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The Burnout Generation

Written by: Anne Helen Petersen
Narrated by: Anne Helen Petersen
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Publisher's Summary

About This Audible Original

In January 2019, culture writer Anne Helen Petersen set the Internet on fire with her viral BuzzFeed essay diagnosing "millennial burnout"—a chronic state of stress and exhaustion that’s become a "base temperature" for young people today. Now, she continues this generation-defining conversation in a brand-new format, interviewing millennials around the country about their own deeply personal experiences with burnout and the culture that creates it. Listeners will hear about how this issue has affected Petersen’s own life as well as the lives of five very different subjects: Kevin, a musician and Marine veteran; Kate, a first-generation college graduate working to repay her formidable student debt; Haley and Evette, young writers at different career stages in the digital media industry; and John, a pastor and co-founder of a new Baptist church in North Carolina.

The conversations that comprise The Burnout Generation cover everything from debt to social media to the blurred boundaries between our professional and personal lives. In this illuminating and intimate audio project, listeners learn how and why this generation has been conditioned to "optimize" every aspect of our lives (Meal prep for the week! Find a side hustle! But practice self-care! And answer emails in bed!), and most importantly, how the consequences of this phenomenon play out in day-to-day life.  

©2019 Anne Helen Petersen (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

What listeners say about The Burnout Generation

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Interesting Perspectives

I liked that there were a variety of different perspectives on burnout and how it can manifest from so many sources for any number of reasons. I especially resonated with the idea of finding it so difficult to leave work at work or to not feel pressure to perform NOW and at 110% all the time.

It was reassuring to know that myself and others are not alone in these struggles although I would have liked a bit more discussion on resolution and/or coping techniques to assist with daily burnout, or even perhaps a mention of accessible (free) resources where one can start their own research and journey towards a more balanced and happy life.

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Not the best narrator

Not very intriguing over rated. I cannot relate and I am burnt out. Maybe it’s because people just like to talk. This content would’ve been better what to do and not to do and then expand on it. Not a fan of this structure.

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Needed this

I started this title while I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed balancing work and life. It helped ground me and understand what I was experiencing. I just wish it was longer!

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gives you perspective

this book gives several perspectives of burnout and talks about causes. it is a book where the author interviews people about their life and some share what they do to keep afloat, but not much about solving. it might help someone to recognize they have a burnout.

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Millennials 🙄

Some resonating points for all…but then back to “millennial life” talk. Reader sounds like a spoiled child trying to grow up. Like a teen podcast.

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helpful but..

not a resource to learn or treat burnout. wonderful perspectives showing anyone can experience burnout and can help make someone not feel alone

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interesting ideas and concepts to think about

I think Helen did a really good job with this book. Being in high school, this is definitely something I've felt and I know others around me have too. it needs to be talked about more. The way of the world isn't working anymore. I found John to be obnoxious and hard to listen to as he was so repetitive and strayed off the point talking nonsense but I would recommend giving the rest a listen

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Good for not feeling alone in burnout

More of a discussion about burnout in our generation and to help people identify burnout and know that they’re not alone in experiencing it. The book is set up more like an interview.
Interesting but I know I’m burned out and am looking for solutions so I didn’t find it particularly helpful.

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lol yup xd

this feels accurate from a millennial's pov. Interesting stories but nothing truly concrete to help with the issue

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not what I expected

I definitely struggled to finish this. the whole thing felt like an interview podcast. I was expecting to hear about how people struggled and specifics of how they felt burnt out. instead it's just people saying they burnt put but yet they still went on day to day as normal. that to me is not a burn out, that is daily stress.

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