Dealing With the Feasts Turning now to the professional feasts with which we are often presented, let me be the first to admit what a glutton I am. I have a voracious appetite for work, and, consequently, my plate is usually full to capacity. I am a self-proclaimed chronic overachiever, and I don't say that in a congratulatory or complimentary tone. I've survived occupational burnout, and with experience I've come to recognize and heed the warning signs. I may still push myself to the brink, but at least I don't go catapulting over the edge anymore.
Utter collapse is neither pretty to witness nor pleasant to experience.
Decline additional assignments. The only measure of control freelance reporters have when dealing with a crushing workload is to decline additional assignments until the load becomes more manageable. Official reporters may be able to transfer to a lower-volume courtroom or be temporarily relieved of their courtroom duties to enable them to catch up on delinquent transcripts. My first burnout experience occurred when I was an official reporter. I absolutely loved my job, but my judge was every bit the workaholic I was, and together we were on a path to self-destruction.