When You Can’t Tell If You’re Burnt Out or Just Tired of Them
By Bahlin’s bent fork, there’s a difference between bein’ tired and bein’ done — but when yer sittin’ behind the screen, it can feel the same. One week ye’re excited to spin webs of intrigue, the next ye’re starin’ at yer notes like they’re a bucket o’ stale ale. And the worst part? Ye can’t tell if the fire’s gone from yer forge… or if it’s just the fools at the table that smothered it.
I once spent six weeks plannin’ a villain reveal. Maps, music, the whole bloody deal. And when the day came? Half the party showed late, one player argued rules for an hour, and the rest spent more time debatin’ stew flavors than fightin’ the villain. By the time the lich actually walked in, I wanted him to win. That’s how I knew I was either burnt out — or just fed up with them.
📌 Every GM hits this crossroads.
👉 And at Mike’s Tavern, I’ll tell ya plain: only ye can decide whether it’s yer fire that’s dyin’, or yer table that’s draggin’ it into the ash.
The Signs of Real Burnout
Sometimes, lad, the forge really is cold. That ain’t shameful — it’s the cost of carryin’ too much. Signs ye might be truly burnt out:
Prep feels like punishment, not passion.
Ye dread sittin’ down, even with players ye actually like.
Small mistakes send yer temper sparkin’.
Ye’d rather fold laundry than roll dice.
If that’s the case, it ain’t about yer players. It’s about yer body, yer mind, and yer flame. Take a break, step back, and remember yer more than the stories ye tell.
The Signs It’s Just Them
Other times? Aye, it’s not yer fire that’s out — it’s the smoke they keep pourin’ on it.
They derail with nonsense? Aye, like that loud lad who runs the table.
They skip prep, wander in clueless? Ye’ve seen it before: when nobody prepares but you.
They treat the story like a joke, underminin’ tone? Then it ain’t yer problem, it’s their fool hearts laughin’ through quests.
If that’s what grinds ya down, then lad, ye ain’t burnt out. Yer just tired of draggin’ a cart of drunk goats through a dungeon.
How to Fix Either Road
If it’s burnout? Step back. Run a one-shot. Play instead of GM. Or take a few weeks off. Ain’t shame in restin’ the forge.
If it’s them? Call it out. Don’t let bad habits rot the barrel. Cut the noise, demand prep, and give spotlight to those who still care.
If ye don’t know which? Run a small game with players ye trust. If the fire burns bright, then it was never burnout — it was the wrong company.
By Tharn’s itchy chainmail, don’t confuse a foul table with a dead flame. One can be fixed with better company, the other only with time.
📌 Ye Deserve a Game Worth Playin’ Too
👉 Don’t let false guilt chain ye to a dead table. Whether it’s yer heart or their fool habits, the solution’s out there. Check the GM Wisdom scrolls, shout through the contact page, or read how to stop prep from weighin’ ye down.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if I should quit a campaign?
A: If yer dreadin’ every session, aye, it’s time. Better to end on yer own terms than drag it into misery.
Q: Should I tell my players I’m burnt out?
A: Be honest, lad. They can’t help if they don’t know. Sometimes they’ll surprise ye and step up.
Q: What if I still love GMing, but not with this group?
A: Then it’s them, not you. Find a table that deserves yer fire. Don’t waste the forge on folk who don’t care.
