Burnout & Working With Dyslexia With Dr Martin Bloomfield

Curious what happens when dyslexic minds collide? This episode kicks off the new year with an uplifting yet honest chat. It's a reunion of sorts with Martin, whom I first interviewed two years ago, and he's back to talk about dyslexia in the workplace.

We covered how we get burned out, why enjoyment matters, and what happens when dyslexia tangles with everyday communication. If you're juggling your own dyslexic traits, you'll feel right at home here. Martin brings refreshing insights, and there's plenty of laughter too. It's all about understanding ourselves better.

Catching Up With Martin

Martin is the creator of "Dyslexia Bytes," a resource that delves into the complexities of dyslexia. When we last spoke, his passion for helping others shone through every word. Fast-forward two years and he's still at it, but now he sees things a bit differently.

He’s more aware that dyslexia doesn't vanish after early school days. It’s a lifelong trait that can pop up in unexpected ways, especially when life gets stressful. That’s why we focused on practical strategies and mindsets rather than quick fixes. We talked about how building understanding, having a sense of humour, and asking for help when we need it can keep us balanced.

“People with dyslexia often try to push through fatigue, and then wonder why it feels like they're hitting a wall.” — Martin, Dyslexia Bytes

Dyslexic Burnout at Work

We’ve all been there, feeling exhausted after doing the same tasks again and again. For dyslexic minds, that sense of repetition and cognitive overload can escalate quickly. One day you’re managing emails or spreadsheets, the next day you’re mentally wiped. Martin believes it happens when we're not encouraged to tailor tasks to our strengths.

Burnout might start with small things: trouble focusing or feeling anxious about simple details. Then it snowballs if you ignore the signs. Instead of pushing through, take a moment to recognise what's draining you. Step back and find ways to lighten the mental load. Even a short break can reset your brain.

• Recognise early warning signs of burnout (like brain fog or irritability).
• Break down big tasks into smaller steps.
• Talk openly with colleagues or managers about working to your strengths.

The Need to Enjoy What You Do

Martin speaks openly about how passion or enjoyment can shield us from burnout. If you’re doing something you love, it’s easier to overlook the little hiccups. On the other hand, if you’re stuck in a job that’s crushing your creativity, fatigue creeps in faster.

It’s not always realistic to quit your job just because you’re bored, but you can still find pockets of enjoyment. Maybe that’s connecting with colleagues who uplift you or adding a bit of creativity into a task. The ultimate goal is to stop waiting for happiness and learn to spark it wherever you are.

Think about your “flow state” moments. When do you lose track of time because you’re engrossed in the work? Those are important clues. Follow them and you might just chase burnout away.

How Dyslexia Affects Communicating with Others

Communication is often a minefield for dyslexics—typos, jumbled sentences, or missing words entirely. It can lead to misinterpretations or second-guessing. Martin and I chatted about ways to avoid that trap. Sometimes a quick voice message or a friendly chat can convey more clarity than a lengthy email.

In a team setting, it’s also good to let others know how you work best. You might prefer face-to-face discussions or simpler bullet-point lists. It’s all about picking the best tools to share your ideas. Don’t feel embarrassed if you need someone to check your words before hitting send. It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of smarts.

• Use communication methods you find easiest (voice messages, short emails, etc.).
• Ask a trusted colleague or friend to glance at important documents.
• Explain that clarity matters more than formal niceties.

Wrapping Up the Insights

Our entire conversation, from dyslexic burnout to forging genuine connections, boils down to awareness and kindness towards ourselves. Dyslexia isn’t a roadblock, it's just a different road. Managing it involves a mix of self-acceptance, a willingness to speak up, and gratefulness for what your mind can do.

Martin’s journey with Dyslexia Bytes also shows how personal projects can grow beyond a hobby. If you’re looking for in-depth talks, practical tips, or just a friend on a similar path, search “Dyslexia Bytes” on Google or YouTube to see what he’s up to.

We also have a warm little community over on Patreon, which funds the podcast and keeps this conversation going. There’s a quiz on our website for those curious about their own dyslexic traits. If you want to go deeper, check out our resource hub at Remarkable Minds. Every step helps us break down those tough walls we sometimes build around dyslexia.

• Burnout can sneak up if you're not taking breaks.
• Enjoyment is a powerful antidote for stress.
• Dyslexics often thrive in environments where communication is flexible.
• It's okay to ask for feedback on your ideas or writing.
• Building a life around your strengths is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you want to dive deeper into our conversation, the full episode is waiting for you at the top of this page. Give it a listen, learn from Martin’s experiences, and hopefully walk away with ideas you can use in your own life. Thanks for reading and I hope you find a spark that lights your path.