Occupational burnout: How stress at work can mess with your life

According to Joseph Rock, a psychiatrist at the Cleveland Clinic, burnout involves a decline in work efficiency and a sour attitude.

"When you talk about burnout, you're talking three basic things," Rock said. "Just generally, you're more exhausted, you're more lethargic. You're getting real negative and cynical in your thinking about work particularly."

Another sign? You start taking time off and, no matter how long you are away, when you get back you still feel stressed.

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Studies have shown a rise in work-related stress for decades. The stress can lead to bad outcomes, like losing your job or negatively affecting your home life. Experts say it can begin to affect your overall health mentally and physically.

While quitting your current job may seem like the answer, Rock says, often, those feelings follow you to your next job.

"You want to get a better balance between work and home life, and there's a lot of ways to do that," Rock said. "Set limits for yourself on how many hours you're going to let yourself work."

His advice is leave your work at work. Avoid the urge to answer work related e-mails or calls at home.

"Except when I have to be on call, I don't answer phone calls or e-mail that are work related," said Jennifer Harris. "My work is not my life."

If you suspect occupational burnout, Rock suggests changing your thought patterns or speaking to a professional about making a course correction.