or family member about your situation. Sometimes just having someone to listen and offer support can make a big difference.

Find ways to cope with stress: Consider incorporating stress-reducing activities into your daily routine, such as meditation, exercise, or spending time in nature.

Explore career options: While finding a new job may be difficult in your field right now, it's important to consider your long-term career goals and explore other options that may be available to you.

Consider seeking professional help: If you continue to struggle with burnout, it may be helpful to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who can offer additional support and guidance.

Remember, burnout is a serious issue that can have negative effects on your mental and physical health. It's important to take steps to address it and prioritize your well-being.

Ans: Dear ,

You have raised a valid point which most of the young professionals are passing through.
What a paradox in Indian context ?
At one hand,. public sector companies do have quite liberal working conditions and virtually no direct accountability to push your stress level to that high of opting for ending life., whereas in most private or proprietorship companies , right from reaching office in time to achieving the set objectives days after days , months after months which keep on increasing.

There is limit of tolerance of abusive behaviur or working styles , hence many find ways to move to other comanpies, some quit the job , some move out to other industries .

There are many companies or companies from different sectors , why only talk about EY , I can give true exampples of BFSI /NBFCs/Telecom/ Industrial products companies / Real Estate cos/ FMCG/FMCD/Pharma cos where many professionals avoid to opt for even when they are offered high packages.
Reason, - High work pressure , abusive work conditions , Job Uncertainity , worst approach of top management where you are treated like slavesif you fail to achieve your assigned tasks or objectives which is also called target..
However taking own life as this CA at EY did was really heartwrenching . Moreso the approach of the management .
After all a young talented girl . lost her life due to work pressure as mentiioned in her notes. To be honest , no one attending funeral from management side is not normal .

In most cases some one from management side representsor send their condolences .

There are good companies who even clear the dues and add ex gratia amount from their side so that family doesn't suffer financially . I have seen some companies offering job to another member of the family too. .

May be, in this case , due to legal complications, Sr managers avoided attending the funeral .

As far as my advice to young professionals is concerned - Be bold , take challenges as part of your life and when you feel . it is crossing your limits , You must expose the truth to top management as many a times , putting so much pressure on young professionals are the handiworks of Line managers or HR managers , which top management might not be aware about .

She being a CA should not have any issues in finding another good paying job or even joining any CA firm as Sr manager taxation or in auditing could have not difficult. She should have fought back.

You must have seen many Army /Police /CISF or Bank professionals commit suicide under work pressure which is really painful . One should fight back or find better options available than ending own life. Remember Tough times never last but tough people do. Thanks