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60 Examples of a Burden

John Spacey, July 02, 2022

A burden is a harsh internal or external challenge faced by an individual. This is similar to a life problem or obstacle except that burdens include things that are internal to your mind such as guilt. A burden indicates a problem that is excessive such that it is preventing an individual from being productive and fulfilled. The following are illustrative examples of a burden.

Bad Habits	Bitterness / Resentment
Bullying	Business Failure
Conflict	Cost of Living
Criminal Record	Debt
Domestic Responsibilities	Duties Related to Caring For Others (e.g. a student who has to care for a sibling)
Excessive Red Tape	Excessive Taxes
Family Problems	Financial Losses
Guilt	Health Problems
Homelessness / Insufficient Housing	Household Choirs
Household Expenses	Immigration Status (e.g. short term visa / can't establish roots)
Injustice	Lack of Education
Lack of Resources	Lack of Rights and Freedoms
Legal Disputes	Loss of Loved Ones / Mourning
Mental Health Issues	No Access to Credit (e.g. small business loan / mortgage)
Pollution & Environmental Injustice	Poor Access to Education
Poor Access to Healthcare	Poor Grades / Problems Achieving Academic Goals
Poor Working Conditions / Excessive Work Hours	Poverty
Problems With Friends	Racism / Discrimination / Biases
Regret	Relationship Problems
Reputational Problems	Resistance to Change / Inability to Change
Safety / Security Issues (e.g. live in dangerous place)	Social Isolation
Transportation Issues / Excessive Commute	Unemployment / Lack of Economic Opportunity
Unexpected Costs / Expenses	Victim of Crime
Workplace Stress

The term burden is unkind and is not to be applied to a person.

Governments can impose burdens such as high taxes or excessive regulations. They can also relieve burdens. For example, nations that pay for all medical care such that medical debt essentially doesn't exist in a particular society.

Burden also means "a weight that is carried."

As with any life problem, the process of resolving or managing a burden can build character, resilience and life experience. As you work to overcome problems both internal and external -- this may shape you in positive ways.

Counterexamples

A burden is an overwhelmingly difficult and persistent problem that prevents a person from being productive. People can typically take on a large number of duties, responsibilities, problems and stresses without them becoming a burden. The following are possible counterexamples of a burden.

Breakups	Business Challenges
Criticism	Financial Problems Caused By Overspending
Manageable Life Problems	Minor Insults
Normal Levels of Bitterness That Heals With Time and Forgiveness	Normal Levels of Regret That Heals With Time
Office Politics	Parental Responsibilities
Reasonable Levels of Taxation	Reasonable Working Conditions
Work Responsibilities

Overview: Burdens
Type	Life Problems
Definition	A harsh internal or external challenge faced by an individual.
Type	Life Problem Obstacle
Related Concepts	Life Problems » Obstacles »