Dispatcher Burnout: Finding Ways to Rekindle the Passion
Burnout is real, and it’s hitting me hard right now. I used to look forward to heading into work, but these days I find myself dragging my feet around the house, debating if I truly need this job. Unfortunately, I do. So now, I’m on a mission to rediscover the love I once had for this career.
Finding Better Outlets
A common coping mechanism for many first responders is hitting the bar and drowning stress in alcohol. For me, that’s not an option—I have a wife and a two-year-old at home who rely on me to be present and functional. A few years ago, I discovered marijuana and edibles, which are legal in my state. They’ve become my preferred way to unwind after a tough shift or on my days off.
For me, marijuana beats alcohol. While alcohol tends to knock me out, marijuana helps me relax without turning me into a zombie. I can still be an active parent and even a better employee. The day after smoking, I’m more patient and less bothered by small annoyances at work. The one drawback? If I go more than two days without it, I notice my patience runs thin. To combat that, I’ve made it a daily ritual.
Rediscovering Passion Through Projects
One thing that helps me combat burnout is working on personal projects. This blog, for example, gives me an outlet to express my feelings and reflect on the experiences that make this job worthwhile. Even if no one else reads it, writing helps me process my thoughts and reminds me why I started in this field.
Another project I’ve taken on is working on my vehicles. I have a motorcycle and a Jeep that both need a lot of TLC. Sure, wrenching on them can be frustrating at times, but the sense of accomplishment when I see the progress makes it worth every ounce of effort.
Unwinding Through Gaming
When everyone else at home is asleep, I like to decompress with simulation games. I used to dive into high-energy games like Call of Duty or Apex Legends, but they only added to my stress. These days, I prefer low-stakes games like Farming Simulator or The Sims. They’re simple, relaxing, and help me escape from reality for a bit—though The Sims can get unexpectedly stressful when your Sim laughs themselves to death! Still, driving a tractor and tending to pixelated crops has become surprisingly therapeutic.
Looking Ahead
Even though burnout feels overwhelming right now, I know it’s temporary. By continuing to do what makes me happy—writing, gaming, and working on my vehicles—I’m confident I’ll get through it.
If you’re experiencing burnout too, I hope some of these strategies might help. And if you have suggestions for other ways to beat burnout, I’d love to hear them! Shoot me an email at anonymous@anonymous911.com.
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