How close are you to burnout?
Tired in a way weekends don't fix, cynical, unrewarded: 12 questions to find out where you really stand.
What you'll discover
- ●Which of the 4 zones you're in, from balanced to running on empty
- ●How exhaustion, detachment and loss of effectiveness show up in you
- ●The first three concrete moves to get your energy back (and when to ask for help)
Possible results
- In BalanceWork costs you energy, but it gives it back.
- Under PressureYou're still holding up, but you're starting to pay for it.
- Red ZoneWork has taken more of you than you ever agreed to give.
- Running on EmptyYou have nothing left to give, and it's not your fault.
Burnout is not ordinary tiredness: it is a syndrome linked to chronic workplace stress that psychologist Christina Maslach described along three dimensions, namely emotional exhaustion, cynicism or detachment from your work, and a reduced sense of effectiveness. The World Health Organization recognises it as an occupational phenomenon, not an illness. This 12-question test, inspired by those dimensions and by your recovery habits, helps you see which zone you are in today: in balance, under pressure, in the red zone or running on empty. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor or a psychologist, but it can tell you honestly whether it's time to slow down.
A self-reflection and entertainment tool, not a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of burnout?+
The most common are tiredness that rest doesn't fix, detachment or cynicism towards work and people, reduced concentration and performance, irritability, sleep problems and physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach issues. They appear gradually, which is why they're easy to normalise.
Is burnout the same as depression?+
No, although they can overlap. Burnout is specifically tied to work and tends to improve when the context changes; depression affects every area of life. If tiredness comes with constant sadness or loss of interest in everything, it's important to talk to a doctor.
How long does it take to recover from burnout?+
It depends on how severe it is and how much the context changes: in the early stages a few weeks of reorganisation and real rest can be enough; in advanced cases it often takes months and support from a professional. Recovery takes longer if you keep working exactly as before.
Is burnout a recognised condition?+
The WHO lists it in the ICD-11 classification as an «occupational phenomenon», a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that hasn't been successfully managed, not as a medical condition in itself. In many countries it can still justify sick leave, at a doctor's discretion.
Is this test a burnout diagnosis?+
No. It's a self-assessment tool inspired by Maslach's three-dimension model, useful for recognising the signs. It doesn't replace a medical or psychological assessment, which is recommended if your result lands in a high zone.
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