(C) Folha UOL

The term "burnout" was first conceptualized in 1974 by American clinical psychologist Herbert Freudenberger. Observing volunteers at a free clinic in New York, Freudenberger borrowed a slang term used to describe the collapsed veins of drug addicts to depict a state of emotional exhaustion. He defined "staff burnout" as the extreme fatigue and helplessness experienced by dedicated, responsible individuals working long hours with minimal rewards. By the 1980s, under the influence of neoliberal policies, the term became a central descriptor for the frustrations of the modern labor force.

Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies burnout not as a medical condition, but as an "occupational phenomenon" resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance or cynicism toward one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy.

 
The Shift: From Workplaces to Youth and Career Anxiety

While traditionally associated with established professionals, burnout is increasingly suffocating the younger generation. According to the "2025 Quality of Life Report for Youth" recently published by the National Data Agency, 32.2% of South Koreans aged 19 to 34 reported experiencing burnout within the past year.

Notably, the phenomenon is no longer confined to the office. It is now prevalent among university students and job seekers. Data reveals that the burnout rate for those aged 25 to 29 (34.8%) is higher than that of individuals in their early 30s. Interestingly, the primary driver for this exhaustion is not "overwork" (34%), but "career anxiety" (39.1%). This suggests that the scarcity of quality jobs and the relentless pressure of the recruitment market are the true catalysts for youth exhaustion.

Burnout as a Public Health Crisis

The causes of burnout are multifaceted, ranging from excessive workloads and workplace conflict to low job satisfaction and unfair treatment. However, the WHO’s 2022 guidelines on mental health at work emphasize a critical point: burnout must not be viewed solely as an individual’s failure. Given its severity and its potential to transition into clinical depression or anxiety disorders, calls are mounting to recognize burnout as a formal mental illness. Some European nations, such as Sweden, already diagnose burnout as an "exhaustion disorder," allowing sufferers to access paid leave and social benefits.

The urgency is underscored by a sobering correlation in the National Data Agency report between burnout rates and suicide statistics. Over the past decade (2015–2024), the 25–29 age group has seen the sharpest increase in suicide rates. As burnout evolves from a personal struggle into a significant social and economic burden, it is becoming clear that addressing the structural roots of career instability is no longer optional—it is a matter of public survival.