Autistic Burnout from Warehouse Work: 3 Shifts = Energy Debt
I work Friday through Sunday. 10 hours a day.
After those 3 shifts, I'm physically fatigued and mentally exhausted from masking and micromanagement throughout the day.
Recovery? 3-4 days minimum. A couple days straight to stim or draw for a couple hours each day is enough most of the time.
What Energy Debt Actually Means
Energy debt (for me) = the days-after cost of masking + sensory overload.
Mental exhaustion to the point you literally cannot talk to anyone or function normally. No previous activities or special interests that replenish your energy would budge an inch.
This is what autistic burnout actually feels like. Not just tired—completely unable to function. Energy debt is my term for the chronic burnout state I operate in.
The difference between tired and energy debt? Easy way to know: waking up the next day with no energy to engage in any tasks that demand even a little cognitive effort. Physical tiredness goes away the following day. Energy debt does NOT.
The Compound Effect
Each consecutive day gets harder. I end each day—Friday, Saturday, Sunday—on 0 energy. This gives me less to work with the following day. The cycle continues, making each day significantly more exhausting and demanding more recovery time.
Friday ends at 0. I sleep. Saturday starts at maybe 3. Ends at 0 again. Sunday starts even lower. My executive function is completely shot—meal prepping for the next few days is literally impossible. Microwaving a snack is the highest-effort “meal” I can do.
What Energy Debt Costs Me
Talking with my family is practically nonexistent. My relationships with friends are very distant—no energy to text back. Activities I enjoy, like running, are much less enjoyable and fun.
Why Tracking Helps
Being aware of what days drained my energy the most—sensory overload from bright lights at my warehouse, loud conversations from coworkers—provided crucial insight.
I stopped talking as often. I always wear earplugs at work now. No exceptions.
I'm Omari, a 23-year-old autistic adult who's been managing chronic burnout for 5+ years while working warehouse shifts.
I’m writing this because “tired” doesn’t explain it, and I needed a way to see patterns instead of blaming myself.
This is why I'm building Spoons. To see the patterns. To make adjustments. To have energy left for things that actually matter.
Launching April 2026. getspoons.app - One email when it's ready. No spam.
— Omari
Note: I'm sharing my personal experience as an autistic adult, not medical advice. If you're experiencing severe burnout or crisis, please consult a healthcare provider familiar with autism.