The Complexity of Demands faced by Dual-Career Equestrian Athletes

Previous blog posts have discussed how dual-career equestrian athletes can experience burnout, and the findings of Megan’s research study into burnout in dual-career equestrian athletes. But why is this? This post will go into detail about the impacts of having numerous demands, in multiple domains, and how this can contribute to the development of burnout.

What is a dual career?

An individual can be said to have a dual-career if they balance major commitments in both sport and studies/work (Stambulova & Wylleman, 2015). In the general sports psychology literature, the link between burnout and dual-careers has been explained by athletes experiencing high demands in both domains (Stambulova & Wylleman, 2019). In order to have a beneficial dual-career, there needs to be balance between the two. An imbalance can lead to stress and burnout (Stambulova & Wylleman, 2019). Factors that can lead to an imbalance include external barriers, such as a lack of flexibility, and personal barriers such as a lack of time for a social life (Stambulova & Wylleman, 2019).

Role conflict is another important concept to consider in the link between burnout and dual-careers. Role conflict occurs when involvement in one domain makes involvement in the other domain challenging (Beutell & Greenhouse, 1985). Craies (2015) found that role conflict can exist for equestrians when combing sport and family life. For equestrians with dual-careers, there is a possibility that demands in the work domain may make it challenging for them to engage in the equestrian domain as much as they would like to. If they do manage to engage in both domains as much as they would like to, there is a possibility that they may feel stretched too thinly, with not enough time for self-care and rest (Stambulova & Wylleman, 2019), further contributing to burnout.

The impacts of a high number of demands

The study was able to gather numerous first-hand accounts of the impacts of a high number of demands upon dual-career equestrian athletes. Firstly, participants described that the demands they experience from the equine domain are incredibly complex and multifaceted. Horse ownership comes with physical, emotional and financial challenges, which can impact upon enjoyment levels. The financial burden that horse ownership places on individuals can increase burnout risk, through some feeling an increased need to work overtime.

Participants also described struggling with finding a good balance between work demands and personal demands. Highly demanding jobs, with long work hours, can impact upon an individual’s ability to rest adequately, increasing their risk of burnout. When the jobs themselves use of a lot of energy, participants described running out of energy for their horses and other demands, such as family and children.

In an attempt to balance all of their demands, participants reported feeling overwhelmed and unable to find any spare time for relaxing. Any spare time they did find, was often overcome by a task they needed to do. Participants described the impacts of these feelings, leading them to feel like they are not completing any aspect to the best of their ability, or not giving things as much time as they would like (Beutell & Greenhouse, 1985). This can lead to a vicious cycle, with tasks and work piling up and up, leading to even less time for self-care and rest.

How can a dual-career be managed and balanced?

Self-care is a vital aspect in both the prevention and management of burnout. Self-care can take many forms, and beneficial self-care will look different for everyone. For example, self-care may look like taking a few moments to have a chat with a close friend, maybe one who experiences similar struggles, or just someone who will listen to you. Self-care can also take the form of using spare time to relax, not to catch up on to-do lists. Even though that task may be important, taking care of yourself is the most important thing. After an evening of self-care and relaxation, it is likely you will wake up feeling fresher and more able to tackle the demands you need to.

Workplace factors were also found to be useful in the prevention and management of burnout. For example, participants noted that flexible working arrangements, such as working from home, helped them to better balance their demands, by cutting out commutes or being able to work when it suits them best. Job satisfaction was also discussed, such as mental health support being offered through work. A supportive work environment, who is open to struggles, helps employees to feel supported and not alone.

While some of the aforementioned factors will not be within everyone’s control, it can be useful to sit down and think about how you can integrate more self-care in ways that work for you, whether that is having a relaxing night or talking with a friend. Remember, burnt out is common, and you won’t be the only one.

References:

Beutell, N. J., & Greenhaus, J. (1985). Sources of conflict between work and family roles. Academy of Management Review, 10(1), 76-88.

Craies, S. (2015). Equestrian sport and the work-life interface: an exploratory study on the combination of horses, family and work in competitive, working horse riders: a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand Massey University].

Stambulova, N. B., & Wylleman, P. (2015). Dual career development and transitions. Psychology of sport and exercise, 21, 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2015.05.003

Stambulova, N. B., & Wylleman, P. (2019). Psychology of athletes' dual careers: A state-of-the-art critical review of the European discourse. Psychology of sport and exercise, 42, 74-88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.11.013