How You Deal With Work Overload, By Personality Type

No matter what type of job you have, at some point or another, you will be faced with too much work on your plate. This can be a result of tight deadlines, a coworker's unexpected absence, or a jerk of a boss who constantly piles on more and more tasks. Whatever the reason, it's not how much work you have but how you handle it that determines your success, mental health and overall job satisfaction. Here's how it breaks down, by personality type.

Theorists (NT Types)

If you're a Theorist—also known as the Rational temperament in the Kiersey system—chances are you are already well-versed in handling work overload. Some of you (ENTJ) will thrive on having multiple projects to complete and treat the threat of burnout like a challenge to overcome. Others (INTJ) may be more reserved about your workload, but you have a knack for efficiency and organization that helps you handle it with ease.  And the Perceivers among you (ENTP and INTP) have the rare-but-incredible combination of being both logical and creative, making it easier to come up with solutions to manage your heavy workload. All four types are prepared to cut corners and try unusual workarounds, as long as it doesn't compromise the quality of your work.

Tips for Theorists:

• Embrace your natural ability to problem-solve and find creative solutions.
• Make a schedule for your tasks, prioritizing them based on importance and urgency for the organization or clients, not for yourself—you probably do this naturally.
• Delegate tasks that can be handled by others.
• Don't be afraid to say no if you feel overwhelmed with work (again, you probably have a strong sense of what you can handle and what is too much for you). It's better to have less on your plate and maintain quality than take on too much and risk burnout.

Empaths (NF Types)

Empaths—known as Idealists the Kiersey system—are known for their emotional intelligence and ability to empathize with others. This can make dealing with heavy workloads a bit more challenging, as you can have a tough time saying no to more and more responsibilities if doing so would leave others in the lurch. All NF types (ENFJ, ENFP, INFJ, INFP) struggle with managing your own emotions when faced with a heavy workload. Without a proper outlet, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and stressed to the point where you break down or explode.

Tips for Empaths:

• Remember that it's okay to put yourself first sometimes. Saying no to additional work or delegating tasks can be difficult, but it's important to prioritize your own mental health and well-being.
• Stop people pleasing. Yes, we know that's easier said than done. But humans have a tendency to take whatever help is offered to them—especially when it's given freely with no expectation of reciprocation. If you feel overwhelmed, stick to your boundaries and don't let others take advantage of your empathy.
• Find ways to manage your emotions in healthy ways. This could be through practices like mindfulness or yoga, talking to a friend or loved one, or simply taking breaks throughout the day to recharge.

Preservers (SJ Types)

Preservers—also known as Guardians—thrive on structure and routine, and it can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you have a system for managing your tasks, making you well-suited for handling heavy workloads with precision and dedication. But on the other hand, when that system gets disrupted by too much work, it can throw you off balance. SJs (ESTJ, ESFJ, ISTJ, ISFJ) are known for their strong work ethic and sense of responsibility, so saying no to additional tasks or delegating may be difficult for you.

Tips for Preservers:

• Remember that it's okay to ask for help; you don't have to do everything on your own. Just make sure you're actually delegating and not micro-managing.
• Don't be afraid of change. Sometimes work overload happens because of unexpected circumstances or changes in the workplace. Roll with those punches—there's nothing you can do to avoid them, and you'll only stress yourself out trying to resist.
• Stick to your routine as much as possible. Having structure and organization can help you stay on top of a heavy workload without feeling overwhelmed.

Adventurers (SP Types)

If you are an Adventurer—also known as Artisans—then you might find the prospect of having double the workload exciting (at least at first). As spontaneous, always-up-for-a-challenge types, ESTP, ESFP, ISTP, and ISFP personalities are very capable of thinking on their feet and handling unexpected challenges with ease. Planning is not your strong suit, however, and you may struggle with procrastination when forced to get your work done in a timely fashion.

Tips for Adventurers:

• Embrace your spontaneity and creativity when tackling tasks. You may find that unconventional methods or ideas actually make your work more enjoyable and efficient.
• Set daily goals for yourself to stay on track. This can help you break down a large workload into manageable chunks, preventing you from feeling overwhelmed.
• Find ways to make your work fun and interesting. As an Adventurer, you thrive on new experiences and challenges, so try to incorporate those elements into your tasks as much as possible.

Final Words

Managing heavy workloads is never fun, never enjoyable, but it is a necessary skill in the workplace. Play to your personality strengths when tackling those extra items on your to-do list. The way you cope may look unconventional to other personality types, but that doesn't mean it's any less effective—because what works for you, works.