Is this a sympton of job burn-out?

[Richmond Jake]

I've been in this profession for over 15 years now and I'm increasing finding myself performing analysis and making recommendations in anticipation of what the decision-makers actions will be (thus taking the easy road) rather than making my recommendations based on "text-book" professional planning practices. Also, I'm sleeping less and smoking more. Am I burnt out? Comments, suggestions?

 

[mike gurnee]

Yes, and welcome to the crowd. Every so often it gets to you when the only person opposed to a project is "that planner (from the big city school, or other less friendly epitaphs)". There is also a tendency to protect our boards, that if it is going to be approved anyway, at least give them a justification with some semblence of rational thought.

Some will say never compromise your convictions; and some people change jobs every three years or less. My mentor from grad school said "pick your battles, but make sure they are worth losing your job over".

Keep training your board on planning principals. Find (or develop) citizen groups that are interested in doing the right thing. In your reports keep bringing up the issues. Every once in a while you will be surprised that someone agrees with you. Savor those wins.

 

[Planderella]

That's all my job consists of - compromising planning ideals for the decision makers - and I've only been in the field for a little less than 3 years.