When someone asks, "How are you?" the reply is often "Busy." But are we truly overloaded, or just overwhelmed? Burnout is surging among Dutch adults aged 25-35, affecting 1 in 6, with women disproportionately impacted. Today, 15% of Dutch women have experienced burnout, up from 9.4% two years ago. These trends demand attention.
Table of Contents
Research consistently shows women face higher burnout rates than men. In today's world of endless choices, decision fatigue is rampant, amplified by social media portrayals of 'perfect' lives.
Two key factors stand out: Women often shoulder more unpaid tasks like family care and informal caregiving. Additionally, many choose emotionally intensive careers, such as education or healthcare, where exhaustion risks are elevated.
With so many options, it's easy to fall into choice overload. The solution? Take control by setting boundaries. In my professional experience coaching stressed professionals, I've seen many call in sick from stress despite unused vacation days. They struggle to say no, leading to burnout symptoms.
The key is proactive rest. Studies show full-time mothers of the past spent about 11 hours weekly per child on care and play. Modern working mothers match that time yet feel constant guilt. My own mother, a full-time parent, gave us independence; today, she reminds me my son Finn must learn self-entertainment—and he does.
Work matters to me, but family comes first. During maternity leave, while flexible options exist (6 consecutive weeks mandatory, plus 4 spread over 30 weeks), I opted for 6 full months to breastfeed and bond with Finn. Pumping at work wasn't feasible for me. Returning refreshed, I thrived on four focused workdays.
Letting go guilt-free? Challenging, but essential. Women often micromanage, dictating 'motherly rules' even when partners help. U.S. researchers describe this as 'gatekeeping'—closing gates limits fathers' involvement, overloading women. Opening gates shares the load and prevents burnout.
My husband Chris and I split Finn's care equally, both working four days. Yet old habits die hard: Scheduling a vaccination, I initially dismissed a Thursday slot—then remembered his dad. Chris handled it flawlessly, despite my prior solo consultations.
Balance at work is crucial too. I pick up Finn early one day weekly for family evenings, compensating later. Wednesdays are my off-day, unreachable except for emergencies.
Finn's naps are my 'me-time': No chores, just reading, series, or baking. Chris and I align on values—peace, routine, love, healthy eating—allowing true delegation.
To gain support from partners or family, delegate fully, like effective leadership. They may do it differently, but outcomes matter more than methods. Expecting perfection guarantees disappointment—and burnout.
Stock photo of woman with burnout by FGC
