I am 36 and have been working and studying (minus maternity leaves) since I left university. I have always been good at what I do, gained good (doctoral) qualifications and been full of energy and enthusiasm for my work. It is intellectually and emotionally challenging but I have always enjoyed the job and feel that I have made a success of my career so far.
In the past couple of years I have established my own practice and have pursued other qualifications. This has been on top of looking after my daughter and my son (2) who has been quite unwell (in and out of hospital). My husband works in the City (70+ hours per week) but we have good childcare and I've always coped well.
Over the last couple of weeks I've been under the weather but I've also started to feel what I think might be 'burnout'. It's not stress, I don't feel stressed at all and I don't feel depressed. I just feel like I don't really care about work (like 'ennui'), I just want to be at home and I am struggling to think clearly (and write an assignment, answer phone messages etc.). I assumed it was a bit of SAD, but the recent sunny weather, although it has cheered me up has not reignited my enthusiasm at all. To be honest, if someone told me I could walk away from it all and spend a week in the park reading a book, I'd say 'yes please!'
This feeling is completely alien to me. I am normally very enthused and focused about work. Does it sound like burnout or am I making a meal out of nothing. And if it is then, help, what do I do?!