From Burnout to Balance: My Journey Back to Freedom and Purpose

I was an artist first - it's where I felt the most light and free. From as early as five years old, I was creating my own books, already drawn to storytelling and imagination. In elementary school, I participated in the Guggenheim's Learning Through the Arts program, where I was introduced to different forms of expression like writing, drawing, photography, video, and sculpture. By middle school, I was creating projects on my own, rushing home each day to draw and write. In high school, I joined a program called Art Carnival and explored journalism, expanding how I expressed myself creatively. Art was never just something I did - it was who I was. I loved baking, crafting, drawing, and writing, and through it all, I felt a sense of freedom. Over time, I went to college and majored in psychology. After graduating, I followed the typical path of finding a job and, within eight months, began working at a large agency delivering direct services to clients. 

When the Work Became too Heavy

At the agency, I wore many hats - professional witness, counselor, coach, and report writer. The work was meaningful, but the pressure was constant. Case quotas seemed to matter more than the quality of the work, and the environment often felt punitive - denied vacations, public criticism, little support. 

Over time, the weight of it all became overwhelming. The part of me that once felt light and free - the artist - started to disappear. And, little by little, I felt my  spirit begin to crack. 

Enough Became Enough

After earning my master's degree, I started seriously thinking about leaving the agency. Even with a promotion - supervising, leading conferences, and creating family plans - the job became more difficult. My manager offered little training, avoided accountability for her punitive actions, and was often unavailable when guidance was essential. It disrupted my workflow and made an already demanding role even harder. 

Eventually, I filed a formal complaint. Nothing changed. Despite multiple complaints from others as well, there were no real consequences. Afterward, I was transferred to a new unit. I was frustrated, but for the first time, I had a manager who was supportive and actually cared about both people and the work. 

Still, by then, I was exhausted. The weight of the experience had already taken its toll. I knew I couldn't keep going like that - I just wanted to feel light and free again. 

Slow Steps Toward Leaving

When preparing to leave, I:

• Started listening to shows and conversations about different career paths and possibilities

• Began asking entrepreneurs questions about their experiences and transitions

• Spoke with friends and family to get feedback and outside perspective

• Met with HR to understand any financial resources, benefits, or options available to me

• Took a leave of absence to get a real sense of what it felt like to be away from the job

Stepping Into Private Practice

After earning my master's degree, I decided to take up an offer from a former colleague to work with him at his private practice. I started getting familiar with what the therapist's role would look like by: 

• Exploring ways to build a client base

• Learning how to set up and schedule client sessions

• Role-playing therapy sessions to build confidence and skill 

• Practicing how to set meaningful goals with clients

• Reseaching ways to maintain a safe space for clients

I started to get a clear picture of what it would look like to practice on my own. Eventually, I made the decision to leave and, over time, began developing my own practice.

Some years later, I obtained a health coach certification. My direction became clearer - I wanted to focus on health and wellness coaching. Today, I practice balance and emotional well-being coaching. 

Leaving my 9-5 job was my answer to wanting to feel lighter and free again. 

What's yours?

Finding Your Own Answer

Everyone has their own answer. While yours may not be to leave your job, there is still an answer that fits your life, your needs, and your sense of balance.

As a balance and emotional well-being coach, I support people in finding clarity around what that answer looks like for them.

If You'd like to explore moving from burnout to your greater purpose for yourself, feel free to reach out through Goodmoodnow.com contact page to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.