skip to content
Gift Egwuenu

Dealing with Burnout!

/ 3 min read

Well, well, well! It’s time I faced the truth — I’ve struggled with burnout for most of the last two years (2023–2024, I see you). This has been the lowest I’ve ever felt, both energetically and creatively, when it comes to work and my passion projects.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Back in early 2019 through to 2023, I was bursting with energy and excitement about exploring new paths in my career. And I did just that! During those years, I achieved so much:

  • Grew my online audience
  • Published two courses
  • Tons of Speaking Opportunities
  • Joined ambassador programs

…and celebrated countless wins along the way. However, as time passed, I began to feel increasingly stressed, and slowly but surely, burnout crept in.

Why Did This Happen?

Looking back, I realise I might have stretched myself too thin. Life happened, and this year especially, has been overwhelming in ways I couldn’t anticipate. One of the biggest changes? I got married and I’m currently 9 months pregnant. So, yeah, there’s a lot going on.

Why am I writing this? Well, I’ve evaluated my situation and decided it’s time to climb out of this burnout hole. I want to return to doing the things I love and enjoy, the things that make me feel fulfilled.

The Wake-Up Call

Recently, I read an article recommended by Amy Hoy from Stacking the Bricks. It included a checklist of burnout symptoms, and many of them resonated deeply with me both in my personal projects and work life.

Job burnout symptoms

To find out if you might have job burnout, answer these questions:

  • Do you question the value of your work?
  • Do you drag yourself to work and have trouble getting started?
  • Do you feel removed from your work and the people you work with?
  • Have you lost patience with co-workers, customers or clients?
  • Do you lack the energy to do your job well?
  • Is it hard to focus on your job?
  • Do you feel little satisfaction from what you get done?
  • Do you feel let down by your job?
  • Do you doubt your skills and abilities?
  • Are you using food, drugs or alcohol to feel better or to numb how you feel?
  • Have your sleep habits changed?
  • Do you have headaches, stomach or bowel problems, or other physical complaints with no known cause?

As I read through this list, I saw myself reflected in so many of these symptoms. It was a tough pill to swallow, but also a moment of clarity.

Moving Forward

Now that I’m aware of the problem, I’m determined to take actionable steps to help myself heal and grow. I refuse to let my potential go to waste or feel like I’m being left behind.

Here’s to rediscovering what fuels my spirit, reigniting my motivation, and building a life that feels balanced and fulfilling again. You can expect to see me back to blogging, creating videos, and sharing my love for technology with renewed energy and purpose.

Hey! While you’re still here, please subscribe to my YouTube channel — I’ve got some exciting content coming your way!