Not feeling yourself lately? A little crabby, even after your morning joe? Making mistakes on-set that are typical of a newbie? Getting upset at all the monkey-business going on around you? Is your patience and energy level easily drained? If any of this sounds familiar, you’re probably experiencing some burnout, man.
Recently, on location, I experienced some red flags. They came up, out of the blue. I knew I was tired and a little off, but I really hadn’t considered how bad things were, since I was caught up in the moment. It’s difficult to stop and consider what can and will go wrong involving all the circumstances you find yourself day-in and day-out. I thought I could endure most anything since I’ve pretty much seen and experienced it all. Well, I’m here to tell you, don’t ever get that cocky, even with yourself, because you will never be able to be everything to everyone.
The past couple months, I have been working three to five days each week. Many days were eight and ten hours, but also some twelve and fourteen hour days, here and there. If you add travel into that mix, as I was doing, you’re definitely asking for trouble. I had also been working on a few other projects of my own, that I’ve been trying to get going. I knew I was exhausted, both physically and mentally, but I also needed to stay busy. Work this past spring was spotty, at best. This past month seemed ridiculously busy and it was good to be getting caught up on some bills. I also found a sweet used lens that I wanted to buy, and I needed a few extra bucks to seal the deal. So I was trying to justify burning the candle at both ends, even though it seemed all I was doing was working and sleeping. I was grumpy and constantly tired. I was getting restless and irritable. I was getting burned-out, big-time.
At some point, you will experience burn-out. The key is to recognize it before it’s too late. Before you’re about to climb that tall, shaky ladder, and you’re even shakier… STOP. Consider asking someone else to set the light. Before you open you’re mouth to offer a suggestion to the photographer or client… STOP. Consider if you’re point is valid and if it’s even wanted, depending on your circumstances. Before you tell a coworker you’re tired of their goofing-off while you’re working your ass off.. .STOP. Consider their situation and if they’re even aware of their actions, or if you’re just being a grump. Always take a moment to consider the ramifications of your actions before you open that can-o-worms… especially if you’re burned-out. If your tired, your mental capacities are taxed and you just might be digging yourself a deep hole if you’re not on your game that day. Always use your head, but if you’re having an off day, maybe you’re best bet is to keep it to yourself and be extra safe, since your head maybe isn’t working so hot.
So, it’s important to recognize your well-being as you consider your work schedule. If you’ve been assisting for any time, you know what I mean. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day and lose track of your senses when you’re busy with work. And, it’s easy to discount some of the warnings you feel, especially when you consider past slow periods and bills and other expenses piling up… so, you keep plugging away. But, you need to remind yourself that if you’re operating at a sub-par level, you may be risking your reputation and ability to provide service to photographers that have come to expect great things from you. Pay attention to these things, or you might just find yourself sitting around wondering why the phone isn’t ringing. Learn what your limitations are and don’t try to be a hero at the expense of your safety and well-being, as well as the the safety of others on-set. You need to be on top of your game so you can be of maximum service to the photographer.
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