Dear Bob ...I need some advice. My effectiveness is not 100% at the moment in my work. I believe I am suffering from what is called burnout from a long 2006. Now I am at a cross roads in thinking, which is how to distinguish 'burnout' from demotivation. And how do I handle either of them more effectively in the workplace?- CrispyDear Crispy ...According to various sources, burnout has a formal definition: "An ex Dear Bob …I need some advice. My effectiveness is not 100% at the moment in my work. I believe I am suffering from what is called burnout from a long 2006. Now I am at a cross roads in thinking, which is how to distinguish ‘burnout’ from demotivation. And how do I handle either of them more effectively in the workplace?– Crispy Dear Crispy …According to various sources, burnout has a formal definition: “An extreme emotional state characterized by emotional exhaustion, a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, and cynicism.” Not sure if you’re all the way there, or if you’re in the sort of less-extreme state many of us experience from time to time, which consists of, “I’m tired of this nonsense and can’t figure out why I’d want to work so hard.”While I’m certainly not an expert (and if you’re seriously concerned you should consult a professional psychologist), here’s what I’d consider to be a fairly reliable test: Tomorrow, see if you’re capable of putting in an intense, productive workday. If you can, then you’re de-motivated. If you can’t, then you’re suffering from some level of burnout. How do you handle them? If it’s burnout, I think you need to spend some time with a professional to help you get on track. True burnout has (I think) quite a bit in common with depression – it’s in control of you and you need to find a way clear of it. If you’re simply stressed and demotivated, it probably means you’re working in an environment in which you don’t think you can succeed.If that’s the case, you need to make some changes. If the reason you can’t succeed is because you lack some of the skills required for success, talk to your manager about what it will take to acquire them – training, coaching, appropriate books or whatever. If the reason is that the job is structured in such a way that success isn’t possible (or is only possible through ridiculous heroics, like perpetual 80-hour work weeks) then you need to find a different job in which you can succeed.I hope this helps. Good luck. – Bob Technology Industry