B2 – Upper Intermediate
Getting tired and working too hard is now being equated to productiveness. And there is a growing sense of pride in being too busy to do anything else but work.
Should this be the case? Is this the better choice?
Read the article why a burnout is not a badge of success.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/self-made/202509/burnout-is-not-a-badge-of-success
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “slammed” mean? “If I were to ask these women, “how are you doing,” I would hear a chorus of “busy,” “exhausted,” and “totally slammed right now.” Use this term in a sentence.
- What is a “badge of honor“? “Burnout has become so normalized in our culture that it’s practically a badge of honor.” Use this term in a sentence.
- What is a “perfect storm“? “Layer that onto professional expectations of working longer, harder, and faster just to be seen as “equally competent,” and you’ve got a perfect storm for burnout.” Use this term in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some effects of occupational burnout?
- Why do you think being busy is often mistaken for status and success?
- What is your opinion about this, “It’s time to choose energy as a status signal instead.“?
- What are your thoughts on this, “Success can feel energizing – when it aligns with values.“
- Do you think people in your country cling to burnout culture? Why do you think this is the case?