Dear Rose # 62- Breaking the Burnout Cycle: Learning Limits and Choosing Rest

Rose is an amalgam of us - women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond who are looking for somewhere they are seen, heard and listened to.

Dear Rose,

I was training a new starter at work today, and the conversation turned to how we ended up in our current roles. I said, “Well, I worked in the corporate sector in Sydney for many years until I got burned out, then as a receptionist for a while, and then managing a retail shop until it all got too much.”

As I was speaking, it occurred to me how often I’ve burned out in my life. It’s definitely a recurring theme. But maybe for the first time ever, I didn’t feel shame about it. To me, it seems like I put my whole heart into something until I can’t anymore. The lesson seems to be that maybe I should quit while I’m ahead, or learn to better understand my limits.

Earlier this week I taught my last yoga class for six weeks. I had a moment of feeling guilty for not really needing a break but taking it anyway. And then it hit me:

”By George, I think she’s got it!”

Love, Em xx