Typically, burnout develops gradually and progresses through several stages. The number of stages depends on the source, but a person may experience the following stages:
Honeymoon Phase: The person feels motivated, energetic, and dedicated to their work.
Onset of Stress: A person begins feeling stress as they notice an increase in work hours, responsibilities, and pressure.
Chronic Stress: At this point, they have felt stress for a longer time period. They may feel overwhelmed and fatigued, and physical symptoms such as headaches and digestive issues may arise.
Burnout: By now, the person is physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. They may lose interest in their work, experience a decline in productivity, and become cynical toward the job.
Chronic Burnout: When the person does not address the initial burnout, they may develop a significantly impaired ability to function at work and home. Physical and mental health issues may worsen.
Note that not everyone progresses through each stage, and the severity and duration of each stage may vary from person to person.