beauty and the break
building a plane as we fly it… Or something of the sort.
Corporate life pales in comparison to the dynamic energy of helping propel a startup's product forward.
The thrill of this environment has been my reality for the past seven years, a period filled with the autonomy, power, and entrepreneurial spirit that startup culture demands.
This level of engagement comes with a work ethic beyond that required in traditional corporate settings—heavy is the head that wears many hats! However, the lines often blur when passion intersects with the relentless demands of a burgeoning startup. I'm guilty of this blurring myself.
My fierce loyalty to my company and the drive to push boundaries led me to take (roughly) only one week off in nine months. It wasn't until an abrupt ending to my position, and the current, inevitable break I’ve been on—that I realized the extent of my exhaustion and burnout.
In this post, I will share the signs and symptoms I ignored, the lessons I learned during my recovery, and what I would do differently moving forward.
a shock to the system
My job was terminated. I was both shocked and relieved.
It forced me to confront the reality of my situation.
The break, though unplanned, became a necessary period of reflection and healing.
I began to understand the importance of balance and the dangers of neglecting self-care.
This hiatus allowed me to reconnect with hobbies I had long abandoned, and to rebuild relationships that had been strained. Most importantly, it gave me the clarity to reassess my priorities and the way I approached my work.
the red flags
Tension headaches: Stress and prolonged work pressure can manifest as frequent headaches, an early sign that something is amiss.
Constant fear of layoffs: In startups, mass or random layoffs happen all the time, creating an underlying tension that can weigh heavily on the mind.
Persistent feeling of anxiety: A continuous sense of anxiety can become a constant companion, driven by the high-stakes environment.
Lack of motivation: The initial drive and enthusiasm may give way to a lack of motivation, making everyday tasks feel like monumental challenges.
Difficulty sleeping or restless sleep: Sleep disturbances, whether difficulty falling asleep or restless nights, are common as the mind struggles to unwind.
Feeling exhausted even after resting: Despite getting some rest, waking up feeling just as tired signals deeper issues with burnout.
Increased irritability: Heightened irritability and mood swings can affect interactions, both at work and in personal life.
Withdrawal from personal relationships: Pulling away from friends and family becomes more frequent, as energy levels deplete and social interactions feel overwhelming.
Decline in physical health and well-being: A noticeable decline in physical health, including frequent illnesses and chronic conditions, indicates the toll burnout takes on the body.
what I learned
BOUNDARIES: In a startup, it's easy to fall into the trap of always being "on." However, sustainable success requires clear delineation between work and personal time. I learned to ask for help, to say no and delegate tasks, recognizing that trying to do everything myself was neither effective nor healthy.
Introspection: Taking the time to periodically evaluate my mental and physical health can prevent burnout before it takes hold. This includes scheduling regular breaks, ensuring sufficient sleep, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Feedback (especially upward): Moving forward, I would also prioritize communication with my team and superiors about my workload and well-being. Open discussions about the challenges and pressures we face can foster a supportive environment where burnout is less likely to occur.
conclusion
The experience of burnout was a tough but invaluable lesson.
It taught me that passion and drive, while essential, must be balanced with self-care and realistic boundaries.
As I look to the future, I am more mindful of my limits and more committed to maintaining a healthy equilibrium between my professional ambitions and personal well-being. In doing so, I hope to continue contributing to the dynamic world of startups, but this time, with a more sustainable approach.