I burned out twice in my career. Both times, I thought it was because I wasn't resilient enough. Both times, I was wrong. Burnout isn't a personal failure — it's a systems failure.
What burnout actually looks like
It's not just "being tired." It's:
- Cynicism about work you used to love
- Feeling ineffective even when you're productive
- Physical symptoms: headaches, insomnia, stomach issues
- Dreading Monday on Sunday night
What actually helps
After burning out twice (and recovering both times), here's what I've learned works:
- Hard boundaries on work hours. Not "I'll try to stop at 6." Actually stop at 6. Turn off Slack. Close the laptop.
- Physical movement every day. Not "exercise." Just move. Walk, stretch, dance in your kitchen. 20 minutes.
- One hobby that has nothing to do with screens. Cooking, gardening, woodworking, painting. Something tactile.
- Talk to someone. A therapist, a friend, a mentor. Don't white-knuckle it alone.
What doesn't help
Meditation apps won't fix a broken system. Vacation won't fix a toxic culture. "Self-care" won't fix 60-hour weeks. Those things help at the margins, but they don't solve the root problem.
You can't meditate your way out of a 60-hour work week.
If you're burning out, the problem is probably not you. It's probably the system. And systems can be changed.