Lessons from Burnout: A Vow to Myself

Hi, hi, hi my beautiful humans! 🖤

Before I dive in, I’ll be honest — I wasn’t sure I’d ever write this post. But I’m really glad I did. I’ve journaled about it, sat with it, processed it. And now, it feels right to share it with y’all, too.

I’ve always promised to be open and honest with y’all, because life (and healing) isn’t linear — it ebbs and flows, right? And this? This is now a big part of my story.

So, without further ado, let’s talk about burnout.
Not the cute kind where you’re “just tired” and take a day off.
I mean real burnout — the kind that creeps in slowly, quietly… until one day you wake up and don’t even recognize yourself.

There was a time not too long ago when I gave everything to a job. My time. My energy. My belief. I poured myself into a company whose values I thought I aligned with, only to realize the leadership didn’t live by them at all. They said all the right things: “People-first,” “transparency,” “collaboration,” “diversity.” Even “move at Rattata speed.” (Not saying the company name, but let’s just say it kind of sounded like a certain Pokémon 🐀😉)

But the actions? A different story.
One where people were treated like tools, not humans.

And here’s the thing — I’m someone who cares deeply. About my work. About people. About building culture. I mean, I do work in HR after all 🤷🏼‍♀️ So I kept trying. I kept showing up, thinking if I just gave more, tried harder, pushed through… maybe it would change.

Spoiler alert: it didn’t.

What did change? Me.

I lost myself in that job. Let it bleed into every part of my life. I became a shell of who I was. My confidence, my joy, my health, my relationships — they all took a hit. I had wrapped so much of my identity around being good at my work, that when the work felt meaningless… I did too.

But here’s the truth I had to relearn:
Your work can matter deeply to you, but it is not the entirety of who you are.
You are allowed to be a whole, vibrant human outside of your career.

Burnout brought me to my knees.
But piece by piece, I started to stand back up.

I got into therapy (still in it — huge fan).
I leaned on my people. I’ll never be able to thank y’all enough.
My friends and family reminded me who I was beyond a job title.
I returned to what lights me up: writing, reading, creating, getting outside, rediscovering my style, being silly again.
I found a job where the values aren’t just words on a careers page — they’re lived, every day.
And most importantly, I built a life that puts me first.

What I’m Doing Differently This Time Around

Here’s how I’m choosing myself now — and maybe it’s the reminder you need, too:

✨ I have a sacred morning routine: meditate, affirmations, The Daily Stoic. I’m basically the modern-day Gandhi.
✨ Drinking alcohol? Rare. Clear head, clear heart.
✨ I devour books — sometimes more than one at once.
✨ I check in with myself before checking email or Slack. Inbox isn’t even on my phone. Emotional inventory > unread messages.
✨ I honor my capacity. Just because I can do it all doesn’t mean I should.
✨ Therapy is a non-negotiable. Mental health is health.
✨ I say no when it costs me my peace. Boundaries, baby. (Still actively working on this one as I continue to build my new routine!)
✨ I speak the fuck up. At work. In relationships. In friendships. No more expecting people to read my mind. Clarity = kindness.
✨ I rest before I’m burnt out. Rest isn’t a reward — it’s essential.
✨ I am valuable even when I’m still.
✨ I only stay in environments that reflect my values. If leadership doesn’t walk the talk — I walk away. 🚶🏼‍♀️‍➡️

The company I work for now? Pure magic. I get to work in social media, surrounded by the most wildly creative, passionate, hilarious humans — and most of them? Gen Z. And let me tell you… they are the moment. They speak their minds, protect their peace, and set boundaries like it’s second nature. Watching them navigate work with confidence, humor, and zero tolerance for BS? The coolest and inspiring. Their energy has helped me fall back in love with the kind of work I always wanted to do — the kind that fuels you instead of drains you.

Also, these days, I know I’m a damn good manager - I was just being led by someone who had no business leading.

Anyways, the vow I made myself:
I will never let my mental health get that bad again.

If you’ve ever been there, I see you. Really.
You are not alone. You are so much more than what you do for a living.

If you’re in the thick of it right now, I hope this post feels like a soft place to land. You will get through this. You will get to the other side. I pinky promise you. 💕

And if you’re on the other side, like me, I hope it’s a reminder:
We can rebuild.
Stronger. Softer.
With more compassion, better boundaries, and so much more grace.

Wherever you are right now, I hope you’ll be gentle with yourself.
And if this post felt like it was written for you — maybe it was.
You’re never alone in this life ✨🫶🏻👽