In a reflective piece, Zahaan Bharmal shares how studying physics helped him comprehend his experience with burnout and job loss. After being made redundant from a management consultancy in 2001, he faced the harsh reality that life often defies predictable patterns, unlike the principles of physics he had studied.
Bharmal recalls how, during his university years, the formula “force equals mass times acceleration” symbolized a structured universe where hard work led to success. However, the unexpected layoff shattered this belief. It was not merely a personal failure; it reflected broader economic challenges, such as the burst of the dotcom bubble and subsequent financial crises.
Chaos Theory and its Implications
The connection between the unpredictability in life and principles from physics becomes clear as Bharmal explores chaotic systems. He notes that significant events in history, from the 2008 sub-prime mortgage crisis to the volatility in the Chinese stock market, share a common trait: they often arise from minor, seemingly insignificant changes that escalate into larger issues. This unpredictability resonates not only in global finance but also in individual lives.
Bharmal highlights the “three-body problem” in physics, illustrating how adding complexity to a system can lead to unforeseen consequences. In his own life, he recognized that striving for maximum productivity—operating at full capacity—made him more susceptible to burnout.
He draws an analogy to power grids, which function well until an unexpected demand arises, leading to potential overload. By operating at full capacity, individuals like himself risk a breakdown. Bharmal emphasizes that many people face similar pressures, as evidenced by a report from Mental Health UK, which found that 91% of UK adults experienced high or extreme stress in the past year.
The Need for Surge Capacity
Bharmal reflects on how stress accumulates and can reach a tipping point, resulting in a sudden shift, akin to water boiling. This phase transition, where stress reaches critical levels, illustrates why burnout can feel abrupt, even though the buildup takes time.
He advocates for the importance of maintaining “surge capacity” in daily life. By allowing for unexpected events and taking time for recovery, individuals can better manage stress. Yet, society often glorifies overwork, treating burnout as a personal shortcoming rather than a systemic flaw.
The Keep Britain Working review highlighted the increasing number of individuals leaving the workforce due to mental health issues. Bharmal urges a reevaluation of workplace expectations, emphasizing that resilience requires some degree of inefficiency.
He concludes by reiterating that while Newton’s principles of motion remain valid, understanding when to ease off is equally crucial. Recognizing the need for balance can lead to healthier, more sustainable work practices. Bharmal’s journey serves as a reminder that acknowledging our limits can foster resilience in an unpredictable world.
