Too Tired to Work? Generational Burnout Is a Real Thing

By Chelsea Nelson and Micaela Smith 

Most of us have felt that creeping exhaustion that coffee can’t fix and time off barely dents. Burnout is real, and it’s taking a toll across the workforce. But burnout doesn’t hit everyone the same. It depends on when you were born, how long you’ve been in the workforce, and what kind of chaos you've been conditioned to call normal. In this two-part series, we’ll explore how burnout shows up across generations and why it matters. Part one dives into the data and generational differences. Part two shares practical tips to spot burnout early (or better yet, prevent it altogether). 

Who’s Feeling the Burn? 

Let’s be honest. Everyone is tired. Maybe you're spacing out on Zoom. Maybe you’re rereading the same sentence for the third time. Maybe you’ve been saying “I'm fine” with a smile that screams otherwise. Whatever your version looks like, burnout is in the room. 

According to Gallup, 50 percent of workers aged 18 to 34 report feeling burned out. For workers over 55, it’s 34 percent. Millennials are topping the burnout charts, with 66 percent reporting moderate to high levels of stress. Gen Z isn’t far behind, and one in four Americans say they hit peak burnout before they even turn 30. 

Burnout is not limited to just one generation. Everyone is exhausted for their own reasons. 

Gen Z (2001 - 2020): Entered the Workforce and Immediately Asked, “Is This It?” 

Many Gen Z workers kicked off their careers during a pandemic. That means remote onboarding, unclear expectations, and a constant sense of uncertainty. They want meaningful work, mental health support, and flexibility. They're not being dramatic, they’re just not willing to sacrifice their well-being for vague promises and office pizza. 

Millennials (1981 - 2000): Did Everything Right and Still Feel Behind 

Millennials got the degree, took the internships, climbed the ladder, and picked up a side hustle on the way. Now they are buried under student debt, stuck in rising rent cycles, and still getting emails at 10 p.m. This group was promised success if they followed the rules. What they got was burnout and a lot of coffee. 

And for some, it’s even more complicated. Take a millennial military spouse who has to uproot their life every few years, start over with new jobs, and navigate inconsistent support systems. Burnout here isn’t just about work, it’s about constantly rebuilding both career and community. 

Gen X (1965 - 1980): Quietly Overwhelmed and Rarely Acknowledged 

Gen X is often left out of workplace trends and leadership spotlights, but they are holding up a lot. They are managing careers while raising kids and caring for aging parents. They are reliable and often invisible in the burnout conversation. Their stress tends to simmer beneath the surface, but it’s always there. 

Boomers (1946 - 1964): Still Working and Still Adapting 

Many Boomers are working longer than they planned. Some are navigating new technology and changing job responsibilities. Others are watching workplace culture shift dramatically around them. The work is familiar, but the environment is not. What used to feel steady now feels uncertain. 

It’s Not Just About Age 

Burnout is not just about when someone was born, it’s also about the world they are working in. Older generations started their careers in a more stable economy with clearer expectations. Younger workers are navigating a job market filled with contract work, rising living costs, and an always “on” digital culture. 

Different generations are facing different challenges, but they are all being stretched. 

So, What Can Actually Help?  

Burnout is not something you fix with snacks in the break room or sporadic check-in emails. It takes real changes to meet people where they are. Understanding burnout across generations is the first step. But awareness alone won’t fix it. The good news? There are practical, proven ways to support your team and create a workplace where people can truly thrive. In Part two of this series, we’ll break down what burnout looks like in real time, how to spot the warning signs early, and most importantly, how to prevent it with strategies that work for every generation. 

Need more help? Check out more tips and insights on our blog, website, LinkedIn,, or reach out. TalentRemedy is here to help you build a better hiring process, every step of the way. We support our clients with thoughtful, intentional interview strategies. We help uncover the real experiences and skills that candidates bring to the table, ensuring you make the best hire for both the role and your team. Reach out to us at info@talentremedy.com or 703-362-0175 to explore how we can streamline your recruiting process and help you find the right fit.