I felt like I had failed

Tanya experienced burnout in her first job after graduating from university. She sheds light on her symptoms, from migraines to self-doubt, and advice on how to recover.

 

Burnout doesn’t just happen overnight. It builds up gradually over weeks, months, and even years until it becomes impossible to ignore.

For me, the lead-up to burnout was a perfect storm of pressure, denial, self-doubt, exhaustion, and what just felt like “too much”.

Starting my career in corporate consulting fresh out of university, I quickly found myself in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Days were packed with endless demands, juggling competing priorities and feeling stretched thin. I was expected to learn on the job, thrive in ambiguity and make peace with the fear of making mistakes which loomed constantly. The idea of being burnt out didn’t feel like an option, and taking time off seemed impossible.

Instead, I worried that I simply wasn’t good enough at my job. This fear began to spiral into deeper anxieties about my career, my self-worth and capabilities, all in a climate of job insecurity and rising living costs, where having a stable career feels even more fundamental.

"At first, I dismissed the signs of burnout. Like many young professionals, I thought constant exhaustion, trouble focusing and low mood were just part of the experience.

However, as the weeks turned into months, the impact on my well-being became undeniable."

– Tanya

Physically, I was dealing with migraines, sleepless nights, persistent pain and fatigue. Mentally, I felt overwhelmed, anxious, and stuck in a cycle of self-doubt. Even my personal relationships began to suffer. I withdrew from friends and family, unable to explain how I was feeling or why I was struggling.

Burnout also took a toll on my work. Tasks that once felt manageable now seemed insurmountable. I started dreading emails, meetings, and even simple tasks. Hobbies I once loved fell to the wayside as I lacked the energy or motivation to engage with them. My identity felt consumed by stress, leaving little room for joy, creativity and simply anything else.

It wasn’t until I was signed off work for the first time that I fully recognised I was burnt out. Even then, it was hard to accept. I felt like I had failed, not just at my job but at life. For someone who had always prided themselves on being resilient and capable, admitting I was struggling felt like a personal defeat. I worried about my future, my career prospects and whether I’d ever feel like myself again.

"Seeking support was crucial in helping me navigate this challenging time. Professional support helped me understand the patterns that led to burnout and how to challenge the unrealistic expectations I’d set for myself.

Taking time away from work was also essential, giving me space to heal and re-evaluate my priorities."

– Tanya

What helped the most, however, wasn’t just external support; it was learning to be kinder to myself. I began setting boundaries, saying no to unreasonable demands and reframing what success looked like.

I also started rethinking what a meaningful and healthy career would look like for me, even if it meant walking away from what society deems a “dream career”. I made the difficult decision to leave corporate consulting, a role that many aspire to, but it was necessary for my wellbeing and for building a future that aligned with my values and needs.

Looking back, I wish workplaces were better equipped to support young employees before they reach burnout. Encouraging conversations about mental health isn’t enough. There needs to be structures and systems in place that genuinely foster wellbeing. For me, that would have meant realistic workloads and a culture that prioritises mental health as much as productivity.

"To anyone feeling stressed and burnt out, my advice is to listen to your body and mind.

Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a signal that something needs to change. Reach out for help, whether that’s through loved ones, mental health professionals, or other resources.

Most importantly, remember that you don’t have to navigate this alone."

– Tanya

Burnout taught me a hard but valuable lesson: Success isn’t worth sacrificing your health for.

By prioritising wellbeing, we can create not just healthier workplaces, but healthier lives. I should work to live, not live to work — even though we live in a world where it feels like work is our only means to survival, happiness, health, and wealth.

Want to know more about burnout?

Read our latest Burnout Report and access helpful insights and resources for employees and employers.

Find out more

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