A hard week and burnout are not the same thing. The useful question is whether exhaustion, detachment and reduced effectiveness keep returning even after normal recovery.
Notice the pattern
- Rest does not meaningfully restore you.
- Cynicism follows you into work that once mattered.
- Small decisions feel unusually difficult.
- You are withdrawing from people at work and home.
- Your usual coping habits are becoming less healthy.
Change the conditions
A vacation may provide relief, but it cannot permanently fix impossible workload, unclear expectations or a role with no recovery. Document the pattern and discuss concrete changes with the appropriate person.
Persistent distress, depression, anxiety or health symptoms deserve support from a qualified healthcare or mental-health professional.