
Are You Running on Empty? Recognising and Overcoming Professional Burnout
By Dr. Scott Zarcinas, Founder, 818: Unlocking Your Life
“I used to love my job, but lately…” Sound familiar?
As a transformational life coach working with executives and professionals across Australia, I’ve witnessed firsthand how burnout can sneak up on even the most passionate individuals.
So if you’re struggling to face another workday, you just need to know that there is a way forward.
The Hidden Cost of ‘Pushing Through’
You don’t know my client, Sarah, but you know someone like her. She was a senior manager who initially brushed off her growing exhaustion as ‘just a phase’.
Like many of us, she kept going—until one Monday morning, she couldn’t get out of bed.
Her story mirrors what the World Health Organisation now calls “a worldwide epidemic” of workplace stress and burnout.
Quick Self-Check: Have you noticed any of these signs recently?
- Finding it harder to be on time for work or meetings.
- Taking more sick days than usual.
- Feeling increasingly irritable with colleagues.
- Losing enthusiasm for tasks you once enjoyed.
- Struggling to see a positive future in your role.
Why Money Isn’t Enough (And What Really Makes Us Stay)
Here’s a surprising fact:
Salary ranks only fourth or fifth on the list of reasons why people stay in their jobs.
What truly keeps us engaged? Research shows it’s about feeling:
- Appreciated for our contributions.
- Included in important decisions.
- Trusted with meaningful responsibilities.
- Valued as a whole person, not just an employee.
Instead of feeling trapped, wouldn’t you like to know exactly where you stand—and what to do about it?
I’ve developed a powerful tool called the RETAINED Model that helps you assess your current situation and plot a clear path forward.
What You’ll Need:
- A blank piece of paper.
- 5 minutes of uninterrupted time.
- An open mind.
Setting Up Your Assessment Sheet
- Create Your Grid:
- Draw two vertical lines to create three columns.
- Label them: ‘Criteria’ | ‘Yes’ | ‘No’
- Create Your Categories:
- In the ‘Criteria’ column, create three main sections:
- Vital (top section).
- Important (middle section).
- Bonus (bottom section).
- In the ‘Criteria’ column, create three main sections:

The RETAINED Model
Understanding the RETAINED Elements
Each letter in ‘RETAINED’ represents a key satisfaction criterion:
📊 Remuneration (salary and benefits)
📚 Education (learning and development)
🤝 Trust (autonomy and responsibility)
⭐ Appreciated (recognition and value)
🎯 Involved (input in decisions)
🚀 New opportunities (career progression)
💪 Empowered (authority to act)
🔥 Driven (motivation and purpose)
Completing Your Assessment
- Distribute the Criteria:
- Choose 3 criteria for your ‘Vital’ section.
- Place 3 in your ‘Important’ section.
- Put the remaining 2 in your ‘Bonus’ section.
For example:
- Vital: Remuneration, Appreciation, New Opportunities.
- Important: Trust, Education, Driven.
- Bonus: Empowered, Involved.
- Mark Your Reality:
- For each criterion, place a tick (✓) in the ‘Yes’ column if it’s being met in your current role.
- Place a cross (✗) in the ‘No’ column if it’s not being met.
Calculating Your Score
- Assign Values:
- Vital criteria = 4 points each
- Important criteria = 2 points each
- Bonus criteria = 1 point each
- Do the Maths:
- Count your ‘Yes’ ticks in each section
- Vital section: multiply ticks by 4 (maximum 12 points)
- Important section: multiply ticks by 2 (maximum 6 points)
- Bonus section: multiply ticks by 1 (maximum 2 points)
- Add all sections together for your total score out of 20
Example Calculation:
Vital: 2 ticks × 4 points = 8/12
Important: 1 tick × 2 points = 2/6
Bonus: 2 ticks × 1 point = 2/2
Total Score: 12/20
Understanding Your Score
✨ Pro Tip: Repeat this assessment every three months to track changes and ensure you’re moving in the right direction.
14-20 Points: Strong Alignment
- You’re in a positive position.
- Focus on optimising bonus elements.
- Consider how to maintain and build on your success.
10-13 Points: Moderate Alignment
- Your position is stable but has room for improvement.
- Identify which vital or important criteria need attention.
- Consider having a constructive discussion with your supervisor.
0-9 Points: Significant Misalignment
- Your current role may not be meeting your core needs.
- Urgent attention required to vital and important criteria.
- Consider professional support to navigate changes.
Making the Most of Your Results
Remember: This isn’t just about scoring your job—it’s about understanding your professional needs and taking action to meet them.
Your RETAINED score isn’t just a number—it’s a catalyst for positive change:
14+ out of 20: You’re on a strong path. Let’s focus on optimising those bonus elements to create your ideal work life.
10-13 out of 20: There’s room for improvement. This is the perfect time to work with a coach to transform comfortable into exceptional.
Below 9: You’re likely feeling the weight of misalignment. Don’t wait until burnout forces a change—this is your moment to reimagine your professional future.
Ready to Move Beyond Burnout?
Recognising the signs of burnout is the first step. Taking action is what transforms your professional life.
As a transformational life coach specialising in professional renewal, I’ve guided countless individuals from burnout to breakthrough.
🔍 Want to dig deeper? Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation where we’ll:
- Analyse your RETAINED score.
- Identify your key stress triggers.
- Create an initial action plan for professional renewal.
Limited spots available each month. Book your session now using the appointment calendar here >>
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About the Author: Dr. Scott Zarcinas (aka DoctorZed) is an author, doctor, and transformational life coach with over 15 years of experience helping professionals achieve authentic success. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, he specialises in transforming potential into performance through personalised coaching programs.