How can self-awareness of ‘burnout’ be adopted among individuals in Thailand’s creative industries?
According to the survey and interviews that I have done with people who work in creative industries in Thailand,
Burnout is the most common problem, and I found the culture of working in Thailand made people have burnout more.
These are the cultural identities that we have…
hierarchical of job positions (power imbalances)
age and generational gap
workload and salary do not match
tasks the client assigns are not creative enough
work overtime
My previous interventions included art therapy workshops, creative social nights, and creative journals.
They all taught me that people have different ways of coping with themselves and expressing their feelings. Some people reported that the intervention they attend helps them know more about themselves and their burnout.
But I wonder whether they will continue doing this after interventions or not because if they continue, it can show that this thing can help them.
Everything leads to the last intervention in Unit 4.’Expressive writing: Burnout topic.’
In my feedback form, I asked participants, ‘Will you continue with Expressive Writing in the future or not?’
I didn’t ask this question before in my previous interventions.
Two of them said, ‘Maybe’.
Four of them will continue writing.
One of them won’t continue.
She reported, ‘I prefer talking to people more, so I think I’ll go in that direction instead.’
Even she said, ‘Writing it out makes me aware of how we truly feel.’
Intervention results can answer my research question. [especially the last intervention]
With many tools I provide, self-awareness of burnout can be achieved in many ways, depending on the people.
I want to improve the activities to be more onsite for interaction and to observe more behaviours. Also, a longitudinal time horizon for data collection can be used so the research can show how people develop their thoughts and feelings through time changes.
Wattanapume, my expert, suggests creating a shared power space that organises pain-sharing sessions and provides group support. Bosses can listen, and employees can speak freely. People will become more aware when they can express their feelings, share their experiences, and meet others who have faced similar challenges.
…
I am thankful to all the stakeholders and experts involved in my six interventions.
Thitipat Ruamsap, a counsellor and art therapist, helped me from the very beginning.
Wattanapume Laisuwanchai, my expert who helped me with the ideas
Chanaradee Chatrakul Na Aydhya
Pla Thananpaphat Tipruk
Kaitoon Punyaruk Baingern
Praew Kamonluk Kubota
Numpu
Nonthapat Cholavit
People who helped me in interventions both in Bangkok and London
Tan, Punch, Kendo, Wild, Ploy, Ae, Arielle, P’Mind, and Rada
In a large company, decisions take time because the clients make us work overtime. However, it follows the creative director’s style. When working for a small company, there is negotiating power with clients, but they have high expectations, expecting work of higher standards than before, and the workload is intense.
Perfectionists are prevalent, mainly creative individuals. The industry trains people to be this way, with awards given to strengthen individuals for dealing with clients. Awards create a belief in our excellence and success in this field. The industry teaches that without ego, we may yield to clients, and the work may not follow the creative lead. In reality, we must lead the clients.
The job forces everyone to work overtime. We have no quality of life in other aspects. We work continuously, unaware of the hours and others must wait for us. Work is the most crucial aspect determining our lives. Initially, many can endure, but do we want to live like this at some point?
If you want to know the future, look at your boss. Do we like it this way? Burnouts will resign without caring, just wanting to stay home.
Pla Thananpaphat Tipruk
We cannot change this industry. Those inside want to leave, and those outside do not want to enter. There is a need for more people in the industry. Some resign to pursue further education. Agencies value portfolios more than qualifications.
People who burnout and continue are aware that we cannot control everything, and we need to let go. They do what they can, understanding that it’s not our fault. They comprehend the uncertainty that already exists in the industry.
When burning out, it feels like having everything one desires but not being happy. There is money, position, and reputation, but it comes with pressure and increased responsibilities. Only later did I realise it’s a double-edged sword. It feels strange not to be happy despite having achieved what was desired. I started observing myself and noticed patterns in situations. Initially, the workload would decrease and things would get easier, but what is beyond our control is substantial. We can’t control clients and timelines.
Pla Thananpaphat Tipruk
Culture: Age Hierarchy
There is pressure that comes from generation to generation. They accept us because we have abilities. We impose pressure on ourselves, hesitating to challenge anything. We follow those with more power and older age. We belong to different generations, and each generation has different core values. The age hierarchy system makes us cautious and afraid to challenge. Even with laws, we hesitate to use them, like in other countries. We find it easier to fix ourselves. It’s easier to resign than to confront.
Pla Thananpaphat Tipruk
Kaitoon Punyaruk Baingern – Creative Group Head
Working extensively, with heavy workloads, seven days a week, and almost to the point of exhaustion, there is no work-life balance. In Thailand, there is a belief that:
1. Clients are like gods; they work irregular hours, and they are reluctant to finish tasks.
2. The working process lacks a systematic approach, both on the client’s side and within our system. Our system becomes chaotic because of them.
3. Senior figures in the advertising industry praise hard work, working until late at night. Even if the work seems okay, they think, “Is it really enough? It can be better,” and end up working until the morning.
In Asian societies, people work to fulfill duties, not necessarily out of passion. In the past, senior figures in advertising didn’t understand the nature of working in the industry. It seemed like they had a special calculator for work and a special passion to work hard. Advertising is not just a profession; it’s a lifestyle. Many deeply believe that advertising is life, not just a job. They work continuously, believing that work-life balance is not as important as passion.
Kaitoon Punyaruk Baingern
In the creative advertising industry, burnout often arises from uninspired tasks. This is because Thai clients tend to be relatively conservative, providing uninspiring briefs and resisting new ideas. We end up doing things that lack creativity, entering a mode where we feel we can only achieve so much.
One way to reduce burnout is by finding personal projects where you can do anything and submit it for awards. This allows you to cater to your own creative ideas, doing something that fulfils your personal needs.
Having worked in a foreign country, not Thailand, I experienced a different perspective on work-life balance. Abroad, there is a belief in adhering to work hours and leaving the office on time. There is a certain level of madness and a willingness to take risks to some extent.
Abroad, there is an understanding that one should work according to their passion, pursuing dreams, and no profession is considered exceptional because everyone is already following their passion.
The definition of passion varies; in Thailand, people sacrifice all their time for their passion, while in foreign countries, work hours are for work, and personal time is for seeking inspiration for their passion.
Kaitoon Punyaruk Baingern
Praew Kamonluk Kubota – Owner of creative agency and Account Executives
The culture in the advertising industry often involves working late, having dinner as if it were another company’s lunch break. When starting my own company, setting boundaries becomes crucial, deciding not to discuss work after six in the evening. There are fewer meetings, and meetings after working hours are avoided.
During the early stages of my career, in the first few years of working, I often cried in the office. This was because of the words and comments from people. We entered this profession with passion, but when we faced the reality that it wasn’t as good as expected, that there were mistakes, it made me cry. Eventually, I decided to resign, and leaving that environment led me to find something better.
Once I started working on my own projects, I gained more control over my work, and things improved.
In the creative industry, there’s a problem where interpersonal issues overshadow the actual work. When you don’t want to encounter certain people or bosses, it leads to the decision to resign. At that time, the analysis might not be clear about whether it’s a people problem or a mismatch with the regular office job. There might be self-blame for not being good enough.
Later on, upon venturing into personal projects, it becomes apparent that it suits better. It’s realized that the issue wasn’t a lack of competence but a mismatch with the regular job. However, the sense of instability arises when working independently, especially in financial aspects. The newfound freedom is valued, and the ability to work in different locations, even abroad or in different provinces, becomes a significant benefit.
In the industry, many individuals transition to other fields. Those who remain often become the top figures, seemingly engaged in a constant process of talent curation. The advertising industry resembles a dream-chasing field, with a perpetual ladder, titles, and the need for awards to reach certain milestones.
Praew Kamonluk Kubota
Numpu – Furniture Designer
I am the only one who is 20s and entered a group mostly in their 30s. Initially, conversations reflected different perspectives. I believe that work-life balance is crucial, and leaving work on time is important. Older generations think working overtime is acceptable, and there shouldn’t be overtime pay.
Throughout my work experience, we’ve never left on time; it’s always been overtime. Our work doesn’t follow a routine; it’s project-based. It feels like being pressured to work overtime without a direct order, or else the work doesn’t get done. When working in the creative field, there are budget constraints, and the pricing is high. The focus is on whether it sells or not, but sometimes, using our design knowledge, we end up feeling foolish for not utilising it more. It’s often just about making it sellable.
Around me, there are mostly experienced individuals who sometimes assign work to us without reason or data.
I became aware of burnout after a while because of an overwhelming workload. In a large company with many competitive designers, the pressure to perform similarly is high. The decrease in staff results in one person taking on more responsibilities. After work, there’s no energy for other activities, such as personal projects or building a personal brand.
The company doesn’t seem fair, with a disparity between workload and compensation. Those with average salaries or lower want to quit entirely. Lunch break discussions become outlets for grievances, showing that the quality of life for designers here is not good. Waiting for salary and bonuses is a common occurrence because large companies offer financial security. The work becomes routine, and there’s no pride in the tasks. The essence and value of design work are not realized. Asking questions like why the passion for design has diminished compared to before. It feels like we’re doing tasks without real creativity, just to meet the demands, and the unrealistic deadlines make it challenging to keep up.
I’m trying to find ways to cope with burnout, but haven’t found a solution. Whether I’m at home or in the bathroom, I find myself sighing a thousand times.I constantly think about how to break free from this loop. However, there’s a plan to change jobs next year, hoping for improvement. The challenge is that I haven’t prepared a portfolio to submit elsewhere.
Initially, it was challenging to accept orders from someone in a higher position. It’s not about age but about the hierarchical structure—those in higher positions have authority to give orders in terms of work. Each team has a leader, and we need to go through them before presenting to clients. Sometimes, team leaders may not always be effective. However, as we prove ourselves over time, they become more receptive. People are not inherently bad.
Numpu
Nonthapat Cholavit – Creative at Wieden + Kennedy Shanghai, China
In the advertising industry, the working process is quite similar everywhere. In Thailand, leaving work is not strictly tied to a specific time. People may start work around 10-11 a.m. and finish on time, or extend until 2 a.m., especially during urgent projects or pitches.The perception is not solely about making money, but rather a desire to produce quality work.
When I was younger, I often found joy in brainstorming at home, aspiring to improve my work. However, as time progressed, the dedication to working on weekends or late into the night continued, driven by a personal commitment to enhancing the quality of work.
In Paris, the work culture is typically from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with little to no work done after that. Contrary to the Thai work culture, Parisians generally do not like working beyond the standard hours. In Thailand, it’s common to schedule work on weekends if necessary, while in Paris, this is not a regular practice.
In Shanghai, the working hours are typically from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with some individuals staying until midnight or later. The norm of working late stems from the belief that the work is not good enough yet.
It’s important to note that in Shanghai, people tend to work more intensively compared to the Thai work culture.
In Paris, there is a genuine emphasis on work-life balance. However, some individuals may choose to work simply for the paycheck, with a clear separation between work and personal life. Work is considered just a job for some, and not everyone is equally invested. The value placed on work varies among individuals.
In both Thailand and Shanghai, people generally have a passion for making their work better.
Comparing Shanghai and Thailand, everyone in both places has a passion for making their work better. In Shanghai, if someone works until 3 a.m., they might receive additional benefits such as meal and transportation allowances, as long as it’s not considered an overtime paycheck.
The workload in Thailand and Shanghai is perceived to be quite similar. In Paris, the work environment tends to be lighter, and sometimes there may be a lack of tasks, especially during work-from-home periods, making it feel like there’s not much to do.
Currently, there are no financial issues for me, but work-related challenges are more prominent. Despite doing the work, there’s a sense of feeling lost at times. Working with global leaders is satisfying, and not experiencing burnout is a positive aspect.However, during burnout, thoughts often revolve around questioning the purpose of one’s life, not just the intensity of the workload but also in relation to personal fulfilment.
If burnout is severe and occurs frequently, it indicates that the values in the current environment may not align with personal values. In such cases, planning for a job change may be considered. However, if burnout is within the normal range and there are no significant issues, continuing with the current work may be the best course of action.
Creativity is a basic human response to trauma and a natural emergency defense system.
Desalvo (2000)
I spent my time researching and reading about expressive writing this week. Interviewing the expert helped me think about ideas for my intervention, and Wednesday’s class helped me with what I will present in my Dragons Den this Tuesday.
Expressive writing often entails spending 15-20 minutes each day for 3-5 days writing about one’s most profound sentiments and emotions about an event or conversation. People may write about the same or different issues every day. (Rogers and Schainker, n.d.) , In the expressive writing paradigm, participants are asked to write about such events for 15–20 minutes on 3–5 occasions. (Baikie and Wilhelm, 2018)
Expressive writing can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, improve sleep and performance, and improve focus and clarity. From Writing Can Help Us Heal from Trauma(Siegel-Acevedo, 2021)
According to Round et al. (2022), teachers are an occupational group especially prone to burnout, a condition produced by persistent stress from work overload.
The present research supports the idea that positive expressive writing reduces state anxiety. Positive writing boosts satisfaction with promotion chances and contingent rewards for full-time workers. These findings imply that positive expressive writing is a valuable strategy for improving aspects of job satisfaction and, hence, has the potential to improve work-related well-being. However, as expected, we found no specific benefits of positive expressive writing for instructors, nor did we find any benefits of positive expressive writing for burnout.
I will ask my participants to write these draft topics and questions about the intervention in 4 days.
1) Factors that affect burnout
What have you experienced lately that makes you feel stressed or tired, both mentally and physically?
2) What happens when they face burnout? How can they know more and notice that burnout is coming or happening?
What are your feelings and physical symptoms at the moment?
3) Their goals and values
What are your values in work or life? Why do you have these values and want to keep them?
What are your goals in work or life? Why do you have these goals and want to achieve them?
4) What do they plan to do next to explore solutions they have at hand or solutions they haven’t tried?
What are you planning to do next with your situation? What is your process, strategy, or plan to achieve your goal or improve your life?
REF.
Baikie, K.A. and Wilhelm, K. (2018). Emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, [online] 11(5), pp.338–346. doi:https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.11.5.338.
Desalvo, L.A. (2000). Writing as a way of healing : how telling our stories transforms our lives. Boston, Mass.: Beacon Press.
Round, E.K., Wetherell, M.A., Elsey, V. and Smith, M.A. (2022). Positive expressive writing as a tool for alleviating burnout and enhancing wellbeing in teachers and other full-time workers. Cogent Psychology, 9(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2022.2060628.
Rogers, C.R. and Schainker, L. (n.d.). Processing Tough Emotions Using Expressive Writing. [online] extension.usu.edu. Available at: https://extension.usu.edu/relationships/faq/processing-tough-emotions-using-expressive-writing#:~:text=The%20practice%20of%20expressive%20writing [Accessed 22 Oct. 2023].
Siegel-Acevedo, D. (2021). Writing Can Help Us Heal from Trauma. [online] Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2021/07/writing-can-help-us-heal-from-trauma.
After talking with the therapist and art therapist.
Expressive writing is a form of therapeutic writing that allows individuals to explore and process their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It involves putting personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions into words on paper without worrying about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. This type of writing is often used for self-exploration, self-expression, and emotional healing. Research has shown that expressive writing can have various psychological and emotional benefits, such as reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing overall well-being.
Expressive writing is a creative tool that already exists.
Free writing is not present in academic terms.
Normally, writing naturally creates awareness. However, when there is burnout, it is essential to examine what needs to be done to address it. Explore the factors, goals, values, and meaning of life.
At the end of the research, tell them to take care of yourself. Addressing individuals experiencing burnout emphasises that they already have many observable traits. Make it understandable to them. They might not adopt it even if it works because it might not be their way. It helps them only if they prefer other methods.
Plan
Select participants by criteria of burnout score from Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey
Do the Expressive writing by topic related to burnout
After finishing the process, Describe the topic of burnout and self-care, focusing on those already experiencing burnout. Point out that they already possess many inherent qualities. Make them understand that. Even if a certain method works, they might not adopt it because it might not align with their preferences. It only assists them if they do not resonate with other approaches.
Encourage seeking feedback. Also, explain that there are numerous tools available. Describe what each tool entails.
Next week: create the questions and promote the intervention
Which one is the most effective way???? – We don’t know [yet]
Change of the research question:
How can self-awareness of burnout be – generated, developed, maximised, spread, adopted – among individuals in Thailand’s creative industries?
How can self-awareness of burnout be adopted among individuals in Thailand’s creative industries?
It means that you continue to do something even after the intervention has ended.
Suggestion POINTS
What are the signs of burnout?
Can you reverse those symptoms? And HOW?
How can someone self-diagnose the symptoms of burnout?
Reflection:
I didn’t think about the point of adaptation and what people going to do after the intervention before. I know that I will give them the self-care technique and I hope they will use it but I didn’t think about whether this is the best way for them or not, if not.. what is the best way for them and what way they gonna like and want to keep doing it.
Creative Social Night happened on Sat July 8 at 7 pm – 12 am in Bangkok.
In the survey that I did, people in this field wanted to talk with other people who also work in the same field too. So, I planned to do relax and fun social night where people can talk and make the connection,
only film photo that I got from that night
We have 11 people join the event and have 5 staff including me.
The Schedule and plan
- Introduction / Icebreaking: bring one thing that represent who you are
- Sharing Circle (Have u ever)
Example of Questions : Who ever received a damn brief?, Who has been assigned tasks beyond their duties?, Has anyone ever been told that your face shouldn't be doing this job?
and We will end with you are not alone.
- How would the mid-year recap rate overall quality of life satisfaction? Work and anything related (1–10) How was the last half-year written and shared? in terms of work.
- Small Group Questions with Conversation Starter
- Post it brainstorming :
Questions :
What are the obstacles to creating activities or communities for creative people?
Think about what activities are suitable for the creative industry. Or do you think people in the creative industry would want to join?
What is the image of the community of creative people in our dreams?
How do you feel after participating in the activity?
- Social / Drinking / Snack / Swap Stuffs / Having FUN until midnight
This is a 2nd intervention Art therapy workshop in Bangkok
After London, I planned to do 2 more interventions in art therapy, so I talked with the same art therapist to work with me, and I booked a lovely space in Bangkok.
The 2nd one happened on Sat July 8 1 – 5 pm
From IG Post.
We decided to add one more hour, so the workshop will not rush and have time for more break time and talk.
In this one, we have 6 participants, and we improve some questions in the feedback form, but the Schedule is still the same.
Schedule
- Introductions and ground rules
- Fact about Burnout syndrome
- Ice-breaking 1: Create art on the topic ”Creative circles that I have come across.
- Ice-breaking 2: Convey your current feelings through the art process.
- Create works of art that reflect burnout feelings
Review six factors to see which of them affect your burnout, in descending order to bring those factors to be conveyed as works of art
- Group talk: Think about your future life in the creative industry. reflected in the image Put the pictures together for just viewing (10 minutes). Then have each person create a work of art based on the feelings they experience when viewing other people's work. Bring it together in the middle and talk.
- Self care: Safe place
& Muscle relaxation
This time I printed the sheet about Burnout syndrome for participants to keep it.
We have tea for free and trying to make this space to be a safe space for everyone.
The change: self-care for ending the stress cycle for people who have burnout
Timeline:
(18) 5-11 june: prepare for first intervention, create form, find participants, talk with art therapist, book space, buy art equipment, find art therapist who can work with me in Thailand
(19) 12-18 june: finalise and contact participants, doing the first intervention on 16th june afternoon 1-4pm, summarise and analyse the outcome, finalise art therapist in Thailand
(20) 19-25 june: talking, research for the next intervention in Thailand, creating and developing from last intervention, talk with more expert
26 june – 1 july: 8,15 july – im going to do next intervention in Thailand, prepare workshop
Intervention
Talk about Burnout
Cause
Symptom
Factors
1. Workload
2. Sense of control/influence
3. Reward/acknowledgement
4. Community = isolation/conflict/disrespect
5. Fairness = favouritism / discrimination
6. Value = meaningful job
Activity
Part1: ice breaking 1
Part2: ice breaking 2
Part3: Burnout – Create art that related to your burnout
Part4: What the hell I’m doing here
Obj: address the mismatch between individuals and factors in work that cause burnout; which factor relate to you the most
