Dealing with Burnout When You Do Work That You Freakin’ Love

Beyond Your Default

In this episode of Beyond Your Default, George and I tackle one of the most challenging and personal topics in the world of work: burnout, but not just any kind. We’re diving into what it means to truly experience burnout while doing what you love—because let’s be honest, it feels completely different when your passion is the source of your exhaustion. When you're mad at what you do, it's easier to recognize you've got a problem.

This episode is personal, it’s real, and it’s something we need to talk about, especially for those of us who pour ourselves into work that we care deeply about.

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Burnout is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what happens when the thing that used to light you up—your dream job, your passion project—suddenly becomes the source of your stress? How do you navigate that emotional and physical toll when you still care so much about what you’re doing?

George and I roll up our sleeves in this episode to address these questions, and we don’t shy away from sharing our personal stories and struggles with burnout. I even talk about my own recent health scare and how it forced me to rethink how I balance life and work. If you’ve ever found yourself teetering on the edge of burnout while doing what you love, you’re not alone, and this episode is for you.

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A lot of times, people talk about burnout in abstract terms—just another buzzword. But George and I wanted to shift the conversation to focus specifically on what happens when burnout hits in work that brings you joy and purpose. When you’re doing something you’re passionate about, burnout doesn’t always feel like an option because you love what you’re doing. But even when you’re in love with your work, burnout can still creep in—and it can be more devastating when it does.

I share my experience of having to hit the pause button recently because of a significant health scare. It forced me to ask tough questions about rest, boundaries, and how to keep showing up for the things that matter without running myself into the ground.

Burnout Topics We Cover

burnout, emotional clarity, health scares, work-life balance, self-care, productivity, mental health, communication, passion, stress management

Highlights from Our Conversation

• Defining Burnout in Work You Love: We start by acknowledging how burnout presents differently when you care deeply about your work. It’s not just physical exhaustion; it’s emotional fatigue that leaves you questioning the very passion that got you started in the first place.

• George’s Burnout Thermometer: George introduces the concept of his “burnout thermometer,” a personal gauge he’s developed over time to check in with himself before burnout takes over. This involves identifying the warning signs before it’s too late and taking intentional steps to avoid a crash.

• The Importance of Rest and Reflection: One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn is that rest isn’t the enemy of productivity; it’s a necessary part of the process. We discuss how to recognize when it’s time to step back and how to do it without guilt—especially for all my fellow Type A’s who struggle with letting go!

• Practical Tips for Avoiding Burnout: From micro-breaks to setting boundaries, we break down real, actionable strategies for avoiding burnout, even when it feels like stepping away is impossible. George and I both share how we’ve had to prioritize ruthlessly and learn how to say “no” or “not now” to protect our mental and physical health.

• How to Rebalance Your Workload: We know that stepping away isn’t always realistic. But you can still rebalance your workload and make time for the things that matter most. We talk about how to delegate, communicate, and prioritize effectively so that you don’t end up burning the candle at both ends.

• Understanding the Consequences of Ignoring Burnout: What happens when you don’t listen to your mind and body? We get real about the very real consequences of burnout—from physical illness to career stagnation. And if you’re thinking, “It’s just a rough patch, I’ll get through it,” this episode might change your perspective on what’s really at stake.

Quotes About the Importance of Burnout

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” - Unknown

“Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long.” - Michael Gungor

“The truth is that burnout is a sign that something needs to change, not that you should just push through.” - Carly Ferguson

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest.” - Mark Black

“You can do anything, but not everything.” - David Allen

“Burnout doesn’t happen because we’re solving problems; it happens when we’ve been solving the same problem over and over.” - Susan Scott

“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” - Eleanor Brownn

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” - Anne Lamott

“Burnout is nature’s way of telling you you’ve been going through the motions, your soul has departed; you’re a zombie, a member of the walking dead, a sleepwalker.” - Sam Keen

“Rest is not idle, not wasteful. Sometimes rest is the most productive thing you can do for body and soul.” - Erica Layne

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” - Lou Holtz

“Self-care is not selfish. You can’t serve from an empty vessel.” - Eleanor Brownn

“Sometimes the best way to love what you do is to step away for a moment and come back refreshed.” - Unknown

“You owe yourself the love that you so freely give to your work.” - Unknown

“Burnout doesn’t have to mean giving up on your passions, but it does mean adjusting how you approach them.” - Unknown

“You can’t g...