Burnout at Work? Here’s How to Speak Up Without Risking Your Job
In 2025 I think it’s safe to say we are all burned out to some extent, right?
Burnout doesn’t have to be some big dramatic declaration that you hate your job or a huge breakdown at your desk (although it can absolutely manifest as tough to manage health symptoms).
Burnout is often quieter than that—more insidious. For me? I know I’m burned out when I am constantly staring at my inbox, knowing I have at least ten things that needed my attention, but I just… can’t. My brain feels like static. My motivation leaves and it’s really hard to get it back (which is not normal for me as a very driven person).
And that’s when I start second-guessing everything—Am I bad at my job? Is this right for me? Is it me? Am I the problem?
Sound familiar?
The truth is, burnout sneaks up on the best of us. It’s not just about being tired or overwhelmed for a day—it’s a slow erosion of energy, confidence, and even identity. And when we hit that point, the hardest part isn’t even dealing with the exhaustion—it’s figuring out how to talk about it at work without sounding like we can’t handle our jobs.
That’s what I want to help you do today.
Recognizing When Your Workload is Unsustainable
Before you can have a conversation around burnout, I need you to recognize that what you’re experiencing should not be deemed normal or sustainable.
A lot of us have been conditioned to believe that stress is just part of the job. That being constantly swamped means we’re valuable. That if we just work a little harder, a little longer, we’ll finally get ahead.
But here’s the reality: if everything is a priority, nothing is a priority.
When your to-do list is never-ending and every task is “urgent,” your ability to do meaningful, high-quality work suffers. Instead of getting recognized for being the go-to person, you end up stuck in an endless cycle of exhaustion with no real payoff.
So take a moment to ask yourself:
Are you constantly working late just to keep up?
Do you feel like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough?
Have you started making mistakes or missing deadlines because there’s just too much on your plate?
If the answer is yes, it’s time to have a conversation about it.
How to Talk About Burnout Without Backlash
If you’re feeling overwhelmed but aren’t sure how to bring it up without worrying about negative consequences, here’s a simple three-step approach:
1. Be Direct & Provide Receipts
Most managers don’t realize just how much their team is juggling—until someone spells it out for them.
Instead of saying, “I’m overwhelmed,” try something more specific:
💬 “Hey [Manager’s Name], I’ve been balancing [X, Y, and Z projects], and I’ve noticed that I’m struggling to meet deadlines while maintaining the quality I aim for. Last week, I had to push back [specific task] because of the workload.”
This approach does two things:
✅ It makes it clear that this isn’t about personal feelings—it’s about workload.
✅ It gives them concrete examples rather than just saying, “I’m stressed.”
2. Set Clear Boundaries & Manage Expectations
Most people don’t know what a boundary looks like in a professional setting.
We hear the word "boundaries" thrown around a lot, but in the workplace, it’s not as simple as just saying no. A boundary is a rule or structure that protects your time, energy, and well-being.
It’s not about shutting down requests or refusing to be flexible—it’s about creating guardrails that allow you to perform at your best without running yourself into the ground.
What does a workplace boundary look like?
A workplace boundary might be:
Time-based boundary: “I don’t respond to emails past 5 PM.”
Workload boundary: “I can take on this new project, but I need to shift my priorities. Let’s discuss what should take a backseat.”
Energy-based boundary: “I need a heads-up before same-day meeting requests so I can prepare properly.”
Personal boundary: “I will be quick and responsive to emails when I’m at work but if I am with my kids, I won’t be bringing work home with me.”
Setting these kinds of boundaries doesn’t make you difficult—it makes you a more effective, sustainable professional.
And here’s the thing: if you don’t set boundaries, the workplace will set them for you. And more often than not, that means you’ll be expected to always be available, always say yes, and always push yourself beyond what’s reasonable.
3. Come Prepared with a Solution
Most managers appreciate problems when they come with solutions. Instead of expecting them to magically fix it, offer ideas:
💬 “I want to make sure I’m contributing at my best. Could we prioritize these projects differently? Or is there an opportunity to delegate some tasks so I can focus on the most critical work?”
This frames you as proactive, not complaining. It also makes it easier for your manager to say yes to adjustments.
I’ll leave you with this - Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. You don’t need to “prove” you’re hardworking by running yourself into the ground. And if your workplace can’t respect that? That’s not a failure on your part—it’s a failure on theirs.
If you’re nodding along and thinking, “Yep, this is me,” then the workshop I hosted this week on Managing Burnout is for you! We discussed how to set practical boundaries, manage priorities, and have these tough conversations so you can actually enjoy your work again.
And if you’re ready to make bigger moves? My Worth at Work course is officially open for enrollment! This one-of-a-kind course is designed to help you rewrite your career on your terms—without burnout, without guilt, and without constantly questioning yourself.
🔗 Learn More About WORTH AT WORK
You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s figure it out together.
