Why Starting a Career Is So Exhausting and How to Cope
This article from DER SPIEGEL's 'Startklar' newsletter addresses the profound exhaustion frequently experienced by individuals entering the professional workforce. Author Markus Sutera highlights a common paradox where new employees return home completely drained, collapsing on the sofa only to find that this passive rest fails to recharge them. The piece features insights from industrial psychologist Romana Dreyer, who explains that when people are truly exhausted, they tend to choose activities that appear comfortable rather than those that genuinely restore energy. Dreyer argues that starting a career is particularly energy-intensive due to the mental load of adapting to new environments and expectations. The article recommends small, daily routines as effective strategies to clear the mind and regain control over leisure time. It serves as a guide for both job starters and experienced professionals who struggle to switch off after work. By understanding the psychological mechanisms behind workplace fatigue, readers can adopt better work-life balance practices. The text emphasizes that active recovery methods are often more beneficial than passive inactivity, helping young professionals maintain their well-being while navigating the demanding early stages of their careers.
Wire timeline
Why Starting a Career Is So Exhausting and How to Cope
This article from DER SPIEGEL's 'Startklar' newsletter addresses the profound exhaustion frequently experienced by individuals entering the professional workforce. Author Markus Sutera highlights a common paradox where new employees return home completely drained, collapsing on the sofa only to find that this passive rest fails to recharge them. The piece features insights from industrial psychologist Romana Dreyer, who explains that when people are truly exhausted, they tend to choose activities that appear comfortable rather than those that genuinely restore energy. Dreyer argues that starting a career is particularly energy-intensive due to the mental load of adapting to new environments and expectations. The article recommends small, daily routines as effective strategies to clear the mind and regain control over leisure time. It serves as a guide for both job starters and experienced professionals who struggle to switch off after work. By understanding the psychological mechanisms behind workplace fatigue, readers can adopt better work-life balance practices. The text emphasizes that active recovery methods are often more beneficial than passive inactivity, helping young professionals maintain their well-being while navigating the demanding early stages of their careers.
spiegel