04 Nov Burned Out and Stretched Too Thin? You’re Not Alone
It often starts quietly.
You notice that your calendar never seems to have any space.
Your inbox fills faster than you can clear it.
You’re doing the work of two – or maybe even three – people.
And somewhere along the way, the spark that once fueled your work has dimmed.
If you’ve been feeling stretched too thin, emotionally drained, or just plain exhausted, I want you to know something:
You’re not alone.
As a career coach, I work with professionals every day who are navigating the ripple effects of change, especially those who’ve been left behind after a round of layoffs or restructuring. These are the people holding organizations together, often without the support, resources, or recognition they deserve.
It’s an incredibly heavy place to be. And yet, so many tell me the same thing:
- “I can’t slow down.”
- “I don’t want to let anyone down.”
- “I’m grateful to still have a job—so who am I to complain?”
But burnout isn’t a personal failure.
It’s a signal.
The Hidden Burnout of “Survivors”
When layoffs or leadership shifts happen, we naturally focus on those who’ve lost their jobs. But there’s another group who often suffers in silence: the ones still employed.
You might find yourself juggling responsibilities that used to belong to others, working longer hours, or quietly carrying the emotional weight of uncertainty.
You might even feel a complicated mix of emotions – relief that you still have a job, guilt that others don’t, and fear that you could be next.
That mix is exhausting. It’s anticipatory grief – the sense that something might be ending soon, but not yet, and it can keep your nervous system in overdrive.
When Gratitude Feels Hard
November often invites us to practice gratitude, but when you’re burned out, even that can feel like another task to check off.
If gratitude feels far away right now, start small.
You don’t have to force joy or positivity.
You can simply notice moments that bring a bit of relief or meaning:
A supportive colleague who checks in.
A project that reminds you why you started.
A quiet morning where you breathe before the day begins.
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring what’s difficult; it’s about gently expanding what’s possible.
Reclaiming Boundaries (Even When It Feels Impossible)
When your plate is already overflowing, the idea of “setting boundaries” might sound unrealistic.
But boundaries aren’t walls – they’re pathways back to yourself.
They might look like:
- Logging off at a reasonable hour, even if everything isn’t done.
- Saying no to one extra project so you can do the others well.
- Scheduling time for rest and treating it as non-negotiable.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Protecting your energy isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
Preparing for Change (Without Panic)
If you’re worried that more layoffs could be coming, you don’t have to sit in uncertainty without direction.
Instead of spiraling into “what if,” try shifting into “what next.”
That might mean:
- Updating your resume or LinkedIn profile
- Reconnecting with a few trusted people in your network
- Reflecting on what kind of work aligns with your strengths and values now
You don’t need to make drastic moves overnight.
You just need to stay connected to your sense of agency, because no matter what happens, that’s yours to keep.
A Gentle Reminder
If you’ve been feeling tired, unmotivated, or disconnected from your work, please hear this:
You’re not weak. You’re human.
You’re carrying a lot in a world that keeps asking for more.
This season, I invite you to pause, breathe, and ask yourself a simple question:
“Is this still working for me?”
And if the answer is not really, it might be time to explore what comes next with curiosity, not judgment.
Ready for Support?
If you’re navigating burnout, career uncertainty, or the weight of “doing it all,” I’d love to help you find clarity and peace again.
As a career coach, I specialize in helping professionals reconnect with purpose, set boundaries that honor their well-being, and prepare for change with confidence.
📅 Book a complimentary coaching session here.
You don’t have to carry it all alone.
This can be the season you start coming back to yourself.
