Burnout: The Silent Career Killer
Posted on March 10, 2025 by Sandra de Wet-du Toit, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
Burnout isn’t just exhaustion—it’s the slow erosion of your confidence, well-being, and joy. I know because I’ve been there.
My Personal Experience with Burnout
I didn’t realize how deep I was in burnout until my body and mind started screaming at me. I was anxious all the time, struggling to sleep, and plagued by headaches. My challenging work environment was filled with gaslighting and impossible standards. No matter how hard I worked, it was never enough. They made me doubt myself so much that I started feeling like an imposter in my career.
But the turning point came when I decided to take my power back. I reminded myself that I had years of experience, I was excellent at what I did, and their actions reflected their own fears—not my abilities. I refused to lower my values to fit into their patterns. And if that meant leaving, then so be it—because I knew I deserved better.
I know I’m not alone in this. Burnout is becoming an epidemic in the workplace.
The Hard Truth: Burnout by the Numbers
• A recent Gallup study found that 76% of employees experience burnout at least sometimes, and 28% feel burned out “very often” or “always.”
• The World Health Organization now recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon, not just stress.
• Employees who experience burnout are 63% more likely to take a sick day and 2.6 times more likely to actively look for another job.
Burnout doesn’t just affect individuals—it affects organizations, teams, and entire industries. But recognizing it is the first step toward addressing it.
Signs of Burnout: Are You at Risk?
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It builds up over time. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
✅ Constant exhaustion – Feeling drained no matter how much rest you get.
✅ Sleep problems – Insomnia, waking up tired, or disturbed sleep patterns.
✅ Physical symptoms – Headaches, digestive issues, or frequent illnesses.
✅ Emotional numbness – Loss of motivation, cynicism, or detachment from work.
✅ Self-doubt & imposter syndrome – Feeling like you’re never good enough.
✅ Decreased performance – Struggling to focus, forgetting tasks, or feeling ineffective.
✅ Irritability & anxiety – Snapping at colleagues, feeling on edge, or dreading work.
If these sound familiar, it’s time to take action.
How to Overcome Burnout & Reclaim Your Power
1️ Prioritize Self-Care – Your well-being is non-negotiable. Take time to rest, exercise, and engage in activities that bring you joy.
2️ Set Boundaries – Say no to unrealistic workloads, limit after-hours work, and protect your time.
3️ Recognize Your Value – You are not the problem. A challenging workplace will try to make you doubt yourself—don’t let them.
4️ Seek Support: Talk to a coach, therapist, or mentor who can help you navigate the situation clearly.
5️ Know When to Walk Away – If the environment is toxic beyond repair, leaving is an act of self-respect, not failure. There is always something better waiting for you.
Final Thought: You Deserve Better
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’ve been strong for too long in a system that wasn’t serving you. If you’re in a workplace that drains you, gaslights you, or makes you question your worth, take your power back. You know your values. You know your worth. Never lower them to fit someone else’s broken system.
