CAREER FEATURE

06 May 2026

Burnout is a systemic problem, but individuals can take steps to cope with it and pave a path forward.

By

Nikki Forrester Nikki Forrester is a science journalist based in Davis, West Virginia.

Illustration: David Parkins

The problem

Dear Nature ,

I’m a particle physicist in the third year of my PhD programme in Central Europe. When I began working in academia, I was really motivated, interested and passionate about doing research. I wanted to become a professor and build a successful career in my field. Over the past few years, I’ve pushed myself hard, sometimes working 10 or 11 hours a day, five or six days a week.

For months, I didn’t realize that I was burnt out, but looking back, the signals were there. I felt physically exhausted and I knew that I needed a holiday. While I was working, thoughts would pop up such as “maybe this isn’t for me” or “I don’t belong here”. I kept ignoring the signs until eventually, about eight months ago, I broke down.…