BERLIN (dpa) -- Doing a job that does not correspond to your abilities generates stress that could lead to burnout as you are constantly forced to pretend to be something you are not.

German burnout expert Joerg-Peter Schroeder says maintaining this facade consumes a great deal of energy. "If someone is working in an administrative function, when he or she is a creative person in reality, this causes permanent stress. They are required to be precise, which is something that doesn't come easily to them. They would be better off where they can come up with new ideas."

One of the best ways to prevent burnout is to do a job that corresponds to your own abilities. "That may sound banal, but many people do jobs that they hate," Schroeder says.

School leavers need to ensure that they choose a study course that suits their aptitudes and that will lead to a job they derive satisfaction from, Schroeder says. Choosing a course purely on grounds of financial security could in the end lead to needless stress and illness.

He also advises investigating in practice whether a career choice appeals. "If you notice that you're not enjoying it, perhaps it's not the right thing for you," he says.

And if you are unhappy in your job, you should look to change it. "If this is not possible for some or other reason, you have to grit your teeth. But then you have to face up to the fact that you have decided against change and must face the consequences," Schroeder says. Nothing is as unhealthy as leading a life that you simply do not want.

Schroeder says it is also possible to counter burnout in small ways. "You should try to answer the question anew every day, 'Why am I doing this?'"

Similarly, a brief pause before a difficult meeting to take a breath and collect your thoughts is essential. "Don't turn up somewhere in a fluster, rather stop for a moment and ask yourself: "What do I want from this?'"

Copyright 2012 dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH