how to prevent burnout. Maybe.
Could I have prevented my burnout if I had started coaching earlier? Maybe. I’ll never know for sure, but there’s a chance that I would have caught myself in time.
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s months, sometimes years in the making. But the switch from “It’s a bit much” to “I can’t do this anymore” is sudden.
And once that switch had flipped, I was extremely grateful to have access to affordable mental healthcare because it was the support I desperately needed.
But looking back, I can't ignore the signs I missed—always aiming to do tasks “perfectly”, constantly pushing my own boundaries, and caring a little too much about other people’s validation.
Seeking coaching earlier would have meant taking a proactive step toward genuinely getting to know myself, understanding my needs, and aligning my career path with my values and strengths.
My burnout has led me to create a supportive space—a reminder that crafting a sustainable and authentic career journey starts with acknowledging that we don’t need to do everything on our own, but we can reach out for support.
Coaching isn’t about fluffy self-discovery—it's about exploring practical tools to spot warning signs, build resilience, and manage our productivity without burning out.
If you or someone you know could use support in figuring out how to blend work and life sustainably, please get in touch. I wish coaching had been accessible to me a few years ago, and I'd love to make sure it is now.
about the author:
Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.
